The Essence of the Gospel
Colossians 1:1-8
Verses 2-8 are a kind of summary of what the gospel is and does. Paul has much to say of the hope to which the Colossians have listened and which they have already accepted.
The gospel is the good news of God who is a friend and Lover of men. First and foremost, the gospel sets us in a right relationship with God.
The gospel is truth. All previous religions could be entitled "guesses about God." The Christian gospel gives a man not guesses but certainties about God.
The gospel is universal. It is for all the world. It is not confined to any one race or nation, nor to any one class or condition. Very few things in this world are open to all men. A man's mental calibre decides the studies he can undertake. A man's social class decides the circle amidst which he will move. A man's material wealth determines the possessions he can possess. A man's particular gifts decide the things he can do. But the message of the gospel is open without exception to all men.
The gospel is productive. It bears fruit and increases. It is the plain fact of history and experience that the gospel has power to change individual men and the society in which men live. It can change the sinner into a good man and can slowly take the selfishness and the cruelty out of society so that all men may have the chance that God would have them have.
The gospel tells of grace. It is not so much the message of what God demands as of what he offers. It tells not so much of his demand from men ass of his gift to men.
The gospel is humanly transmitted. It was Epaphras who brought it to the Colossians. There must be a human channel through which the gospel can come to men. And this is where we come in. The possession of the good news of the gospel involves the obligation to share it. That which is divinely given must be humanly passed on. Jesus Christ needs for us to be the hands and feet and lips which will bring his gospel to those who have never heard.
Questions to Ponder
Do you believe that God is your friend and lover?
Do you believe the gospel is for everybody?
Is your life bearing fruit and do you want it to?
In His Service,
Terry Phillips
