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The Need To Hear The Gospel
John R. Gentry
God commands that we hear his Jesus, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" (Matt. 17.5). Without hearing it is impossible to come to Christ, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, 'And they will all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me" (John 6.44-45). A person cannot call on the name of the Lord so as to be saved unless he has first heard the gospel (Rom. 10.13-17).
Unfortunately, many denominations are teaching something other than or in addition to the gospel of Jesus Christ. For example, some teach the Calvinistic doctrine of eternal security; others teach that goodness or morality will save; others teach that all people will be saved; others teach that faith alone will save; and yet others teach that reciting some sinners prayer will bring about salvation. None of these "gospels" are supported by any scripture, they are "doctrines of demons" and can only result in many people spending an eternity in hell (1 Tim. 4.1; Gal. 1.6-9). It is only the gospel of Jesus Christ as presented on the pages of God’s Book that can "wash, sanctify and justify" us (1 Cor. 6.9-11; 15.1-2; Acts 18.18); establish us in the faith (Rom. 16.25; Col. 2.6-7; Eph. 4.14); cause us to be born again (1 Pet. 1.3, 23; 1 Cor. 4.15; John 3.3); and only this gospel that can save us (Rom. 1.16; 1 Cor. 1.17-25; 15.1-2; Jas. 1.21). We must also note that we will be judged by this gospel and not by the creeds and catechisms of men (John 12.48; Rom. 2.16).
The very reason Jesus gave the Great Commission of teaching the gospel to every creature in every nation is because we must hear the gospel before we can be saved (Matt. 28.18-20; Mark 16.15-16).
"What must I do to be saved?" There is no question more important. As any journey begins with a single step; the journey to salvation begins with hearing the gospel. Have you considered and come to truly appreciate what the New Testament says about the need to hear the gospel?
originally published in the Banner-Gazette
2007.09.26