Sept. 2 | The Nature of the Gospel

Series | The Heart of Soul Winning

Scripture | Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

Lesson 2 | The Nature of the Gospel

The nature of the gospel is the “power of God” for everyone’s salvation, both Jew and Gentile (non-Jew).  The power of the gospel doesn’t come from the word itself, religion, or even just saying the name “Jesus.”  The power of the gospel comes from God the Holy Spirit when sinners freely put their faith in the person of Jesus Christ and His saving work on the cross.

Please consider the following Biblical terms that describe the powerful things Jesus accomplished on the cross. (1) Redemption: To “buy back or release from legal obligation.”  Jesus bought back and released mankind from the curse of sin and the law by dying on the cross, Galatians 3:13. (2) Reconciliation: To “bring peace between two parties.”  Jesus’ suffering on the cross brought perfect peace between God the Father and repentant mankind, Romans 5:10. (3) Atonement: To “bear the sins of others to bring forgiveness.”  Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was the sacrificial payment for the all sins of the entire world, 1 John 2:2.  

(4) Salvation: To “save from destruction.”  Jesus saves and grants eternal life to everyone who believes in Him, Romans 1:16.  (5) Justification: To “make right or just.”  Jesus makes sinners righteous and just in the site of God the Father when they put their faith in His sacrifice, Romans 4:25.  Lastly, (6) Sanctification: To “make holy by cleansing from sin.”  The blood of Jesus cleanses all those who confess their sins and put their faith in Him, Hebrews 10:29.

As a result, the powerful nature of the gospel includes our redemption, reconciliation, atonement, salvation, justification, and sanctification!     

  
Reflection | Have you experienced the fullness of the gospel?

Action | (1) If you haven’t been saved yet, place your faith in Jesus’ work on the cross, as the gospel teaches, and be saved! (2) Take some time to study the fullness of the gospel by reading the verses associated with the terms above. (3) Lastly, share the powerful work of the gospel with others!    

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Psalm 46:1-11, & Proverbs 22:15. Click here to read online.