The gospel is anchored in Christ’s
atoning sacrifice. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel … by
which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, …
Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and was buried, and rose
again the third day according to the scriptures: … And if Christ be not raised,
your faith is vain” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 17, cf. Acts 4:12)
Paul exalted the cross of Calvary
as the gateway to salvation: “God forbid that I should glory save in the cross
of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto
the world” (Galatians 6:14, cf. 2:20; 3:1-3; 5:5-8, 24, 25).
Jesus declared that “This gospel of
the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations,
and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14). HOW IS THE GOSPEL BROUGHT TO THE
WORLD’S ATTENTION?
“Ye heard the world of truth, the gospel
of your salvation.” (Ephesians 1:13). “Faith comes by hearing; and hearing by
the world of God.” (Romans 10:17). WHAT IS THE FOCAL POINT OF THE GOSPEL’S
LIVING POWER?
“Christ sent me … to preach the
gospel: not with wisdom of worlds, lest the cross of Christ should be made of
none effect. For the preaching of the cross … unto us who are saved is the
power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:17, 18).
When the pure gospel is taught with
Christ-like love, God declares, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet
of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good
tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God
reigneth!... All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God”
(Isaiah 52:7-10; see also Titus 2:11-14; Psalms 22:26, 27; 98:2-4; Isaiah 53).
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