Let us consider the New Testament -- Romans 1. This is the letter by the
Apostle Paul to the new Christian Church at Rome.
I
emphatically say that HERE ALONE, in all the New Testament, is the GOSPEL, meaning "good
news," set forth systematically.
Aspects of the Gospel
are touched upon throughout the New Testament, but only here, do we find a formal presentation, though not
exhaustively so -- there are some details missing here, and found elsewhere.
Romans 1:15-25:
15 So, as much
as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
16 For 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.
17
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly
seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither
were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like
to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts,
to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for
ever. Amen.
Again, emphatically, I say, that this Gospel presentation correctly STARTS with, what we call,
NATURE -- NOT -- with -- SCRIPTURE (the Bible!)
God's initial, and primary, interface, with most people is the physical world, NOT, the Bible!
We should take an important
lesson from this. As is clear in verses 18-20, mankind's knowledge of, and realization of God's existence,
is absolutely certain, from God's created physical world.
Further,
God's judgment has been ongoing due to mankind's dislike and disregard of him, and their failure to give God glory, and thanksgiving,
to him for all he has made, and provided for them.
Thus, God's physical creation should be our evangelistic starting point, especially with
unchurched folks. This passage makes clear that all mankind is on death row, being completely without excuse.
They know judgment is certain. They badly need the Savior.
Then, we may move to Romans chapters 3-12, or other Bible passages, with the Gospel, the "good news,"
and with all of the wonderful details of salvation by grace through faith.
Romans chapter 10 is often used for specifics to
help a person see what they must do to become a Christian:
Romans 10:1-13:
1 Brethren,
my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness,
and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
5 For Moses describeth the righteousness
which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart,
Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is to bring Christ down from above:)
7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh
thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe
in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession
is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture
saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name
of the Lord shall be saved.
See my page They Came to Jesus! for a handy way to help a person come to Jesus Christ by viewing
three men in the New Testament who do just that, right before our eyes.
