The gospel Part 10
As you consider the four gospel books in the New Testament, Mathew, Mark, Luke and John; it is obvious that Jesus is the central focus of these authors. More than telling us about His person, they also tell us about His purpose; why He is important and the significance of his life from His birth, to His death. His works, suffering, resurrection and ascension are all significant. The purpose of writing the four gospels is made so clear in the book of John. “But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.” (John 20:31 NLT)
It is important to note that Paul’s gospel was no different from what we read in the four Gospels. It also centred on the person of Jesus and His redemptive work. In 1st Corinthians 15:1-4 Paul said, “Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you… by this gospel you are saved… “That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,”.
Paul would also warn seriously that “even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse” (Gal 1:8 NIV)
The basic reason for Apostle Paul’s persecution and the accusation against him by Jewish leaders who pushed for a capital punishment against Paul, was because of the gospel that he preached. As Paul spoke in his defence during his trial and persecution before King Agrippa, he gave an account of his conversion and calling, making clear the purpose for which he preached the gospel. Paul said that when Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus, He was given a charge by the Lord Himself as seen in the book of Acts, which reveals the purpose of gospel Paul preached.
‘… I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’ (Acts 26:17-18 NLT)
Paul’s purpose for preaching the gospel was to open the eyes of men so that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God.
When Satan suggested to Eve that they should eat from the forbidden tree in Eden, the bait he used to entice them was that, eating from the tree would “open their eyes” and make them wise. Satan said
“God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” (Gen 3:5 NLT) By implication, this was an indirect communication to Adam and Eve that they were still in a state of blindness. The result of following Satan’s suggestion was the exact opposite of what they were promised. After eating from the tree, the lights went out and darkness took over Adam and Eve and the entire humanity. The absence of Divine Light in the life of a man leaves room for darkness, sin and all forms of evil to take root and flourish in and through that person’s life. The reason people kick against the Gospel is because “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News (Gospel). They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. (2 Cor 4:4 NLT). This verse defines Satan’s mission so well, he is not a sight-giver, he is a sight-taker. Satan is not here to help you see; he is here to make you go blind. The devil has no light in him; all he offers is spiritual blindness and darkness.
But Jesus made this profound declaration “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” (John 12:46)
While the devil is the originator of darkness, Jesus is the Light who offers freedom to all who are in darkness.
The primary Purpose of the Gospel is to open the eyes of the spiritually blind, to free them from darkness in all its forms of oppression and bring them into God’s light. The salvation of every lost soul is tied to an opportunity of hearing the true Gospel.
But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news! (Rom 10: 14 – 15 NLT). We must share the Gospel, people’s salvation depends on it.