“The mystery of the gospel” – that’s how the Apostle Paul described the message about Jesus that he boldly proclaimed through his preaching, writing, and life (Eph. 6:19-20 ESV).
It is “good news” about Jesus that is so simple people the world considers foolish, weak, and lowly can freely receive it (cf. 1 Cor. 1:26-29). Yet at the same time, it requires “a secret and hidden wisdom” that eluded the world’s political leaders and religious elite (1 Cor. 2:7-8).
It is “the power of God for salvation” – an incredible demonstration of His amazing grace to us when we trust Him (Rom. 1:16). Yet, it is equally something we must obey, for “those who do not obey the gospel…will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction” (2 Thess. 1:8-9).
Sometimes we miss that. We focus so much on one element of the gospel that we miss out on its incredible richness and fullness. We hear the good news that “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” – but turn the volume on that speaker up so high it sounds like we’re saying we can “continue in sin that grace may abound” (Rom. 5:8, 6:1). God forbid; but if we turn too far the other direction, overemphasis on our own works results in a gospel just as distorted (cf. Gal 1:6-7).
You see, the gospel is about what Jesus accomplished in the past: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3-4).
Yet, it is also about how we participate with Him in that in the present: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:3-4).
And all of that points to what will happen in the future: “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thess. 4:14). Not just them, either: “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed…the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed” (1 Cor. 15:51-52).
Grace, faith, and works. Death, burial, and resurrection. Past, present, and future. This is the good news about King Jesus. Isn’t it glorious?
Experience a hope that will change your life - now and forever - through our series Hope of the Resurrection.