Gospel Perspectives I

Four faces of the gospel

1 Cor 9:16

The gospel is Gods power unto salvation. It is the provision God has made for lost humanity to regain right standing before God. The Gospel is a message of salvation but also the power to bring about and sustain salvation. During Pauls time there was confusion around issues such as the role of Christ, works, and the law in the Christian faith. Paul's  letters seek to help readers to understand what the gospel is and its implications  to life. He makes it clear that the way you view the gospel reveals the condition of your heart and how much it can benefit your life. The following perspectives show  four faces of the gospel.

The face seen by the enemy.

The gospel is disguised from the enemy (1 Cor 2:7, 8;  2 Cor 4:2,3). It appears as a soft target. 'Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.' The enemies of Christ can not see it and those under satans  influene will be blind to it. That is why we must pray for God to open people's eyes.  It is futile  to fight the gospel and those who have embraced it by receiving Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. The enemy however  fights on to, in the end, only achieve self destruction. Your trouble is a plot or pretext to show the invincible power you have in Christ.

 

The face seen by the carnal mind.

The gospel is despised by the carnal mind. The carnal mind excludes God and the supernatural. As a result the message and ways of the cross are foolishness (1 Cor 1:18;  2:14). When you walk by faith in God's word you are using the spiritual mind. When you doubt God and see his ways as foolish you are using the carnal mind. The things of God cannot be understood by a carnal mind because they require spiritual discernment. You must grow in spiritual maturity by praying, meditating and obeying Gods word to grow out of a carnal life (2 Cor 5:17). You can be a Christian and yet live a carnal defeated life. God wants to conquer you before he conquers your challenges. The way you see difficult situations, people, and the future will change when you use the eyes of the gospel. The love of God never fails. If it could it would have failed to provide the gospel. The gospel has all you need for your wilderness when you are waiting, in transition and going through the process to your dream. The gospel can not be good news if it gets you started and can not see you through.

The face seen by a pragmatic person.

The gospel is demonstrated by power. For most people what matters is whether the gospel works to provide bread on the table, a roof over the head, health, clothes, blankets, school fees, and transport. Bread and butter real life issues. Can it help me through life? Is it useful? The gospel might not follow logic but works all the time and for everyone (1 Cor 2:4; 2 Cor 10:4). Some things do not make sense but make cents. They may lack logic and scientific explanation but produce good results. The gospel may be despised but it works. It has the ability to cause effect, influence and transformation. The prayer and faith of the righteous availeth much.

The face seen by a spiritual person.

The gospel is disclosed to us who believe (1 Cor 2:10).  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them to us by his Spirit. By the Spirit, we know the things God has prepared for those who love Him. The testimony of Christ is confirmed in us (1 Cor 1:4-6; Acts 10:38).

For Paul, the disclosure of the gospel did not only bring personal benefit but a cause to live for. 'For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of: for necessity is laid upon me; and woe is to me, if I preach not the gospel!' He saw unbearable consequences to himself if he negelcted the responsibility to preach to others. Is it easy and comfortable for you not to share Christ?  When the gospel is disclosed and you are truly spiritually minded, you cant afford not to share the gospel. Sharing is no longer an option you can ignore. 'Woe' speaks of danger, calamity, affliction, misfortune, great sorrow, or great loss. Preaching was a way to escape his woes. The holy fear of not preaching the gospel pushed Paul to finishing his race and winning his fight. Do you have a pushing force? Paul also had a pulling force from the mark of his calling (Phil 3:14). The great reward and crown awaiting him for preaching the gospel. Another factor he had was a driving force motivating from inside. He said the love of Christ constraints me (2 Cor 5:14). may God also disclose the gospel to you in a similar way.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa