What is the Gospel?
These study notes correspond with Study #1 of Jesus on Prophecy series. Click here for the YouTube link.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room:
Who authored the Bible? (2 Timothy 3:16)
According to Google, as of February 2021, there are more than 45,000 Christian denominations globally. God inspired the holy men that wrote the Bible (2 Peter 1:20-21). Is He then responsible for the division and confusion surrounding it? (1 Corinthian 14:33)
If God is the One who inspired it and most professed Christians believe it to be true, why then is there so much confusion on what the Bible actually teaches? “Private interpretations” or in other words, many have interpreted the Bible according to their own philosophies and ideologies and not according to truth. (2 Peter 1:20-21)
The Bible is not like any other book. It is inspired by God and is a spiritual book. It must be “studied” and not casually read. (2 Timothy 2:15)
One popular theology today, birthed from a casual reading of the Scriptures is that of The Secret Rapture: the return of Jesus Christ in a quiet and unexpected manner in which His people suddenly vanish from the earth without a trace. This interpretation of Christ’s 2nd coming is based largely on a “private interpretation” of Mattew 24:37-42. Careful study, however, comparing Scripture with Scripture would reveal the truth. That word “rapture” literally means to be “caught up.” It is Biblically true that God’s people will be raptured to meet Him at His 2nd coming (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). However, apart from the definite timing of it, there is absolutely nothing secret about the coming of Jesus to get His people. (Matthew 24:36, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4, Revelation 1:7, Matthew 24:27, Psalm 50:3). We must learn how to “STUDY” the Bible.
The 5 Essentials for Successful Bible Study:
We need the correct Text Book... (Isaiah 8:20)
We need the only Qualified Teacher... (John 16:13-14)
“The Holy Spirit exalts and glorifies the Saviour. It is His office to present Christ, the purity of his righteousness, and the great salvation that we have through Him. Jesus says, “He shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.” [John 16:14.] The Spirit of truth is the only effectual teacher of divine truth. How must God esteem the human race, since He gave His Son to die for them, and appoints His Spirit to be man's teacher and continual guide.”
- “Christian Education” pg. 59.2
3. We must learn according to the Teacher’s method...(Isaiah 28:9-11)
4. We must come to the Bible with the correct mindset, as teachable students... (1 Corinthians 8:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:21)
5. WE MUST PRAY FOR DIVINE ASSISTANCE... (1 Corinthians 2:14)
“An understanding of Bible truth depends not so much on the power of intellect brought to the search as on the singleness of purpose, the earnest longing after righteousness. The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can cause us to feel the importance of those things easy to be understood, or prevent us from wresting truths difficult of comprehension. It is the office of heavenly angels to prepare the heart so to comprehend God's word that we shall be charmed with its beauty, admonished by its warnings, or animated and strengthened by its promises.”
— “The Great Controversy” pg. 599.2-3
The Prophetic Signs of the Times (The Surest Sign)
In the book of Matthew 24:1-13, Jesus gave us a list of indicators, signs so that we might recognize the nearness of His coming. These signs include deception among men, the appearance of false Christs, wars and rumors of wars to come, nations rising against other nations, famines, pestilences earthquakes in diverse places, believers persecuted and killed for His name’s sake, an increase of false prophets, the moral decline and loss of love in society due to an increase in iniquity, the fact that His people must endure all these things among other things.
Of all these signs, there is but one that actually ushers in the coming of Christ... (Matthew 24:14)
Jesus did not say that the preaching of “a gospel” would bring the end but the preaching of “this gospel” would do that. He was being specific. Why? (Galatians 1:6-9)
Does it really matter what we believe the gospel is? Absolutely! It is a matter of life and death... (Mark 16:15-16)
How then can we be sure that we have the correct gospel and not “some other gospel?” What we need to understand is the Biblical gospel test. If a man can be saved without it, then it isn’t the gospel. it may have its part in the gospel, but it is not the gospel... (2 Corinthians 4:3)
Keep in mind, Jesus said that the preaching of the true gospel would result how? “Then THE END will come!” The end of the World according to Christ is also known as “THE HARVEST,” (Matthew 13:37-39). If we can therefore locate that gospel message, that results in “the harvest” then we may be sure that we have the specific gospel that He spoke of.
That “everlasting gospel” message of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd angels, found in Revelation 14:6-12 is in fact “this gospel” which brings “the end” or “harvest” just as Jesus predicted... (Revelation 14:14-15). Are we familiar with this message? if not. The time is now.
The Everlasting Gospel is A Person!
The Gospel, as defined by the Apostle Paul, is “THE POWER OF GOD”... (Romans 1:16)
“CHRIST,”, according to the Apostle Paul, is “THE POWER OF GOD...” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24)
Therefore, according to the Bible, CHRIST IS THE GOSPEL! HE IS THE MESSAGE! HE IS THE GOOD NEWS! Did the disciples, who were given the commission to “preach the gospel,” recognize their duty to be the presentation of Christ? (Acts 5:42 & 8:35, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 1 Corinthians 2:2)
Christ, the Gospel, desires a CLOSE, INTIMATE & PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with those who share Him with the world. Until He dwells within, we are unprepared to fulfill the gospel commission...(Romans 1:15-17)
Is it your desire to cultivate such a relationship with Jesus? It takes time. The good news is, TODAY it is not too late. He loves you, my friend. Receive Him even now and know that “Ye are accepted in the Beloved.”
