Category: The Gospel in a Nutshell

Repentance – a gateway to joy or death to fun?

Peter concluded his second preaching of the gospel message in Acts by calling for his listeners to turn away from sin.

When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways. Acts 3:26 (NLT)

The Greek word normally translated as “repentance” is metanoeo, which simply means to change the mind.

The gospel brings us to the realization that life depends on our declaring allegiance to Jesus the Lord. Trying to be our own “lord” and run things on our own leads to heartbreak and death. We were created to be dependent beings who rely on God for everything. Adam and Eve decided to go it on their own, which is the essence of sin, and brought all of us into bondage to sin and Satan. The gospel announces that God is willing to forgive our rebellion and welcome us back into his eternal family, if we will simply acknowledge Jesus’ right to rule and surrender ourselves to him. When we do this, every Jesus accomplished on our behalf by dying for our sins and rising again becomes a source of great joy to us.

When we have such a change of mind, we are said to “repent.”

Repentance is a gift. (Acts 5:31, 2 Tim. 2:25) The Holy Spirit opens our hearts and minds and motivates us to take this critical step. True repentance will eventually change how we live. As Peter said, we will turn back from sinful ways.

Sin carries with it the sentence of death. It always breeds sorrow and destruction. When we turn away from sin, it opens the door to God’s blessings in our lives. Jesus is the fountain of life, fulfillment, and joy. The gospel restores us to our heavenly Father, from whom all blessings flow. (James 1:17)

The devil tells us that following Jesus will ruin our lives and steal all our fun. Adam believed the devil. Who are we going to believe? Our eternity can be filled with regret and pain or the joy of the Lord.

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)
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The gospel is best understood in the context of God’s history with Israel.

While preaching his second recorded sermon after Pentecost in Acts Chapter 3, Peter referenced Moses’ messianic prophecy found in Deuteronomy 18.

Moses said, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people. Listen carefully to everything he tells you.’ 23  Then Moses said, ‘Anyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be completely cut off from God’s people.’ Acts 3:22-23 (NLT)

Some think that if we cannot write theology on a napkin, it is too complicated. I have presented the “four spiritual laws” in this fashion, which is an effective way to explain what some call the “plan of salvation.” But, such “napkin theology” is not the gospel.

The gospel is the story of Jesus the Messiah set in the context of God’s history with Israel.

Jesus’ incarnation, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and coming return were all promised in the Old Testament scriptures. A proper presentation of the gospel will reference at least some of these promises in an effort to provide context and corroboration of the truth of the gospel.

Jesus did not just “show up” without warning to introduce some new religion. He came to fulfill God’s eternal plan to save God’s people and restore all creation to the Creator’s original intent, thus bringing our Father in heaven great glory. It is impossible to understand the gospel without understanding how it fulfills the Law and the Prophets.

Paul summarized this connection in his letter to the church in Rome.

Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 1:1–4 (NASB95)

Jesus explained the same to the disciples on the road to Emmaus after his resurrection.

Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. Luke 24:27 (NASB95)

If we want to become more accurate and effective gospel communicators, we will make the effort to study how the apostles preached the good news and follow their lead. We will familiarize ourselves with some of the messianic prophecies and include them in our presentation.

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The gospel announces salvation for the entire creation.

Peter informed his listeners that Jesus will return as the Messianic King who now waits in heaven until his Father’s appointed time to restore the entire creation to its original intent.

Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. 21  For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets. Acts 3:20-21 (NLT)

One of the tragedies of the consumerist packaging of the gospel is that its enormous scope has been hidden.

The consumerist gospel presents Jesus as merely as some kind of “personal savior,” whose impact is reduced to bringing peace and security to individuals who turn to him for forgiveness of sins. This is indeed one of the many benefits of declaring allegiance to the risen Lord, but it does not do justice to whom Jesus is and what he accomplished on the cross and through his resurrection. People who put their faith in Christ are made new creatures, children of God, who will live and rule with him for eternity over a new creation.

And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Colossians 3:4 (NLT)

The restoration of the creation to God’s original intent under his benevolent rule will bring God enormous glory and satisfaction at the culmination of all things at Jesus’ return.

For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20  Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21  the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22  For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Romans 8:19-22 (NLT)

Have you surrendered your life to the Lord of Lords?

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When the gospel becomes bad news…

The gospel is only good news for those of us who hear it, believe, and recognize that Jesus the Messiah is Savior and Lord. It is bad news for those who reject God’s gracious offer to be reconciled to him.

This is because after rejecting a chance to be forgiven, we will have absolutely no excuse when we one day stand before the Judge. We will rightly deserve to burn forever in the lake of fire, just as Jesus warned.

Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. Matthew 25:41 (NLT)

Peter warned his listeners that God wanted them to change their minds and believe the gospel so that they might experience the refreshing that accompanies being restored to fellowship with our Creator.

And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. 18 "But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 3:17-19 (NASB)

One of our most dangerous sinful tendencies is to avoid, deny, and suppress the truth when it comes to our true condition and need for salvation.

John addressed this sometimes fatal flaw.

This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20  "For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. John 3:19-20 (NASB)

The gospel strips away our excuses and shines a light on the sin of refusing to honor and glorify God by acknowledging his rightful ownership of our lives as Creator and Redeemer. Mankind’s rebellion against God’s rule was on full display at the cross. In a very real sense, we were all responsible for what happened at Calvary. Jesus carried all our sin, not just that of the Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers.

The gospel offers us the opportunity to lay down our inborn hostility toward God and surrender to the One who died for us and rose again as the victorious Lord.

Those who repent from their sin and rebellion will find forgiveness and refreshing. Those who spurn this magnanimous offer will have no excuse at the Last Judgment.

Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? 5 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done. Romans 2:4–6 (NLT)

Which will it be for us? Will we repent and surrender to God or continue in to reject his mercy? The answer will determine our eternal destiny. Don’t let the gospel become bad news for you!

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The gospel links healing with forgiveness.

When Peter encountered a lame man in the Temple, he commanded him to walk in Jesus’ name. The Lord Jesus instantly healed the man, much to the amazement of everyone present. Peter told his hearers that faith in Jesus was responsible for the miracle they just witnessed.

And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all. Acts 3:16 (NASB)

He went on to preach the good news that Jesus died for their sins and rose again as Lord.

Forgiveness of sins and physical healing are linked.

When Jesus was interrogated by Jewish leaders for boldly declaring that a man’s sins were forgiven, he asked them:

"Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, and walk'? 6  "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—then He *said to the paralytic, "Get up, pick up your bed and go home." 7  And he got up and went home. 8  But when the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men. Matthew 9:5-8 (NASB)

Jesus used physical healing to prove his spiritual authority to forgive. We are privileged to do that today.

Sadly, when talking with sick people about Jesus, rather than provide the Holy Spirit with an opportunity to demonstrate God’s power to heal by praying for healing, many of us today are afraid to publicly link his authority to forgive sins with his power to heal. Is this because we are afraid he will not heal and thus somehow discredit the gospel? Do we think the Holy Spirit is now impotent or that healing is no longer something God does? Or maybe we just do not have faith.

And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. Matthew 14:14 (NKJV)

Compassion propelled Jesus then and now. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) His heart for people is the same today as then. His power is just as great. The need for corroboration of the gospel still exists. The big difference is that the Holy Spirit works through us now, requiring us to have faith.

Physical healing seems difficult, which is why Jesus still uses it to convince people of the truth of the gospel.

Our Lord wants people to believe the gospel and put their faith and allegiance in Him that they might experience the abundant life God desires for all of us. Let’s be bold to step out in faith to pray for the sick.

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Matthew 10:8 (NLT)
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The gospel calls us to declare allegiance to Jesus the Messiah.

 

There is no middle ground when it comes to the gospel. We either declare allegiance to the Lord Jesus or we end up denying or disowning him.

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. 14 "But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15  but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses.Acts 3:13-15 (NASB)

One of the core meanings of the Greek word “pistis,” which is translated “faith” in our English Bible, is allegiance. (For a well-reasoned argument in support of this, read my summary of Salvation by Allegiance Alone by Matthew Bates.) Faith responds to the gospel message by repenting from a self-directed lifestyle and turning in trust and obedience to Jesus, who is the risen Savior and Lord.

Those who are indifferent or hostile to the gospel, in effect turn their backs on the Lord of Life. They will be disowned by him at the Last Judgment.

"Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33  "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33 (NASB)

When we share the gospel, we can help people understand the gravity of their decision. One day we will all stand before Christ at the Last Judgment.

The only way to survive that coming event is to declare allegiance to him now. Then he will confess us before his Father in heaven.

Prayer

Jesus, forgive me for ignoring your claims on my life. I repent for trying to live without reference to you. I now bow my knee to you as my Lord and King. I choose to publicly confess you before men from now on. Holy Spirit, I ask you to empower me to be a fearless witness for Jesus. Amen.

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Divine healing opens our hearts to the gospel.

Peter launched his second sermon, found in Acts 3, by praying for a lame man who was immediately healed.

But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!" 7  And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. 8  With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9  And all the people saw him walking and praising God; 10  and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11  While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the so-called portico of Solomon, full of amazement. 12  But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, "Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk? Acts 3:6-12 (NASB)

Someone once said that the gifts of the Spirit are a “dinner bell” for salvation. When our kids were small, we rang a bell to call them to supper. No matter where they were in the neighborhood, when they heard its clear sound, they came running, knowing that a good meal awaited them. When God heals people, it gets their attention.

Demonstrations of God’s power and love break through the intellectual and emotional barriers against God that we erect in our hearts and open us to the truth about Jesus.

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The Gospel Is the Only Way to Escape God’s Judgment

Peter concluded his Acts 2 gospel presentation by exhorting his hearers to take steps to save themselves from God’s looming judgment.

Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Acts 2:40 (NLT)

Those people had recently murdered their Messiah, which made them all the more ready to respond. We are far removed historically from that event, but all of us are guilty of betraying our Maker. There is none righteous in God’s sight, not even one.

As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. Romans 3:10 (NLT)

None of us wants to be judged for our sins. Unless our consciences have been “seared,” we all know that we are guilty before God. The Bible teaches us that the “wages of sin” is death. One of the unchangeable attributes of God is his justice. He hates sin and cannot wink at evil. He plays no favorites, but judges equitably. Although his mercy and patience are phenomenal, there is a limit, after which the fury of his wrath against sin and hardened sinners will be unleashed. Before judgment arrives, however, he invites us to take advantage of this space of time to repent from our sins and turn to him for forgiveness by believing the Good News that Jesus died for our sins.

The Gospel declares that Jesus bore the brunt of God’s wrath against sin on the cross on our behalf so that we who believe can escape unharmed.

Those of us who believe and respond to this good news and place our allegiance in the risen Christ Jesus, the Lord, will be saved. 

If you openly declare 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 openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9–10 (NLT)

Those of us who refuse this invitation to be reconciled to God consign ourselves to judgment.

...But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life... Acts 13:46 (NLT)

The Gospel is our hope to escape judgment and eternal condemnation.

I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. John 5:24 (NLT)

The time of God’s judgment is near. Do not suppose that God’s mercy is unlimited. Turn to him today while we have the opportunity.

For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)
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Give clear instructions to those who respond to the gospel.

There are three ways people may respond to the gospel: apathy, hostility, or interest. In the category of interest, there are the possibilities of a passionate response or a measured one. Peter’s hearers ardently responded, which was the best possible outcome.

Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" 38  Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.Acts 2:37-38 (NASB)

When the Holy Spirit opens someone’s heart, there will be a positive response to the gospel. We should be ready to tell them what to do next, if the opportunity presents itself.

Peter gave clear instructions to his respondents.

  • Repent – Repentance is the proper response to the message that Jesus is Lord. It means we acknowledge Jesus’ claim to be Lord and willingly submit our lives to him.
  • Be baptized in water – Water baptism is a public declaration of  faith – our trust in and allegiance to Christ. It is an outward expression of a heartfelt faith and allegiance.
  • Receive the baptism or gift of the Holy Spirit – This baptism is separate from the new birth and is performed by Christ himself. It equips and empowers disciples to be bold witnesses.

These three steps will launch the new convert into his or her discipleship journey.

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Jesus Is Lord Is the Core Declaration of the Gospel

Peter concluded his Acts 2 gospel presentation by declaring unequivocally that Jesus is Messiah and Lord.

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified." Acts 2:36 (NASB)

If we do not likewise proclaim Jesus’ lordship, we have shortchanged our listener.

Many of us have been so influenced by the consumerism that plagues the church and culture that we may present the good news as a sales pitch encouraging our hearers to take advantage of God’s magnificent offer of forgiveness and eternal life without forcefully mentioning the call to recognize and surrender to Christ the Lord.

There are amazing benefits attached to believing the gospel and declaring that Jesus is Lord, but Jesus the Savior is not the core message. Jesus the Lord is. Rather than selling a life assurance plan, gospel preachers must call our hearers to set right Adam’s betrayal of the Creator by placing ourselves back under his divine rule.

The gospel calls us to turn away from a self-directed life and choose to serve Jesus the Lord.

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. Romans 10:9 (NLT)
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