Passage: The Gospel & Salvation | Lesson 04
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JESUSDarren Lo | October 12, 2014
What kind of Gospel message did Jesus preach?
We looked at three instances where Jesus preached a word on being a disciple; inheriting eternal life; and justification:
1. Luke 14:25-27 (Mark 8:34-38, Matt 10:37-39)
Jesus preached the overarching need for obedience and Lordship in salvation. Things that we value must pale in comparison to obeying and following Christ wholeheartedly. When we keep our hand clenched on to something of value to us, we cannot let it go to take the hand of Christ and be completely His (John MacArthur).
2. Luke 18:18-23 (Matt 19:16-22)
When looking at the example of the rich, young ruler, Jesus emphasized a desire solely for Christ alone. The ruler held up the commandments given to him in the Old Testament, yet could not submit to the most difficult aspect—giving it all up. But more importantly, he couldn’t give it up to look solely at Jesus, this was the ONE thing he lacked. Jesus wasn’t just asking for charity, but a completely relationship with the ruler.
3. Luke 18:9-14 (Philippians 3:4-9)
In this story, Jesus compares the prayer and actions of a Pharisee and tax collector. Their words indicate a comparison between taking pride in doing good and simple humility. The Pharisee approached God in self-righteousness speaking above the so-called ‘sinners’ around him. Yet, the tax collector (who the Pharisee discounts) could not even look up toward God and asked to receive mercy—knowing that no matter how good or bad his actions, only God could save him. Jesus says that his humility proved his justification.
The messaging in each of these examples will help us answer the following three, important questions:
What truths must a person know and believe to be saved?
While many truths ought to be known and understood, what is often overlooked is that of obedience and Lordship to Christ. When we fail to mention the need for obedience in salvation, an incomplete Gospel is presented. As stated above, Jesus preached a deep desire for us give up our most treasured areas of life. It isn't until we obey Him and hand him not just those that hold dearly, but our entire lives that we can be saved. Romans 10:9-10 provides some truths to follow and act in salvation, but we can easily overlook Paul’s introductory words, “Jesus as LORD.” We must not forget this important truth for ourselves and in bringing Good News to those that need to hear it.
What is the complete gospel message?
“The gospel is not only to accept the awesome truths that 1) God is holy, 2) we are hopeless sinners, 3) Christ died and rose again for sinners, and 4) this great salvation is enjoyed by faith in Christ-but believing the gospel is also to treasure Jesus Christ as your unsearchable riches. What makes the gospel Gospel is that it brings a person into the everlasting and ever-increasing joy of Jesus Christ.” -John Piper
As outlined above, the complete gospel message entails these truths, but in order to completely present the message, one must emphasize a desire to know and desire Jesus Christ alone. We must not forget, like the rich, young ruler in Luke 18, that our desire for Christ must be of the utmost importance.
Does true saving faith always produce fruit?
“Faith is a living and unshakeable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake. This kind of confidence in God’s grace, this sort of knowledge of it, makes us joyful, high-spirited, and eager in our relations with God and with all mankind. That is what the Holy Spirit effects through faith. Hence, the man of faith, without being driven, willingly and gladly seeks to do good to everyone, serve everyone, suffer all kinds of hardships, for the sake of the love and glory of the God who has shown him such grace. It is impossible, indeed, to separate works from faith, just as it is impossible to separate heat and light from fire.” -Martin Luther
Humility, as studied in Luke 18:9-14 should always be a bi-product of our saving knowledge. True saving faith, must cause us to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). And just as James 2:19-20 states, the works of our belief and faith must always be a result of what Christ has done for us, never the other way around. No amount of goodness will bring us to salvation—we cannot earn it.
Questions to think about:
- Have you completely surrendered your life to Christ in obedience? Is there anything you’re gripping instead of letting go?
- Do you desire Christ alone for the Gospel or are there other things that have gotten in the way?
- What has your faith caused you to do lately? Has it lead you to humility or pride?
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