I have been studying several sermons in the New Testament from Peter and Paul. And it is interesting what they cover. Look at Acts 13:13 – 44. In verse 23, Paul introduces the gospel of Christ. And in verses 26 – 44, he explains it in detail. What does he cover:
- Message (there’s that word again) of salvation
- Historical, prophecies fulfilled
- Innocent man, sinless
- Fulfilled prophecies again, he was dead
- Resurrection and appearances and witnesses
- Good news (message) as promised by God
- God fulfilled his promises in the resurrection of Jesus
More Old Testament proofs of the gospel of Jesus Christ:
- Through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed (message)
- Not by the law of Moses
- Call to action – some will not believe
- People begged to hear again
- Some were saved
We have seen the various points of the gospel as Paul proclaimed it to the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles. This was a complete message of sin, sacrifice, resurrection, redemption, and judgment. For the Jews this was the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation and forgiveness. But there was a warning, too. Believe, so that you will not be one of those God speaks who hear yet not believe.
Look at Acts 17:22 – 34. What does Paul say in his sermon to the Greeks in Athens?
Starting in verse 24, Paul has to explain from the beginning the God he is talking about. Paul didn’t have to explain who God was to the Jews; they already knew God through the Scriptures. He just had to demonstrate through the Scriptures that Jesus was he Messiah they were looking for. But in Athens, a city full of religions and idols, Paul has to start from scratch. He doesn’t start with Jesus; he starts with creation. He defines God for them and explains who God is and what He has done, and why God has dominion over the world and over human beings. What does Paul say first about God:
- God made the world and everything in it
- Lord – sovereign over everything
- God doesn’t need anything
- God gives life
- God created mankind from one man (Adam)
- God is sovereign and providential – He determines history
- Man should seek God, but instead feels his way – this word literally means to grope around in the dark or as if blind. Man should seek God, but cannot find him due to the fact that he is blind.
- God is not far from us
Next, Paul uses two Greek philosophers’ quotes to make his point. He makes the point that we are all God’s offspring. As such, since we are not metal or stone, then neither is God. We are made in God’s image, even as their own philosophers state.
Now comes the gospel. Paul laid the groundwork so that his audience was on the same sheet of music as he was. God overlooked sin in the past because He was patient. NOW, however, God commands all people to repent. Why? Because judgment is coming. Judgment through Jesus Christ through whom God will judge the world. By Christ, whom he has raised from the dead. Paul speaks the same gospel message of sin, sacrifice, redemption, resurrection, and judgment as to the Jews.
So what is missing out of these two sermons? Nowhere do I read that Paul told his hearers that God loves you, and has a wonderful plan for your life. Neither do I read that Jesus loves you, and if you invite Jesus into your heart, you will be saved. Why is that?
Because quite honestly, that is not the gospel. I think Paul explains pretty well the gospel in the two examples. And neither one of them say anything about the love of Christ. The talk about sin, death, Jesus, redemption, resurrection, and a command to repent. Notice that in neither one of these sermons, Paul doesn’t state anything about an “offer” either. Jesus commands everyone to repent. The gospel is not offered to anyone to accept or refuse. It is a command.
If we compare the sermons of Paul and Peter to those of most modern day churches, I think we would find a huge disconnect between them. Could it be that a lot of modern day Christians, pastors included, do not know or understand the gospel?
