Gospel of Grace

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:19–20
This is a call for Christians to actively share the message of the gospel, baptise new believers, and disciple them in the teachings and ways of Jesus.

Jesus empowers his disciples, instructing them:

“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” Matt 10:7-8. This is not the gospel! It is the events that follows or incidental to the preaching of the gospel.

“Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” Mark 16:20.

At its core, the gospel is about sharing the love and truth of Jesus Christ, inviting others to find freedom and joy in Him. Paul passionately declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith.” Rom 1:16–17.

The gospel is not a sales pitch; it’s the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ. It begins with the message of God’s grace and reconciliation through faith in Jesus, but it doesn’t end there. It’s the goodness of God that leads us to repentance! (Rom 2:4). It is the news of God justifying (extends salvation toward) the ungodly. (Rom. 4:5.)

The message of salvation through Jesus Christ includes both the blessings and the responsibilities that come with it. It involves explaining the need for repentance, acknowledging one’s sinfulness, and accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour, as well as the call to live a life of obedience and holiness empowered by the Holy Spirit.

“The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.” Rom 6:23.

Presenting oneself as morally superior or more holy than others can come across as judgmental or condemning, which can alienate rather than attract people to the gospel. Using holiness as a tactic to preach or persuade people to believe the gospel can happen when individuals present themselves or their lifestyle as a standard for gaining acceptance with God. This approach can create the false impression that salvation is earned through one’s own efforts or righteousness rather than through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Living a life that seeks to honour God is a natural response to experiencing His love and forgiveness, not a tactic to manipulate or persuade others. The goal is to share the good news of salvation and to encourage others to experience the same life-changing relationship with God. However, discipleship is mandatory. Paul said in Acts 20:27: “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.” Apostle Paul was committed to presenting the entirety of God’s message, not holding back any part of it. So should you!

Kay Alli