INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE STUDENT

My Study Plan:

The book of Revelation reveals Jesus Christ and shows how God’s final Gospel Day is understood through spiritual prophecy. Preparing a Study Plan before starting this Study Guide will assist you in completing it within a designated timeframe. It also helps in developing the discipline required for studying God’s Word effectively.

Proverbs 16:3:

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

My Study Guide Journal

Keep a record as you progress through your Study Guide, including the “Personal Responses”, for each section for future reference and goal setting.

Content

• INTRODUCTION
• WHY HAVE ALL SINNED
• HOW SHOULD THE GOSPEL THAT SAVES BE PREACHED
• EXAMPLES OF THE MINISTRY OF THE GOSPEL
• SUMMARY

Important Points:

• COGMA does not claim to be infallible or the authority.
• Infallibility and authority belong only to God and His Word.

COGMA therefore strongly advises that you prayerfully study the content of each Study Guide with the heart of a Berean: “Acts 17:10-12”.

Contact and Links

COGMA therefore strongly advises that you prayerfully study the content of each workbook with the heart of a Berean: "Acts 17:10-12".

INTRODUCTION

In this lesson of the Cause of the Gospel module, we will delve into the reasons behind preaching the gospel. There is often confusion about what the gospel is, its purpose, and how it should be properly ministered. As we have learned, the gospel is universal and remains constant throughout time. The book of Revelation describes it as the 'everlasting gospel'.

Revelation 14:6 states:

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,”

The Everlasting Gospel

The term 'everlasting' in Greek is AIONIOS, meaning 'perpetual', and spans past, present, and future. This concept aligns perfectly with the nature of Jesus Christ, who is 'the same yesterday, today, and forever'. The message of the gospel has been consistent since the dawn of time, with Jesus Christ as the centre.

• In the Old Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the 'coming Saviour'.
• In the New Testament, He is the 'present Saviour'.
• He will continue to be the Saviour in the future till the end of time.

The gospel that Noah preached to the people before the flood is the same gospel that Abraham received, which was credited to him as 'righteousness'.

Galatians 3:6-8 states:

“Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.”

The Enduring Truth

This underscores that the gospel is not new but a confirmed and enduring truth established by God from creation. It has the power to rescue and save humanity from sin and guide them to live in 'righteousness and true holiness'. The gospel serves a dual purpose:

• It is designed to judge humans in the flesh.
• So they might live according to God in the spirit.

Back to top

WHY HAVE ALL SINNED?

The following verses are often used to teach that born-again believers continue to be sinners. You might have heard songs like 'I am just a sinner saved by grace.' The question we should then ask is: if we remain sinners after being born again, what purpose did Christ's sacrifice serve?

Romans 3:23 states:

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

Paul's letter to the Galatians addresses the universal state of sin.

Galatians 3:22 states:

“But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”

The Old Testament, in Ecclesiastes, also acknowledges this human condition.

Ecclesiastes 7:20 states:

“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”

Important Questions

These verses prompt important questions:

• Why have all sinned?
• Why are all under sin?
• Why is there not a man that does not sin?

Many religious believers base their spiritual condition and propensity to sin on experience and a sin nature inherited from Adam. They have a tendency to justify their sinning experience using Bible verses out of context, ignoring a wealth of Bible verses which speak against Christ followers living in sin.

i.
The Purpose of Jesus' Sacrifice

Again, the question that needs to be answered by all claiming to be 'sinners saved by grace' is: why did Jesus shed his blood, and what did his sacrifice serve?

Consider the Following Verses

1 John 3:5-6 states:

“And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.”

Romans 6:1-2 states:

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

To these considerations, John further says in the first chapter of his epistle.

1 John 1:7 states:

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

i.
Walking in the Light

It is not possible to walk in the light, that is to follow the word of God in Christ, and sin at the same time. To understand this verse also concerning the blood of Jesus, it is only effectual in our lives while we are in the light. Therefore Paul says:

Romans 6:22 states:

“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”

That freedom rests in being born again and alive in Christ. However, Paul also warns that if we continue to sin, no matter if we claim to be Christians, the wages are spiritual death.

Romans 6:23 states:

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The question of whether a born-again believer can continue in sin and still be a child of God must be answered based on God's Word, not personal experiences or beliefs about sin.

The Mission and Purpose of Jesus

The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph to relay an important truth concerning the mission and purpose of Jesus in the gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 1:21 states:

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

The Greek word 'from' is APO in this verse, which implies a departure or separation, indicating that Jesus came to save people FROM their sins, not while they remain in them.

In other words, the purpose of Jesus and salvation was not to save people IN their sins but FROM their sins.

Sinning and Its Consequences

Sinning creates a division between those who are born again and living in Christ, and those who are unsaved, sinning, and under the influence of Satan. The path of unrighteousness leads to death, while the path of righteousness brings life.

Paul discusses this distinction in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 6:12-13 states:

“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

The issue is not about the ability to sin – all can sin – but as believers in Christ, there is a call to refrain from sinning.

Most religious groups and people who claim to be followers of Jesus but continue to sin, with the excuse that they cannot help but sin every day in thought, word, and deed, blame it on 'original sin'. They believe they have inherited a sin nature from Adam, passed on to every human being through procreation.

Back to top

SIN NATURE AND ORIGINAL SIN

Many religious groups, including a significant portion of what is known as the church of God, attribute this universal inclination towards sin to a 'sin nature'. This supposed 'sin nature', often referred to as the Adamic nature, is thought to be inherited from Adam and passed down to all humanity.

This concept is commonly known as 'Original Sin'.

The notion of Original Sin, suggesting that humans inherit a sin nature from Adam, was first articulated by Augustine of Hippo in the fourth century. Augustine's concept, which became a cornerstone of Roman Catholic theology, teaches that:

• Humans are born with a fundamental flaw or 'mortal sin' that necessitates baptism for salvation.
• This idea was later incorporated into Lutheranism by Martin Luther and Methodism by John Wesley.
• Eventually, it spread to various holiness groups and the Church of God.

Roman Catholic belief:

• According to Roman Catholic belief, a child is born with this 'mortal sin' and is at risk of damnation if not baptised.
• This has led to the practice of baptising even stillborn infants to ensure their entry into heaven.

Protestant denominations have similar practices, often called christening, though the theological nuances may vary.

The Widespread Belief in Original Sin

This widespread belief in original sin supports a religious framework that accommodates sin, prevalent across many religious groups today in various forms. It relies on the premise that Adam, as the 'head of the human race', transmitted a sin nature to all his descendants.

However, the Bible does not support or even suggest this concept.

Genesis 2:7 states:

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

It is crucial to understand that Adam was created as 'a living soul', not 'the living soul'. When Eve was introduced to Adam, his response was as follows:

Genesis 2:23 states:

“And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”

Adam recognised Eve as part of himself physically, not mentioning any spiritual attributes like a soul or spirit. This absence indicates that God had already endowed Eve with a spirit, making her a living soul.

Eve was created from Adam's 'flesh', not 'spirit', but God made her a spiritual being by giving her a spirit. Humans are distinct in that they possess both physical and spiritual elements, making them compound beings. The physical body serves as a 'temporary vessel' for the spiritual body, which is not visible to our physical senses.

Paul referred to the physical body as an 'earthy tabernacle', a temporary dwelling for our unseen spiritual self.

2 Corinthians 5:1 states:

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

The term 'dissolved' refers to the end of the physical body, coming from the Greek word KATALUO, meaning to 'destroy or dissolve'. Upon death, the physical body ceases and returns to the earth its origin, but the spirit returns to God.

Ecclesiastes 12:7 states:

“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”

Back to top

THE DIVINE ORIGIN OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT

A person's spirit, given by God at conception, distinguishes them as a living soul, unique from other creatures. This spirit returns to God after death. Ecclesiastes reveals that humans were created upright and innocent, not with a predisposition to sin.

Ecclesiastes 7:29 states:

“Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.”

Creation of Eve

Eve shared Adam's physical form but not his spiritual essence, as her spirit came directly from God. This emphasises that for a spirit to return to God, it must originate from Him. Eve was also made in God's spiritual image, like Adam, making her a living soul with the same nature.

The distinctive aspect of humans is their dual nature, comprising both a physical and a spiritual body. At death, while the body returns to earth, the spiritual, the real you, originating directly from God, returns to Him.

The Principle from Genesis

This principle is established from Genesis, highlighting the divine origin of our spiritual nature.

Genesis 1:26-27 states:

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

In saying, 'Let us make man,' God referred not only to Adam but to all humanity. The plural 'let them have dominion' indicates His intention for all humans across time.

In the first week of creation, Adam was the only human created. Eve came later, not made until Adam was in the Garden of Eden. Initially, Adam contained both male and female aspects, but the female part was only revealed when God made Eve from Adam's rib. This is supported in the following verse:

Genesis 1:27 states:

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

Genesis chapter 1 outlines the creation, including Adam, who represented humanity, made uniquely in 'God's own image.' This reflects God's spiritual nature rather than a physical form, as God is a spirit.

John 4:24 states:

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

Formation of a Living Soul

Every newborn is formed physically by their parents and spiritually in God's image at conception. This makes a child both physical, from earthly elements, and spiritual, giving them a living soul. Genesis chapter 2 illustrates how Adam's body was formed from the 'dust of the ground', and Eve was made from Adam, rather than being created new from the dust of the earth. From that point, their children physically were their offspring through procreation.

Similarly, today's parents contribute to their child's physical form through their own physical attributes, while the child's soul is a gift from God, who instils the spirit. In other words, parents physically conceive a physical body that God instils with spirit, which is the real person. The physical body is, as Paul said, 'the earthly house' that is the dwelling place of you who is a spirit that came from God.

Back to top

THE NATURE OF THE SOUL AND SPIRIT

Some believe humans are triune beings based on Hebrews, but a closer look suggests the soul and spirit are closely connected and that it is not possible to separate one from the other.

Hebrews 4:12 states:

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Paul says that the soul and spirit are inseparable so that when one dies physically, both the soul and spirit as one return to God. In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said that the 'spirit' returns to God, but reading Genesis chapter 35, when Rachel died, her 'soul' departed and no doubt returned to God.

Ecclesiastes 12:7 states:

“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”

Genesis 35:18 states:

“And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.”

The Inseparability of Soul and Spirit

In the Bible, the terms soul and spirit are used interchangeably to mean the same thing and are inseparable. The idea that a 'sin nature' is physically transmitted from Adam, leading to man's sinfulness, is unfounded. Sin is not a contagious physical condition but a spiritual state with spiritual consequences.

Ezekiel 18:4 states:

“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.”

This verse is not referring to the physical but the spiritual. It clearly states that it is 'the' soul that sins that also dies. In other words, the soul of the one who commits the sin will die.

i.
Innocence at Birth

Remember, when a baby is conceived and then born, it is innocent and spiritually alive because it is a living soul. For the baby's soul to die at some stage in its future, it would need to commit a sin.

It is not possible for anything spiritual to transfer from a parent to a child, as Ezekiel further explains.

Ezekiel 18:20 states:

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”

This verse from Ezekiel underlines individual responsibility for sin, countering the notion of inherited spiritual conditions. At conception, a child inherits only physical characteristics from their parents, not spiritual conditions.

ii.
The Spiritual Consequences of Sin

Sin, being non-transferable, also refutes arguments against certain medical treatments, including blood transfusions, based on the belief of sin's physical transmission. They cite Paul's words in 2 Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 5:10 states:

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

While it is true that sins are committed while in one's physical body, the consequence is to your soul. The acts of stealing, murder, lying and so forth are physical deeds, but the consequence is to the soul. The soul that sins, that very soul dies according to God's Word in the book of Ezekiel. In other words, it becomes spiritually dead or separated from God.

The True Nature of Humanity

This is because the soul or inner man is who you really are. You are a spirit that inhabits a physical body. When that physical body dies, it returns to the dust, but you, that is the spirit, return to God.

Ecclesiastes 12:7 states:

“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”

If you still do not understand this, return to the previous lesson, which explains this 'line upon line and precept upon precept'.

Back to top

TWO BIRTHS REQUIRED TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD

From the previous Study Guide, you learned that entering the kingdom of God requires two births:

• The first birth is physical.
• The second birth is spiritual.

1 John 3:4 teaches that sin is the violation, a transgression, of God's law. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, explains that sin leads to spiritual death, which means separation from God.

1 Corinthians 15:56 states:

“The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.”

This implies that without law, there can be no sin, and without sin, there is no guilt. Thus, guilt arises from the conscience when it becomes aware of the law.

Moral Awareness and Spiritual Life

A newborn, though spiritually alive, lacks moral character and acts on impulse, seeking self-gratification. This natural inclination is moderated by parental discipline until God reveals His law to them at the 'age of accountability', awakening their moral conscience.

Discussing 'Why Have All Sinned', Paul acknowledges that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory.

Romans 3:23 states:

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

However, exceptions to this include Jesus and children before they become morally aware. Peter explains that the gospel is preached to those who are spiritually dead so they may repent and live in the Spirit for God.

1 Peter 4:6 states:

“For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.”

The gospel's purpose is to awaken sinners to a new life in God, not to judge children who are already spiritually alive.

Back to top

Paul's Journey to New Birth

Paul's journey from being alive in God to becoming spiritually dead illustrates the transition from living according to the flesh to being reborn in the Spirit.

Romans 7:5 states:

“For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.”

Before being born again, Paul lived according to the flesh, inclined towards sin. However, deliverance comes through the second birth, enabling service to God in a new spiritual and living way.

Romans 7:6 states:

“But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.”

Paul is testifying that the deliverance from being spiritually dead is the second birth. To be born again is to serve God in the newness of spirit. God's law 'slays' the old man because it judges him guilty, to then be raised up through repentance into newness of life. Paul continues in the following verse to explain that God's law is a blessing that brings a sinner to grace and new birth.

Romans 7:7 states:

“What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.”

Here, Paul clarifies that the law itself is not sin but a tool that brings awareness of sin, using his own experience of coming to understand sin through the commandment as an example.

Romans 7:8 states:

“But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.”

Here, we have Paul's testimony of his life when sin was dead and came to life. Paul explains that there was a time when sin was dead because there was no law. This was because he had no understanding of God's law. But when the knowledge came, he died, not physically but spiritually. Paul explains this in the next verse.

Romans 7:9 states:

“For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.”

Clearly, for Paul to have 'died', he must have been alive first. When was Paul alive? Obviously, when he was a child and when he had no knowledge of the law and was therefore 'without the law'.

Paul did not know 'thou shalt not covet' in both its understanding and consequence until 'the commandment came'. The commandment came when Paul's conscience was awakened, and guilt came. When this moment occurred, 'sin revived', or a better translation 'sin sprang or came to life'. In that very moment of 'conscience and guilt', Paul died spiritually. Paul must have been spiritually alive to die spiritually.

The Age of Accountability

He was born in the flesh and living in the flesh, but without the law and therefore without conscience of or consequence of sin. This was when he was a child.

It was then, without the law, that 'sin was dead'. But when God revealed His law to Paul, which we call the 'age of accountability', Paul died. The age of accountability is not a physical age but a time of God's choosing where He illuminates His law to our hearts. At this time, our conscience is awakened, guilt comes, and the soul dies. This occurs to 'all', as Paul states in Romans 3:23, with the exception of children. Jesus Himself revealed this exception several times in the gospels.

Matthew 18:3 states:

“Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

Mark 10:13-14 states:

“And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”

Back to top

The Necessity of Confession

The only way into the Kingdom of God is to be spiritually alive. You may ask, 'could Paul have asked God for forgiveness at the same moment his conscience was awakened?' The answer is no.

You cannot seek forgiveness and repentance without confession. You must acknowledge and accept your guilt to be born again. The moment the conscience is awakened, and guilt comes, that person becomes spiritually dead and remains so until the gospel awakens them.

It is then that the choice is made to either reject Christ and continue in sin or turn to Christ in confession and repentance to 'live for or according to God in the Spirit'. Remember that you do not choose your first birth and your physical parents, but you do choose your second birth and spiritual Father and Mother.

i.
Spiritually Dead or Alive

When we say that a baby is conceived spiritually alive, it simply means that the baby is not separated from God. The difference between being spiritually alive and spiritually dead is not an actual 'death' because spirits cannot die but are eternal. It simply means the difference between being separated or not separated from God.

The difference between the new birth and being born again is that a 'dead soul' that is separated from God is reconnected to God to become a 'living soul'.

Back to top

HOW SHOULD THE GOSPEL THAT SAVES BE PREACHED?

The True Gospel vs. Distorted Gospel

In the book of Galatians, we are introduced to the concept of the gospel inviting us into the 'grace of Christ', yet a different version exists, which Paul identifies as distorted and corrupt. He issues a stern caution against those propagating this perverted gospel, stating they should be deemed 'accursed'.

Paul highlights that this corrupted gospel is not the true 'good news'. It lacks the essential ability to rescue people from darkness and forgive sins. This distortion is seen today, with some claiming to be born-again yet living in sin, contradictorily saying, 'I am just a sinner saved by grace'.

i.
Believers Are Saints, Not Sinners

In contrast, the New Testament does not label believers who have undergone regeneration as sinners. They are identified as 'saints' and followers of Christ. Paul articulates the gospel as a manifestation of God's might in his epistle to the Romans:

Romans 1:16 states:

“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.”

The Power of the Gospel

When the gospel is shared as God intended, it brings about judgment on the flesh, leading to repentance and a life led by the Spirit. The gospel goes beyond a simple message; it is embodied in Jesus Christ. It is more than a tract or a 'Roman Road' formula, but the Spirit of God reaching out and drawing lost souls to Himself.

Jesus, the Word made flesh, came to be the sacrifice for sins 'once and for all' and to 'show the way'. On the eve of His crucifixion, during the Last Supper, He stated:

John 14:6 states:

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

i.
The Great Commission

Following His resurrection and shortly before His ascension, Jesus imparted to His disciples:

Acts 1:8 states:

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

The literal text conveys, 'You will be witnesses of me'. The term 'power' in this context is the Greek word DUNAMIS, signifying 'miraculous or divine' strength. This divine power is what believers receive from God when they are born-again, as Paul says in Romans about receiving God's love.

Romans 5:5 states:

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love (agape) of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

The Love of God

This love, which is the embodiment of the Holy Spirit, is different from human love that depends on feelings and emotions. It is the love of God shown by Jesus:

• A love that puts others first and is about doing the best for them.
• A love that comes from a decision, not just feelings or emotions.

This self-sacrificing love, aimed at bringing healing and unity, is what the Greek word AGAPE describes. Paul talks about this love in how Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 states:

“But God commendeth his love (agape) toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

i.
The Power of Love

Jesus speaks about the 'power' of this kind of love in the gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 5:43-44 states:

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love (agapeo) your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

AGAPE is the noun for love, and AGAPEO is the verb, showing love in action, as seen in John's first letter.

1 John 3:18 states:

“My little children, let us not love (agapeo) in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

This AGAPE love is a divine characteristic, present in those who have truly been born-again. It is Christ Himself who is 'the power of God'.

1 Corinthians 1:24 states:

“But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power (dunamis) of God, and the wisdom of God.”

Back to top

JESUS CHRIST: THE GOOD NEWS

The sum of the gospel is not just a set of words; it is Jesus Christ Himself. He is the 'good news'. When Jesus was presented in the temple, Simeon proclaimed, having seen Jesus, that he had witnessed salvation. The gospel is Jesus Christ Himself.

Preaching the Gospel Effectively

So, how should the gospel that saves be effectively preached?

Should it be delivered with a fire and brimstone approach?

Should it be shared in a spirit of anger to show that God is displeased with sinners?

The question arises especially when considering Jonathan Edwards's well-known sermon 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God'. Is this portrayal accurate and reflective of God's heart towards sinners, given His expressed anger? This question gains significance in light of scriptures such as Romans 5:8 and John 3:16.

Romans 5:8 states:

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

John 3:16 states:

“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.”

God's Anger Towards Sinners

Interestingly, the Bible mentions God's 'fierce anger' towards sinners in only one instance:

Isaiah 13:9 states:

“Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.”

A closer examination of this passage indicates it pertains to the 'judgment against Babylon'. Babylon symbolises the adversary of God's church in Revelation, representing a counterfeit religious system that claims allegiance to Jesus yet deviates from His Word and truth. This will be explored further in the module 'The New Testament Church'.

Jesus Condemns Hypocrisy

Jesus Himself expressed disdain for such hypocrisy.

Matthew 22:18 states:

“But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?”

Luke 11:44 states:

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.”

i.
Hypocrisy

A hypocrite is someone who criticises others for behaviour that they participate in themselves. Sometimes, we define it as 'saying one thing but doing another.' For example, you might be a hypocrite if you complain about bad drivers and forget to use your indicator at the next intersection.

Back to top

JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE

Preaching the Gospel with Love and Hope

What is the best approach to preach the gospel to a world in need? Let's look to Jesus for guidance. The essence of the gospel is 'good news', aimed not at condemning the lost but at offering hope through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the remedy for sinners, as echoed in Paul's words.

1 Timothy 1:15 states:

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”

The literal version is even clearer.

1 Timothy 1:15 (LITV) states:

“Faithful is the Word and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”

i.
Jesus Came to Save, Not Condemn

Jesus, God manifested in flesh, did not come to condemn but to save.

John 3:16-18 states:

“For God so loved (agapeo) the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

Jesus represents hope for those already facing condemnation. Through Him, the gospel provides healing and deliverance by offering His salvation. A companion to John 3:17 is found in Psalms.

Psalm 107:20 states:

“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

This illustrates the gospel's nature as one of hope and healing, focusing on salvation through Christ rather than condemnation.

The Gospel Reveals and Heals

The essence of the gospel is not centred on wrath and condemnation but rather on a judgement that enables sinners to recognise their carnal birth and the dominion of the flesh over their lives. It seeks to unveil the reality of lives in opposition to God, stirring the conscience and urging repentance. Essentially, the gospel serves firstly to reveal the sinner's true condition and secondly to offer the remedy. The solution is found in Jesus Christ, Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals us.

1 Peter 2:24 states:

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

The Command to Preach the Gospel

Jesus' final instruction to His disciples before His ascension was to receive and embrace the 'love of God' at Pentecost and thereafter to spread the gospel. This is because the gospel can only be delivered in the love of God.

Mark 16:15 states:

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

The Young's Literal Translation clarifies the essence and spirit of Jesus' command.

Mark 16:15 (YLT) states:

“and he said to them, 'Having gone to all the world, proclaim the good news to all the creation;”

Back to top

Jesus' Example of Ministry

How should this 'good news' be communicated? Jesus Himself provided the blueprint, demonstrating the path through His actions. Following His baptism and the overcoming of temptation, Jesus began His ministry with these words.

Luke 4:18 states:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,”

i.
The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit

Being endowed with the 'Spirit of the Lord', Jesus was divinely empowered to share the gospel. It's crucial to understand that the Holy Spirit did not merely inhabit Jesus as an external entity; from conception, Jesus embodied the Spirit of Christ. Jesus' own spirit was the Spirit of God and He is God Himself. Paul elaborates on this in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 8:9 states:

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”

To share the gospel with true love, specifically the AGAPE love of God, one must have the Spirit of Christ within. The gospel's judgement is not aimed at condemning but revealing the spiritual state of sinners, prompting their hearts towards repentance.

ii.
Jesus Personified the Good News

Throughout His ministry, Jesus personified the 'good news', exemplifying both the message and method of gospel ministry. A week before His crucifixion, He reiterated the gospel's purpose.

John 12:47 states:

“And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.”

Just as He provided a 'model prayer' in Matthew 6, Jesus established a framework for gospel ministry, emphasising the importance of following not a rigid letter but the spirit that gives life.

2 Corinthians 3:5-6 states:

“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”

Hence, the gospel is not merely a set of doctrines but the living presence of Jesus Christ, calling us to minister in His spirit, bringing life and salvation.

Back to top

EXAMPLE OF THE MINISTRY OF THE GOSPEL

Jesus and the Woman of Samaria

To delineate the gospel ministry's framework, the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well serves as a pivotal example. It's essential to grasp this as a spiritual model rather than a literal blueprint applicable to every scenario.

Each situation is distinct, and adhering rigidly to a set script or a 'Roman Road'-like method isn't practical. The key lies in being led by the Holy Spirit, who touches and ministers to the sinner's heart uniquely.

Jesus Is No Respecter of Persons

The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, as narrated in John 4:6-7, is a profound illustration of the gospel's inclusive nature and its approach to individual hearts.

This woman, a Samaritan and thus marginalised by the Jewish community, and further isolated due to her personal life, becomes the focus of Jesus's intentional outreach. Despite her complex background, involving multiple marriages and her current living situation, Jesus chooses this moment to engage with her, demonstrating the gospel's reach beyond societal barriers and personal transgressions.

The woman, whose name is never mentioned, is a Samaritan and, as such, despised by the Jews. Additionally, she seems to be an outcast among her own people. She had been married five times and was living in a state of unrepentant sin, cohabiting with a man to whom she was not married. Yet, in His divine purposefulness, Jesus intentionally sought to meet this woman at this specific time.

John 4:6-7 states:

“Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.”

Her initial response is one of surprise, questioning why Jesus, a Jew, would engage in conversation with her, a Samaritan woman, and even consider accepting water from her.

John 4:9 states:

“Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.”

Jesus does not even answer the question but continues the conversation by avoiding potential distractions by less important issues. This points out an essential lesson: the need to stay focused on the main message of the gospel, instead of being sidetracked by the enemy's tricks.

Jesus Reveals Who He Is

Jesus approaches the woman not with condemnation for her life choices but with an understanding of her as an individual. This approach is central to the gospel's message: it is not about condemning but about offering the hope of redemption and a new life through Christ. Here is where preachers get sidelined, especially if they are aware of the sinful nature of a person and focus on their transgressions.

Psalm 44:21 states:

“Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.”

Matthew 9:4 states:

“And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?”

The purpose of the gospel is to bring deliverance and healing. God already knows and has observed the sin.

Romans 10:15 states:

“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

Back to top

Jesus' Use of Symbolic Language

Jesus's conversation with the woman, utilising the metaphor of living water, underscores the necessity of being spiritually attuned and the power of symbolic language, particularly in the form of parallelism, to convey deeper truths. Jesus chooses this particular woman, whose life reflects a search for fulfilment in relationships with men, to illustrate a universal human condition: the quest for meaning and purpose outside of a relationship with Christ.

John 4:10 states:

“Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.”

Jesus' Patience and Understanding

The woman's inability to grasp the spiritual significance of Jesus's words highlights a common reality: without spiritual awakening, the deep truths of God's kingdom remain elusive. Jesus's patience with her lack of understanding underscores a critical lesson for all who share the gospel: frustration has no place in conversations with those yet to experience spiritual regeneration.

John 4:11-12 states:

“The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?”

Jesus listens carefully to her. He does not get upset by her questions. He keeps guiding the conversation to spiritual topics. This shows us how to listen well and stay focused on important truths.

Jesus as Our Example

Jesus, serving as our example and pattern to follow, embodies His own teaching to be 'as wise as serpents and harmless as doves'.

Matthew 10:16 states:

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

i.
The Offering of Living Water

Jesus explains that the water He offers will last forever. It will satisfy her spiritual thirst always. This part of the conversation starts to awaken something inside her.

John 4:13-14 states:

“Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

The woman becomes interested, even though she is confused at first. She wants to know more about this living water.

John 4:15 states:

“The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.”

Back to top

ii.
Jesus Reveals Her Life

Recognising the importance of what Jesus was offering, she expressed her desire for it, even though she was still thinking in terms of physical water, possibly imagining that Jesus might offer a kind of permanent solution to her daily water needs. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that her perspective was shaped by her physical existence.

Upon her expression of interest, Jesus began to lead her towards the realisation and acceptance of the 'living water'.

John 4:16-18 states:

“Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.”

Without judgement, Jesus exposed the reality of her life, introducing her to a 'better way' she was previously unaware of.

Jesus Is the Saviour

The gospel is the 'power of God for salvation', addressed to those living according to their natural, fleshly existence — sinners who are born of the flesh and living according to the flesh. Yet its target is not the physical aspect of humans but their inner spirit and soul, which require regeneration to be born again in salvation. When the gospel is proclaimed, it engages with the spirit or soul of the individual, awakening them to the transformative message of Christ.

Consider again the example of the Samaritan woman: when Jesus spoke of the 'gift of God', she was unaware of what He was referring to.

John 4:10 states:

“Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.”

i.
The Gift of God

The 'gift of God', as outlined in Ephesians 2:8, specifically pertains to salvation, highlighting that this gift is something only God can grant. In the role of gospel preaching and witnessing, we merely bear witness to and direct attention towards this divine gift. Jesus alone embodies resurrection and life, calling those spiritually dead to awaken and embrace life with God. Only He can call the dead and those in a spiritual grave to life in God.

John 5:25 states:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.”

Back to top

Christ's Voice in the Gospel

In conveying the gospel to those who are spiritually lost, it is ultimately the voice of Christ they discern within their hearts, not ours. To put it plainly, Christ Himself resides in the third heaven or the heavenly realm, as is evident from Paul's letter to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 2:6 states:

“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”

i.
Being Raised in Christ

Grasping the transition from a state of spiritual death to being seated in Christ in heavenly places necessitates understanding the concept of being 'quickened together' with Christ, as mentioned in the previous verse.

Ephesians 2:5 states:

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

The phrase 'quickened together' is the Greek word SUZOOPOIEO, which means to 'reanimate or co-join'. In other words, when you are born again, you are made one with Christ. It is only when you have been made alive in Christ that you are raised up or 'raptured' into the third heaven and become part of the church of God.

ii.
Christ's Descent to Reach the Lost

This reflects the account of Adam, who was first given spiritual life, then placed in the Garden, symbolising entry into God's kingdom and the church of God. Clearly, sinners who are being preached to are not in the third heaven. Therefore, to hear Christ's voice, He must descend to them in a spiritual sense. Jesus does so through the witness and preaching of the gospel by born-again believers filled with the Holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 states:

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”

Christ, identified as the archangel, awakens the spiritually dead. Subsequently, as Paul explains in Ephesians 2:6, they are raised up 'in Christ' into the third heaven and church of God. Salvation is contingent upon Christ revealing Himself; no one can be saved without this revelation.

Only Jesus can put those who have been made spiritually alive into His church.

Acts 2:47 (LITV) states:

“praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the assembly, the ones being saved from day to day.”

Although the Samaritan woman initially did not comprehend in John 4:10 that Christ is the gift of God, her understanding dawned when Jesus revealed His true identity to her.

John 4:25-26 states:

“The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.”

A Disciple Testifies and Points to the Gift of God

Transformed by her encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman became a new person, no longer burdened by condemnation. Casting aside her status as an outcast, she quickly abandoned her water pot and hurried back to her city, eager to share the 'good news' she had received.

John 4:28-30 states:

“The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.”

Following the woman's testimony, the Samaritans journeyed to the well to hear Jesus for themselves. Her account of what Christ had done in her life pointed the people to Jesus.

John 4:39 states:

“And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.”

The next verse makes a vital distinction between a deceptive and genuine gospel — a distinction between the true and counterfeit gospel.

John 4:42 states:

“And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.”

The gospel, when rightly delivered, always leads to Jesus Christ, who embodies salvation.

• The church of God never draws people to itself but always testifies to and points to Jesus Christ.
• The church of God never testifies, witnesses, or preaches to sinners in anger.
• The church of God already knows that a sinner is guilty and under condemnation because they cannot help but live by and in the flesh.
• The church of God knows that Christ must awaken the sinner to a better way.
• The church of God has but one role: to testify to God's love and point the lost to the love of God, who is Jesus Christ.

Back to top

JESUS CONDEMNS FALSE RELIGION

Jesus Christ, as the 'Son of man', was God in the flesh — in other words, God in a physical body. Apart from Calvary, His purpose was to show mankind the way. There is only one group of people that Jesus is angry and wrathful at, and that is the religious leaders of false religion.

Matthew 23:13 states:

“But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.”

Every leadership within the Protestant denominations, including Roman Catholicism, falls under this critique. As Jesus stated, they are akin to 'dead men's bones'.

Matthew 23:27 states:

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.”

Babylon: Symbol of False Religion

In the Bible, all false religions are symbolised by 'Babylon', signifying confusion. The book of Revelation describes the Roman Catholic religious framework as 'MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH'.

The 'harlots' represent her offspring, identified as the Protestant religious system. This will be elaborated in the forthcoming module, 'The New Testament Church', clarifying the distinction between God's church and all other so-called 'churches'.

i.
No Condemnation in Christ

When you have been raised from a spiritual grave and made alive in Christ to be raised into the church of God, there is no longer condemnation. If you have been born again, you can affirm this. The instant Jesus entered your heart, there was an immediate lifting of guilt. Your conscience became pure and clear.

Romans 8:1 states:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

You may have heard this verse quoted, but many times when it is quoted, the last portion is usually omitted. To remain free from condemnation, meaning the penalty of guilt, you must choose not to walk after the flesh but after the Spirit. You must choose to be spiritually minded and not earthly-minded.

Once you have been born again, you must choose to have a mind to serve God with all your heart and all your being.

Back to top

SUMMARY

This lesson explores the reasons for preaching the gospel, clarifying its nature, purpose, and correct ministry. The gospel, described as 'everlasting' in Revelation, is constant and universal, centred on Jesus Christ. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, Jesus is portrayed as the Saviour, highlighting the consistent message of salvation.

i.
The Everlasting Gospel

The gospel, from the Greek 'AIONIOS', means 'perpetual' and spans past, present, and future. It remains unchanged, with Jesus as the centre, portrayed as the 'coming Saviour' in the Old Testament, the 'present Saviour' in the New Testament, and the Saviour for the future.

The gospel's power to rescue and save humanity from sin remains unchanged since creation. It judges humans in the flesh, enabling them to live according to God in the spirit.

ii.
The Purpose of Jesus' Sacrifice

Jesus came to take away our sins, enabling those who abide in Him to live sin-free. Believers are called to refrain from sinning, as continuing in sin leads to spiritual death. The gospel's purpose is to save people from their sins, not while they remain in them.

iii.
Sin Nature and Original Sin

The concept of Original Sin, introduced by Augustine of Hippo, suggests humans inherit a sin nature from Adam. This belief, adopted by Roman Catholicism and other denominations, contradicts the Bible's teaching that humans are created upright and innocent.

Humans possess a spirit given by God at conception, making them living souls. This spirit returns to God after death, emphasising individual responsibility for sin. Sin is a spiritual condition, not a physically inherited trait.

iv.
How Should the Gospel Be Preached?

The true gospel, unlike distorted versions, judges the flesh and leads to a Spirit-led life. Jesus Christ, the embodiment of the gospel, came to save, not condemn. The gospel should be preached with love and hope, focusing on salvation through Christ.

Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well serves as a model for gospel ministry. It demonstrates the importance of focusing on the main message of the gospel, using symbolic language, and being patient and understanding.

The gospel is about revealing the spiritual state of sinners and offering the remedy in Jesus Christ. Preaching the gospel effectively requires embodying the love and Spirit of Christ, leading people to salvation.

Back to top

SUBMISSION TO COGMA FOR APPRAISAL

Instructions