July 2014

The Centrality of the Gospel in Preaching 12

The ability to believe the gospel is not inherent within the sinner, but rather is a sovereign gift from God. That is to say the ability to believe the gospel unto salvation in Jesus Christ is as much a sovereign gift from God as the salvation in Jesus Christ in which the sinner believes. John Calvin comments, “Everything connected with our salvation ought to be ascribed to God as its author.”

The ability to believe the gospel is not inherent within the sinner, but rather is a sovereign gift from God. That is to say the ability to believe the gospel unto salvation in Jesus Christ is as much a sovereign gift from God as the salvation in Jesus Christ in which the sinner believes. John Calvin comments, “Everything connected with our salvation ought to be ascribed to God as its author.”

This important doctrine of faith being a sovereign gift from God is what is meant by sola fide or faith alone. It is explicitly set forth in the following Scripture.

The Centrality of the Gospel in Preaching 11

The church must remember the gospel is the power of God. The gospel evidences and contains God’s inherent power, virtue and nature. The gospel is mighty. God’s power, virtue, excellent nature and might are thereby reflected in the very essence of not only the gospel’s message but its ability to change people’s lives. This is why the gospel must be central in preaching.

The church must remember the gospel is the power of God. The gospel evidences and contains God’s inherent power, virtue and nature. The gospel is mighty. God’s power, virtue, excellent nature and might are thereby reflected in the very essence of not only the gospel’s message but its ability to change people’s lives. This is why the gospel must be central in preaching.

The Centrality of the Gospel in Preaching 10

The Apostle Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16, ESV). The Greek word for “ashamed” is ἐπαισχύνομαι / epaischynomai. The believer is presently and personally to delight in the gospel and never be ashamed of it. To be ashamed of the gospel would be to view it dubiously, doubtfully, with uncertainty as to its truthfulness or embarrassed regarding its content.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16, ESV). The Greek word for “ashamed” is ἐπαισχύνομαι / epaischynomai. The believer is presently and personally to delight in the gospel and never be ashamed of it. To be ashamed of the gospel would be to view it dubiously, doubtfully, with uncertainty as to its truthfulness or embarrassed regarding its content.

Why would anyone consider being ashamed of the gospel? Dr. Warren Wiersbe comments:

PLACE FOR TRUTH

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