The idea of the gospel means different things to different people. In many cases, people assume that the gospel is simply a testimony that Jesus has risen from the grave as the Christ. Some may take it to mean the accounts of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
So when we get to verses that tell us that the gospel is a message that must be obeyed, it seems odd to some people. How do you obey a person’s testimony that Jesus is risen?
For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? – 1 Peter 4:17
The Bible uses the term “gospel” – which basically means “good news” – in a few different ways depending on the context. Essentially, the gospel is defined as either:
- The historical account and facts of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension (1 Corinthians 15:1-8), or
- The interpretation of those facts, i.e. doctrinally (1 Peter 4:17)
The gospel message includes not only a component of testimony, but also a call to action. We are called to obey the gospel, which means accepting as true all that Jesus claimed about himself, repenting of sin, confessing that Jesus is the son of God, and submitting to baptism for the remission of sins. That’s a message that all Christians are called to share as they go throughout the world, wherever they go, wherever they live.
As we’re telling people about Jesus, there are seven things that should accompany the sincere teaching of the gospel:
- The gospel requires a joyful messenger
- The gospel requires a zeal to help others
- The gospel requires establishing a sense of urgency in the hearer
- The gospel requires that it be taught as a complete message – not selectively or heavily edited
- The gospel requires a singular focus on God – on His requirements and mission, and not our own
- The gospel requires a heartfelt response
- The gospel requires a continued commitment