If we wish to clearly present the gospel, we must first understand what it is. Here is a very well-known summary verse found in Paul’s letter to the church in Rome.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 (NASB)
The gospel is God’s power and means to save people.
As important as prayer is, it cannot do what the gospel does. Prayer can never take the place of the gospel. Neither can good works, great worship, or the powerful gifts of the Spirit. Only the gospel, when it is communicated effectively and believed, can rescue people from sin and death. Only the gospel can provide the doorway into God’s favor and family. Only the gospel is the gateway into eternal life in God’s presence. Only the gospel saves people.
Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21 (NLT)
The gospel becomes effective in our lives when we believe it.
Belief is much more than the acknowledgement of a set of facts or agreement with the Bible’s logic or story.
Faith opens our eyes to Jesus. It moves us to declare allegiance to the crucified Savior and risen Lord.
This is why Paul wrote that he was not ashamed of the gospel. His faith propelled him into a lifetime of obedient service to Jesus Christ and the gospel, regardless of the personal cost.
Faith can be thought of as a combination of trust and allegiance which produces a quality called faithfulness (loyalty + obedience) in those who believe.
People who are “full of faith” believe the gospel message that Jesus died for our sins and rose again as our Lord. With The help of the Holy Spirit, we endeavor to trust God with all our hearts and remain steadfastly loyal to him.
Such heart faith moves people to tell others about Jesus and the gospel. It is too wonderful to keep to ourselves.
Paul wrote to the church at Rome the following.
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)
Water baptism is God’s way for us to publicly declare allegiance to the Lord Jesus.
If you did not previously understand the gospel or believed it, now is a good time to make the decision to receive everything Jesus died to give you. It is a perfect time to recognize the Risen One as Lord of your life. Now is a wonderful time to confess aloud your allegiance to Christ. Below is a sample prayer you may wish to say aloud. If you pray that and mean it, Jesus will do his part. Then you will want to tell others about it and be water baptized. This will launch your life as a disciple. It is also important to become involved in a local church committed to helping you on your journey as a follower of Christ. The one I attend is called LifeNet. Let us know if we can help you.
Prayer
Jesus, I have never before understood the gospel, but now I believe that you died for my sins and rose again in victory over sin, death, and the devil. I acknowledge that you are my Lord and I dedicate my life in service to you. Thank you for forgiving my sins, setting me free, and giving me a brand new relationship with God the Father. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to live in me. Thank you for giving me eternal life. Help me to tell others about you. Amen.
