THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

 

      Paul wrote to the Galatian brethren, "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:6-8.) From this great statement we learn several wonderful truths:

 

      THE GOSPEL MUST BE PREACHED IN ITS ONENESS: These are strong words that are very offensive to many but there is only one gospel! The gospel of Christ leads to salvation while a perverted gospel leads to damnation. (Romans 1:16.)

 

      THE GOSPEL MUST BE PREACHED IN ITS FULLNESS: We, like Paul, need to be able to say to people "For I have not shunned to de­clare to you the whole counsel of God." (Acts 20:27.) We must preach the truth about the one church, God's plan of salvation, the sinfulness of denominationalism - all the counsel of God!

 

      THE GOSPEL MUST BE PREACHED IN ITS PURITY: The doctrines and com­mand­ments of men will perish. Human wis­dom will fail. Man's own ideas in worship will come to nothing. (Colossians 2:20-23.) The gospel in all its purity and beauty is the only saving power in the world. The gospel in its purity and beauty is the only message the world needs.

 

            THE GOSPEL MUST BE PREACHED IN ITS SUFFICIENCY: The gospel is perfect. (James 1:25.) The gospel is powerful. (Romans 1:16.) The gospel is com­plete. (2 Timothy 3:16-17.) The gospel is en­during. (Matthew 24:35.) God has promised that His word will not return void when it is preached. (Isaiah 55:11.)

 

By Charles Box, Walnut Street Church of Christ, P.O. Box 551, Greenville, Alabama 36036 USA  

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