The Truth of God

 

And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world 

for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. 

(Matthew 24:14)

What is commonly referred to as the Good News, is also referred to by several other names.  The 'gospel' is found in the first 4 books of the new testament which consists of those things taught and demonstrated by Jesus Christ - who is our perfect example and to whom we are to follow.  To get caught up in what is the correct term is a disservice to God as we discuss  the name instead of the content.  If you will note throughout the new testament, the gospel was also called: 

®     the Gospel of God 

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.  (I Thessalonians 2:9) 

®     the Gospel of Christ 

And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow labourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: (I Thessalonians 3:2)

®     Paul's Gospel 

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.(Romans 2:16) 

There is no contradiction here. God is the originator of the Gospel. Jesus fulfilled God's plan. Men like Apostle Paul are both recipients and messengers of the Gospel.

The Gospel is received by revelation from God. It is not a man-made doctrine:

But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11-12)

Apostle Paul explains the gospel to the church at Corinth; the simple truths of the Gospel are summarized. The basic message is Jesus, His ministry, death for sin, resurrection, and appearances. 

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.  1 Corinthians 15:3-8

The Gospel is based on grace and faith.

In its narrowest sense, the Gospel means the simple plan of salvation as presented in John, Matthew, Acts and Romans:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1 

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.   Acts 2:38

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  Romans 10:9

In its widest meaning, it includes all Jesus taught about the Kingdom.  

®     The Gospel is the truth of God: 

For the hope which is laid up for you in Heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel. (Colossians 1:5)

®     The Gospel is also the power of God resulting in salvation:  

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)

The challenge of the Great Commission was delivered by Jesus to the Church. The Church serves as Israel was called to serve in Old Testament times. It is the corporate group through which God now reveals Himself to the nations of the world.

It is important to define what is meant when we speak of the "Church." The Church mentioned in God's Word is not a building. It is not a denomination or a religion. The Church is defined on two levels:

     ¨     The Church is composed of all people who believe in Jesus Christ. 

It is a fellowship of believers who have been born again and live in obedience to God.  The word "Church" means "to call out from" or the "called out ones." The Church is composed of people called out from the Kingdom of Satan to the Kingdom of God. This includes people of every race, tribe, culture, and language who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior.

     ¨     The Church is also called "the Body of Christ," "Christians," or "believers." 

Such words are sometimes used very broadly, but in their real definition include only those who have been born again through Jesus Christ and who are living in obedience to God.

For purposes of mission, organization, and fellowship, groups of believers have banded together in organized local fellowships. This pattern of establishing the Church at the local level started in New Testament times.

The Bible uses several symbols which explain more of the nature, function, relationship, and position of the Church. In the following verses the Church is called:

A New Man:                                     Ephesians 2:14-15

The Body of Christ:                        Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:30; I Corinthians 12:27
The Temple Of God:                      Ephesians 2:21-22; I Corinthians 3:9,16; I Timothy 3:15; I Peter 2:5
A Royal Priesthood:                        I Peter 2:5,9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10
The Bride Of Christ:                       II Corinthians 11:2
The Household Of God:                 Ephesians 2:19
The Flock Of God:                           John 10:1-29; I Peter 5:3-4; Hebrews 13:20; Acts 20:28
The Church Of God:                        Acts 20:28; I Corinthians 1:2; 10:32; 11:22; 15:9; I Timothy 3:5; I Thessalonians 2:14
The Church Of The Living God:    I Timothy 3:15
The Church Of Christ:                     Romans 16:16
The Church Of The Firstborn:       Hebrews 12:23
The Church Of The Saints:             I Corinthians 14:33

The kingdom of God cannot be obtained without adhering to the gospel. As citizens of the kingdom of God, we have an obligation to shed the truth of God everywhere we go! Jesus said,

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  John 14:6

(Biblical Studies)

10/08/13
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06/29/16
07/06/19