The Gospel in its totality

The Gospel in its totality

Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

There are certain ingredients contained in the Gospel that actually wrath that great Salvation in a man’s life. Why we have so many of them today, the gospel remains the same – only one Gospel. Where these ingredients are lacking in the course of its presentation, the end product of ‘christians’ produced will be; the self righteous, the religious, the deceived, the wicked, proud sinners, and those that work all forms of abomination. Why we have those who practice sodomy (gays, lesbians, etc.) and still claim to be Christians so called, is because of what they have been made to believe and imbibe. Why we have sinners comfortable in their sins even in the midst of the people of God so called, is because of the way the gospel has been presented to them – revealing the sweet and comfortable part and covering the part of God’s judgment upon sinners. Some today even personalize their own gospel or chose what they want to believe without knowing that the word of God is not just an opinion but a command to be taken. There is the evidence of the great salvation and a sound conversion experience when the gospel is taught in its totality, and, the power of God work in man’s life when this gospel is received the same way

Some reasons why the Gospel is not preached in its totality

There are different reasons why the gospel is not taught the way it should be taught. It may be as a result of the fear of been isolated from others or fear of facing ridicules or some sort of threat and interrogation from haters of the truth. Some people can’t imagine themselves facing anyone who is ready to challenge them about the truth they speak and why they speak nothing but the truth, and as a result, they hide the truth to please those that hate it. Some are simply embarrassed or ashamed of the truth and don’t want to embarrass others with it as well. But this same truth has power to bring salvation to them that believe, and it is by preaching or teaching it just the way it is, that men can be saved

The ingredients of the Gospel

How do we know we are preaching and teaching the right things? What ingredients does the gospel contain that makes it complete? The gospel contains the following ingredients, it is,

G: God’s word – The bible is the word of God, therefore, it contained what God said. Any other thing gotten outside the Scripture is not of God and cannot be trusted (Rev. 22:8,9). Some leave the word of God and teach the commandments of men. They are not teaching the gospel in its totality. Also, teaching men that God is love, is another ingredient of the Gospel. It is important to let men know that it was the love of God that brought Jesus down to earth to die for the sins of mankind, and that Salvation is for all (John 3:16; Romans 5:8)

O: Obedience to God and his word – Exo. 23:22 understanding the importance of obedience to God and to his word is what must be taught if the gospel must be in its totality. Making obedience to God’s word look optional is reducing the power of God to work in people’s life. It is true that our obedience to God is not by our power, but when there is a willingness to obey, the power and grace to obey is given. (1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Cor. 3:6)

S: Sin separates man from God – If the gospel must be preached or taught in its totality, men must know that sin (all forms of unrighteousness) separate man from God. Romans 3:23 that is to say, anyone leaving in sin (Gal 5:20) cannot claim to know God. Letting men know that Salvation is only in Christ Jesus is of paramount importance, “for there is no other name given under heaven whereby we shall be saved” – Acts 4:12. Believing in someone else, maybe a priest or a reverend for salvation is the highest form of disappointment one will ever get to himself. Jesus only died for our sin. Fallen man need a righteous Saviour to redeem him, so no man can redeem his fellow man no matter his statue. Also, Separation from the world must be taught. Attachment to the world and attachment to God cannot work. The Bible says, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” – John 15:19 This is the fear of some, the fear of the world hating them, and as a result, they try to familiarize with the world and still want to familiarize with God at the same time

P: Penalty of sin is death – If the gospel must be preached or taught in its totality, men should be taught that the penalty of sin is death. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life” – Romans 6:23. Not only so, there is Pardon for all sinners. If they can come to God and reason with him, he will forgive and have mercy (Isaiah 1:18-20; 5:6,7). Another ingredient is Punishment for evil doers (Eccl. 12:14) who fails to repent. The place of Preparedness to meet God cannot be overlooked as it’s also part of what’s contained in the gospel. This calls for readiness, watchfulness, prayerfulness and heaven mindedness as we live each day – Matthew 24:42

E: Eternity is near – If the gospel must be preached in its totality, let men know that the end is closer than when they first believed. With all that’s happening in the world today, show signs of the end. (2 Timothy 3:1-7; Daniel 12:4; Nahum 2:4). “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” – Luke 21:28

L: Life does not consist of the abundance of things a man possesses –
If the gospel must be preached in its totality, let men know that the quality of life lived will not be judged by the abundance of the earthly possessions but on eternal things, which includes salvation – a new life in Christ, holy living and what we’ve done for God and the kingdom while on earth. Men should know that there is more to life than the physical and tangible things. “Take heed unto yourself, for a man’s life consisteth not on the things that he possesseth” – Luke 12:17

The gospel’s ingredients has just been presented to you. Does yours contain these necessary ingredients, or do you mix it up with another, perhaps, because of the fear of been disapproved or for selfish interest? The blessings of giving the gospel in its totality abounds here on earth and in Heaven. When the gospel is taught in its totality, our spiritual life will be lifted up and God will be honoured

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” – Matthew 24:35