Bombay Regional Conference

Bombay Regional Conference, MCI

Synopsis

GOD IS THE GOSPEL

Faculty Student Date : Rev. Dr. S. Retnamony, Chairman, Board of Ministry. BRC. : Rev. Jesu A. Karunakaran. : 14h June, 2012.

INTRODUCTION The purpose of the book is to reveal that God Himself is the greatest gift and ultimate goal of the gospel, demonstrate why everything God has given us through the gospel is meant to draw us closer to Jesus and not to be an end in itself. Above all else provide motivation for proclaiming Gods pure gospel. 1. THE MEANING OF THE GOSPEL The first chapter deals with basic foundational truths such as Gods authority on earth, Jesus death and resurrection, and the promise of the Holy Spirit. Central to the entire gospel is Gods grace toward mankind. But none of the truths of the gospel, its effects on man, or its root of grace constitute its main purpose. The biblical definition of Gospel is explained with various passages. The scope of it is enlarged with the authority of Christ, death for our sins and resurrection for our well-being. The cross of Christ is paramount for salvation. Salvation describes what God does for us and in us the effects of His good news (Rom 1:16). It must be the foundation of the gospel, whereas the blessings of the gospel should only be included in the good news message as they relate to the cross. Gods grace is the Good News. 2. THE GOSPELS GREATEST GIFT The real goal of Gospel is not stressed by many preachers. It can easily be argued that justification is the true heart or center of the gospel (I Pet 3:18). Justification, forgiveness of sin, and entrance into heaven are not the highest goals of the gospel. Seeing God and being changed into the image of Jesus is the gospels greatest gift. Every aspect of the gospel should move us closer to God. The greatest goal of the gospel is seeing the glory of God. The removal of our sin and Gods wrath against us is what the gospel is for. But it is only a means to an end. That end is us being able to see God as our absolute most precious gift. Satan hates the gospel because he knows it has the power to lead those who dare to believe it straight into Gods glory (Acts 20:30). 3. THE FOUNDATION OF FAITH IN THE GOSPEL The glory of God produces an unshakeable faith in Jesus. This is possible with the work of the Holy Spirit as it illuminates the truth which is already contained. It cannot come from our own human knowledge or judgment but must come from the Holy Spirit awakening and illuminating our minds. This is confirmed by 2 Corinthians 4:6, which states, [God] has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. True conversion (passing from darkness into light) cannot take place unless a
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Bombay Regional Conference

persons convictions are based on real evidence enlightened by the revelation of the Holy Spirit. It is in the gospel, in which the glory of God shines most brightly, that the necessary evidence of Jesus death and resurrection are found. 4. THE SORROW PRODUCED BY THE GOSPEL True forgiveness from sin brings true understanding to ones sinful nature. The delight which is experienced by the believer realizes the pain that their sin has kept them from the glory of God to be realized. It is not until the goodness of God is realized that a true godly sorrow can be produced in a persons heart. This means that, when preaching the gospel, people must be led to God Himself as the highest good of the gospel. Otherwise, the sorrow produced is based only on people wanting to avoid hell or attempting to have a better life. When the gospel message is clearly seen, Satans power can be broken. Then people can see for themselves that Gods glory is much greater than all that Satan could ever offer. 5. THE MANY GIFTS OF THE GOSPEL God suffered greatly to bring us His amazing gifts of predestination, incarnation, and reconciliation. We can rejoice in these gifts because they all point to some aspect of the glory of God. Many people embrace the good news but dont necessarily embrace God. Along with these gifts, God has given us His endless mercy and His love, which Romans 8:35-37 promises will make us more than conquerors in every circumstance. Any of Gods wonderful gifts come with the temptation of our desiring them more than God. But once we clearly see God as the greatest good of the gospel, even the gospel itself, then we will gladly receive any of His gifts-painful or pleasant. 5. THE GOD CENTERED LOVE OF THE GOSPEL Gods love and natural love are very different. True conversion is the only thing that can destroy our need for self-love. As we receive Gods love and see Him as our greatest gift, He becomes the center of our love and joy, replacing self. In John 11:1-6, Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, died and had to wait four days for Jesus to resurrect him. Jesus purposely waited until Lazarus died so the Son of God may be glorified through it (John 11:4). Jesus wanted to show Lazarus friends and family not only His glory and power, but also the depth of His love for them. CONCLUSION This book explains that in our pursuit of being like Jesus, its important that our motivation is not to make ourselves better, but to free ourselves from things that would keep us from seeing Gods glory. Jesus said in John 17:26 that when we see Him, we will love Him with the same love the Father has for Him. This is the aim of the gospel is to savor Gods love and glory.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Piper, John. God is the Gospel. Illinois: Desiring God Foundation, 2005.

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