The Simplicity of the Gospel

The Bible is clear that salvation is a commitment to follow Christ. It is not merely a mental assent. Assuming that by "receive" you mean the same thing that Christ means, then I agree it is that simple. It is far too often made to difficult. On the other hand, it is often presented as less than it really is.

 

Scott,

VERY WELL PUT!!!

I think if Christ were here He'd amen you!!

One thing I've seen from a lot of posters here is the tendency to make mountains of molehills. Things like a design on a bible cover, a different translation of the bible, attendance of a movie, wearing pants and the like are cause for Judgemntalism to rear its head.

Jesus was HARSH on the Pharisees and it wasn't because they were EARNESTLY trying to follow the law of Moses - rather they were hypocritical people who knew and recited God's law but showed no love for His people. Remember if we have not love we're tinkling cymbals.

 

Scott

Proclaiming the gospel is ALSO exposing the sinner as naked and condemned before a wrathful God. It is more than just preaching about the LOVE of God in sending his Son down to die on the cross for the world.

It is WHY God had to do so. What is man being saved FROM? And what happens if man refuses to accept the gospel? The gospel is that Christ died for sinners who are UN godly. Hell bound sinners! Many preachers do not preach that Christ died to save us FROM our sins but preach a "feel good" gospel of a loving Santa Clause.

If you come to Christ believing he just came to earth and died for you because God loves you, you are still in your sins. But if you come to God and cry out for forgiveness FROM YOUR SINS and know that you deserve the punishment of hell, then you CAN be saved. Without sorrow for your sins and willingness to seek God for forgiveness of sins there can be no salvation. For the IN the gospel is the POWER that LEADS unto salvation.

Many are filling evangelical churches today that are believing in a Santa Clause Jesus. God loves you and he will give you everything. All you have to do is believe. But that's NOT the gospel, nor the POWER of the gospel. The gospel is a SAVING message for lost, despicable, hell bound sinners, like you and me. A LAST hope and message from God that HE WILL SAVE YOU, if you acknowledge your sins and repent and receive Christ into your heart and life.

Have you cried out to God to save you? Are you fearful of a MIGHTY God? Then God can and WILL save you. But until you acknowledge your sinful and hopeless state you are STILL in your sins. Believe this day in a SAVING gospel and not in a "feel good" gospel. One will save you, while the other will lead you to the very confines of hell.

 

I have no problem with the four-point formula you state, especially since it is based on a verse of scripture. Here is the paradox of the gospel: It is so simple that a young child can understand it. It is so profound that the wisest man can never fathom it. Your formula reflects the first part of this paradox, so I think it is valid.