THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO APOSTLE PAUL - Part 1

Apostle Paul

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO APOSTLE PAUL

 

There is a gospel according to Apostle Paul which he preached and he is not apologetic about saying ‘my gospel’ or ‘our gospel’. 

 

Romans 2:16 – “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”

 

Romans 16:25 – “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began…………”

 

2 Corinthians 4:3 – “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.”

 

1 Thessalonians 1:5 – “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.”

 

2 Thessalonians 2:14 – “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

2 Timothy 2:8 – “Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:”

 

Paul further asserts, “I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.  For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  (Galatians 1:11-12).

Paul calls his gospel ‘the gospel of the grace (unmerited favour) of God’.  (Acts 20:24).

He declares that he is made a minister of the New Testament.  “Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life  (2 Corinthians 3:6).

 

SEVEN ASPECTS OF THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD

 

1.        IT IS A GOSPEL BASED ON FAITH IN GOD:

This gospel is based on the New Covenant of God.  It is not dependent on keeping the law of the Old Covenant.  It is based solely on faith (belief) in God.

Any gospel that requires the keeping of the law in order to be justified and counted righteous is considered ‘another’ gospel and in fact not the gospel at all  (Galatians 1:6-7).

Cursed is he who preaches a gospel of works, even if it were an angel that was preaching it  (vs.8, 9).

Paul even asks us, “…..do I seek to please men?” (vs. 10) for preaching an acceptable gospel, that would attract people to believe.

But then he certifies, “……that the gospel which was preached……is not after man; (vs.11) …neither received it of man,……….. but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (vs.12)

In Galatians 3 – Paul explains that, just like Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness, (vs. 6) we too are justified (considered righteous) by (belief) faith – (vs. 11).

He continues “they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham” (vs.9)

And those “that are of the works of the law are under the curse” because no one can ever continue in all things that are written in the book of the law (vs.10)

James writes in the same vein “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10).

Finally, “by grace are ye saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:10).

Since it is God that has taken the initiative to save us, and begun this good work, He will perform it till the day of Jesus Christ.  As long as we believe, there is nothing that can ruin God's intent.

 

To be continued………………………………….