The Gospel of God

(#486, Big Bear Conf: 1950; Imperial: 1955, 1960)

 Read Romans 1:1-18.

There are many "gospels", so-called.  The most common and universal is the social gospel.  "This teaches that Jesus Christ came to reform society (whatever society is) and through his example & precepts bring about such a change as to usher in peace and happiness on earth.

    1.  Christ came to save sinners, not society.

    2.  Men are getting further away from such a goal.

    3.  There is only one true gospel -- Gal. 1:8-9.  Christ died for our sins -- This truly is good news.

In verse 16 we learn several things about the gospel.

The Nature of the gospel: "it is the power of God."

We see the power of the gospel when we plumb the depths of the sin from which it saves (vs28-31).  But note: it is the power of GOD.  The secret of the gospel's power is that God is in it! 

It is not...the excellency of speech, or personal magnetism, or earnestness of the preacher. Only God can elevate man from sin to righteousness, from death to life, from Hell to Heaven.

The Aim of the gospel: "unto salvation."

God does not say "unto reformation" or "education" but salvation.  Salvation is man's greatest need.  This salvation involves...

w     Deliverance from the bondage and results of sin.

w     Preserving man from destruction.

w     Bringing man into a perfect state.

The Condition of the gospel: "everyone that believeth."

To believe is to commit oneself to Him.  In faith there is no merit, there is no work.

The Revelation of the gospel: "the righteousness of God."

The gospel both contains and imparts the righteousness of God.  In the gospel is the Righteous Substitute wherein all God's holy and righteous claims against sinners could be satisfied.  The gospel reveals Jesus Christ.

The Reason for the gospel: "the wrath of God." (v18)

The power of the gospel does not begin to operate until faith operates.