Paul told the Thessalonian believers that they were called by the gospel. The gospel means “good news”, and was the message given by the angel to the shepherds outside Bethlehem. Notice that this good news is for all people and the source of great joy. The message that God uses to draw a person to Himself is the gospel, which is to be shared with every creature.
Paul laid out the facts that constitute the gospel when he declared: “I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures”. This gospel is powerful because it’s a revelation of the grace of God that has sent salvation to us. You see, R “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
According to the Bible, to believe this gospel of peace constitutes obedience unto salvation, whereas to disbelieve this gospel (for whatever reason) constitutes disobedience resulting in damnation. Mankind is warned about receiving this message of the grace of God in vain, which means without it having any effect upon one’s life. You see, this gospel is regenerative; it’s rebirth, not rehabilitation.
The gospel that we preach is Christ-centered; in fact, it is Christ’s gospel. If this gospel is hidden, it’s because the god of this world is blinding people to its truth and beauty. Reader, is that you?
Beware of “substitute” gospels, which are not really “good news” at all! The gospel of Jesus Christ is not man-made; it’s the eternal purpose of the heart of God. The gospel is not trying harder or doing better, but it’s simply trusting Jesus Christ. We saints are to put on this peaceful message every morning, just like we put on our shoes. We should be ready to answer those who ask us about our hope in Jesus.
How does one respond to this gospel call? By faith. The gospel is for both the unrighteous and the self-righteous; in other words, sinners. What is your reply?
