Upholding the Gospel: The Necessity of Faith

 

Summary

In reflecting on the journey of faith and the challenges faced in defending the gospel, I am reminded of the profound responsibility we have as believers to uphold the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The journey began with a deep concern for the misrepresentation of the gospel within my own tradition, leading to the writing of "The Gospel According to Jesus." This work, unexpectedly, became a defining moment, causing a significant stir and even alienation within the evangelical community. Yet, it was a necessary step to address the core issues of faith and salvation.

The heart of the matter lies in the necessity of believing the gospel of Jesus Christ for salvation. Despite the advancements in theological understanding and the widespread availability of the gospel message, there remains a troubling trend within evangelical circles that questions the necessity of explicit faith in Christ for salvation. This is a fundamental issue that cannot be compromised. The gospel is not merely a set of historical facts but the very power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

Throughout history, Christians have laid down their lives to proclaim this truth, understanding that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, in our time, there is confusion and reluctance to affirm this essential truth. The rise of ideas such as Natural Theology, which suggests that one can come to God through reason alone, without the gospel, is a dangerous deviation from biblical teaching. The Scriptures are clear: no one can come to the Father except through Jesus Christ.

The task before us is to proclaim the gospel with clarity and conviction, understanding that it is the only message that saves. We must engage in spiritual warfare, not by chasing after demons, but by confronting and dismantling the false ideologies that hold people captive. The truth of the gospel is the only weapon that can destroy these strongholds and bring people to the obedience of Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation, and it is imperative that we uphold this truth without compromise. Despite the challenges and alienation that may come, we must remain steadfast in proclaiming the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation. [06:24]

- Natural Theology, which suggests that one can come to God through reason alone, is a dangerous deviation from biblical teaching. The Scriptures affirm that no one can come to the Father except through Jesus Christ, and this truth must be proclaimed with clarity. [09:29]

- Spiritual warfare involves confronting and dismantling false ideologies that hold people captive. The truth of the gospel is the only weapon that can destroy these strongholds and bring people to the obedience of Christ. [40:54]

- The necessity of the gospel is underscored by the Great Commission, which calls us to preach the gospel to every creature. This is the only way people can be saved, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the message of Christ is heard. [46:37]

- The power of the gospel lies in its divine origin and its ability to save those who believe. It is not through human wisdom or effort that people are saved, but through the power of God working through the proclamation of the gospel. [34:06]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:32] - The Misrepresentation of the Gospel
[01:19] - Defending the Gospel
[02:15] - Embracing Reformed Theology
[03:05] - Clarifying the Gospel
[04:28] - Alienation and Truth
[05:28] - The Necessity of Believing the Gospel
[06:24] - The Core of True Biblical Understanding
[07:55] - Confusion in the Church
[09:29] - The Rise of Natural Theology
[11:06] - Ecumenical Views and Salvation
[12:42] - Billy Graham's Controversial Statement
[14:06] - Clark Pinnock's Perspective
[16:16] - Misguided Theological Views
[18:09] - The Inability of Natural Man
[20:03] - The Role of Special Revelation
[23:08] - The Problem with Human Reason
[25:50] - The Path to False Religion
[28:44] - The Rejection of the Gospel
[31:42] - The Great Commission
[34:06] - The Sovereignty of God in Salvation
[40:54] - Spiritual Warfare and Truth
[46:37] - The Necessity of Preaching the Gospel

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 14:6 - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
2. Acts 4:12 - "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
3. Romans 1:16-18 - "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. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.' The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness."

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the main concern that led to the writing of "The Gospel According to Jesus"? How did this concern impact the author's relationship with his tradition? [00:32]

2. According to the sermon, what is the core message of the gospel that has been consistent since the New Testament? [06:24]

3. What is Natural Theology, and why is it considered a deviation from biblical teaching according to the sermon? [09:29]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of spiritual warfare in the context of proclaiming the gospel? [40:54]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon interpret John 14:6 in the context of the necessity of the gospel for salvation? What implications does this have for evangelism? [17:37]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church has become confused about the necessity of the gospel? How does this confusion manifest in modern evangelical circles? [07:55]

3. How does the sermon use Romans 1:16-18 to emphasize the power and necessity of the gospel? What does this passage reveal about the nature of salvation? [22:24]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between human reason and divine revelation? How does this relate to the concept of Natural Theology? [20:03]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own understanding of the gospel. Are there areas where you might have been influenced by ideas similar to Natural Theology? How can you ensure your beliefs align with biblical teaching? [09:29]

2. The sermon emphasizes the necessity of proclaiming the gospel with clarity and conviction. How can you personally engage in this task within your community or social circles? [46:37]

3. Consider the concept of spiritual warfare as described in the sermon. What are some "false ideologies" you encounter in your daily life, and how can you confront them with the truth of the gospel? [40:54]

4. The sermon mentions the potential for alienation when standing firm in gospel truth. Have you experienced this in your own life? How did you handle it, and what can you learn from that experience? [04:28]

5. How does the sermon challenge you to think about the role of the church in addressing confusion about the gospel? What steps can you take to contribute to a clearer understanding of the gospel in your church community? [07:55]

6. Reflect on the Great Commission and its call to preach the gospel to every creature. What practical steps can you take to participate in this mission, both locally and globally? [46:37]

7. The sermon highlights the power of the gospel as the only means of salvation. How does this truth impact your approach to sharing your faith with others? [34:06]

Devotional

Day 1: Upholding the Gospel's Exclusivity for Salvation
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the sole means of salvation, and believers are called to uphold this truth without compromise. Despite facing challenges and potential alienation, it is crucial to remain steadfast in proclaiming the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation. This commitment to the gospel's exclusivity is not just a theological stance but a profound responsibility that has been entrusted to believers. The gospel is not merely a collection of historical facts; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. In a world where the necessity of explicit faith in Christ is often questioned, believers must stand firm in the truth that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. [06:24]

John 14:6 (ESV): "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you actively uphold the exclusivity of the gospel in your daily interactions and conversations with others?


Day 2: Rejecting Natural Theology's Deviation
Natural Theology, which suggests that one can come to God through reason alone, is a dangerous deviation from biblical teaching. The Scriptures affirm that no one can come to the Father except through Jesus Christ, and this truth must be proclaimed with clarity. The rise of Natural Theology within evangelical circles poses a significant threat to the core message of the gospel. It undermines the necessity of faith in Christ and suggests that human reason can lead to salvation. However, the Bible is clear that salvation is a divine act, not a human achievement. Believers must reject this deviation and hold fast to the truth that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ. [09:29]

1 Corinthians 1:21 (ESV): "For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe."

Reflection: How can you discern and address the influence of Natural Theology in your own understanding of salvation?


Day 3: Engaging in Spiritual Warfare with Truth
Spiritual warfare involves confronting and dismantling false ideologies that hold people captive. The truth of the gospel is the only weapon that can destroy these strongholds and bring people to the obedience of Christ. In a world filled with competing ideologies and beliefs, believers are called to engage in spiritual warfare by proclaiming the truth of the gospel. This battle is not fought with physical weapons but with the power of God's Word. By confronting false ideologies and proclaiming the truth of Christ, believers can break down the strongholds that keep people from experiencing the freedom and salvation found in Jesus. [40:54]

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

Reflection: What false ideologies or beliefs do you encounter in your community, and how can you use the truth of the gospel to address them?


Day 4: Embracing the Great Commission
The necessity of the gospel is underscored by the Great Commission, which calls believers to preach the gospel to every creature. This is the only way people can be saved, and it is the responsibility of believers to ensure that the message of Christ is heard. The Great Commission is not just a command but a privilege to participate in God's redemptive work. By sharing the gospel, believers have the opportunity to bring the message of salvation to those who have not yet heard it. This task requires courage, conviction, and a deep love for others, knowing that the gospel is the only hope for salvation. [46:37]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel, and what steps can you take to share it with them this week?


Day 5: Trusting in the Gospel's Divine Power
The power of the gospel lies in its divine origin and its ability to save those who believe. It is not through human wisdom or effort that people are saved, but through the power of God working through the proclamation of the gospel. The gospel is a divine message that carries the power to transform lives and bring salvation to all who believe. This power is not dependent on human eloquence or persuasion but on the work of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to trust in the gospel's power and faithfully proclaim it, knowing that God is the one who brings about salvation. [34:06]

Romans 1:16 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How can you rely more on the power of the gospel rather than your own abilities when sharing your faith with others?

Quotes



I was shocked at the misrepresentation of the gospel that I felt was coming out of the seminary that was the bastion of my own heritage. And I will admit that I wrote that with a fire in my heart, that book. And I remember Zondervan, that published the book and brought it out, said that they thought it would sell about 25,000 copies. [00:00:41]

I had been prepared in seminary to fight battles over inerrancy, biblical inspiration; to fight battles over what Steve was talking about, paradigms of sanctification, true and false, and to understand what true sanctification was. Never did I believe that I would spend my life trying to defend the gospel from evangelical attacks. [00:01:37]

There is much movement in evangelicalism to espouse the idea that you don't need to believe the gospel to be saved. The message of Christianity has always been the message of faith in Christ. The content of that, objectively, is found in the gospel facts of history, recorded in Scripture. We have always affirmed that. [00:06:02]

True Christians have always believed that the only way sinners can be rescued from eternal hell is to believe the gospel, to acknowledge Christ. For centuries, Christians have given their lives and shed their blood to make that message known. For centuries, they have spent their fortunes to send missionaries to the farthest corners of the world. [00:06:51]

Natural Theology suggests that a man has natural, reasoning powers to bring himself to God, without the Bible and without the gospel. He is able to know enough about God to satisfy a sort of divine, minimum requirement; without Scripture. One source of that, we might understand -- this I drew out of the L.A. Times. [00:09:33]

The biblical teaching – that salvation only comes in response to faith in Jesus Christ – is rejected. It is rejected as unreasonably cruel. And the heathen are saved if they just live good lives and are sincere and, as Peter Kreeft tried to say in Ecumenical Jihad, they are essentially monotheistic. [00:10:48]

The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. This is the problem with the human race, with the natural man. He suppresses the truth that he has. He doesn't go from the truth that he has to greater light on his own. [00:23:14]

Man cannot please God apart from obedience to His revelation. And, according to the seventeenth chapter of Acts, "Now God requires all men to repent and believe in the One He raised from the dead." Where does man, left to himself, get? Does he get to God? Does he get to God savingly? [00:21:02]

The only hope of salvation is through the preaching of the message of the word of the cross, and the hearing and believing. It's the only hope. So they had an unreasonable message. They had a message that was unattainable from the human perspective. The message is unreasonable. The message is unattainable. [00:31:54]

Spiritual war is a battle against anti-God ideas. It's a battle for the mind. It's not chasing demons. It's battling for the minds of people, whose minds are captive to deadly, anti-God ideologies, and ideas, and theories, and viewpoints, and religions. We need weapons that smash error. [00:41:28]

The only way to be saved is through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Why do you think Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature"? That's the only way. I wish I had time to talk about Romans 10. That was the best part of this message! [00:46:37]

The world must hear the message of Jesus Christ. May we never be so content with our theology, never so content with our privilege of being saved by sovereign grace, that we forget that our great God has not only saved us, chosen us, but He's chosen us to be the means by which He will save others. [00:48:49]

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Transcript
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