THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

THIS GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM 

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matthew 24:14 KJV

In this study, we seek to establish the gospel that has to be preached then the end shall come.

What is, "This Gospel" that has to be preached to all the world first before the end comes?

Let as see what the Bible has to say about this Gospel, Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (2 Peter 1:20 KJV).

There's no doubt that "the gospel of the kingdom" that Christ spoke of is the same gospel that Paul writes about that he is not ashamed of for there is only one gospel (Gal 1:6-9). Here he calls it "the gospel of Christ".

"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." (Romans 1:16)

Again, Paul equates the gospel of Christ to the Power of God. Therefore, by parallelism, THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM IS THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST WHICH IS THE POWER OF GOD. It is important to understand the linkages used here. Why, because the Holy Scriptures has plainly taught us WHO the power of God is. 

Reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians we find the answer.

"But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, CHRIST the power of God, and the wisdom of God." (1 Corinthians 1:24 KJV ). Did you catch that, that Christ is the power of God. 

So connecting the dots we see that, this gospel of the kingdom which is the power of God unto salvation is JESUS CHRIST.

With that background study, we know for a fact that CHRIST pointed Himself to the disciples as the gospel to be preached/witnessed to all nations before the end comes. Actually, this is what Dr. Luke reports in his second writing in Acts 1:7,8. 

7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority. 

8 But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.” (ACTS 1:7-8 AMP). From this account,  we get that the disciples of Christ were to tell people about Him (Jesus Christ) after receiving the Holy Spirit. As a matter of fact, the record has it that they did preach Christ-the word (Acts 8:4&5; Phil 1:15; 1 Cor 2:23).

One pertinent question one should ask is that, why is Jesus to be preached/witnessed to the world before the end comes?

This Paul answers in the same verse (Romans 1:16&17)

1. He is the power of God unto salvation. (Vs 16)

2. For therein (In Christ) is the righteousness of God (Vs17).

The righteousness of God is in CHRIST. This is the name given to Jeremiah whereby Christ was to be called.

Jeremiah 23:6

"In his (Christ) days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS."

It is therefore in order for us to conclude that, He who has Christ in him has the righteousness of God dwell in him and he shall be saved. This is why Paul said that "The gospel of Christ-Christ Himself" is the power of God unto salvation (Rom 1:16).  All who have the righteousness of God which is Christ in them, shall not be visited by the wrath of God. The opposite of righteousness is unrighteosness which apostle John tells us is sin. (1Jn 5:17).

Apostle Paul in Romans 1:18 tells us that the wrath of God shall be visited against all unrighteousness. 

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness."[Romans 1:18 KJV]

God being love, gracious and merciful willing that no man should suffer but all come to repentance (Ex 34:6; Ps 145:8 and 1 Pet 3:9) Has given us His Only Begotten Son-Jesus Christ, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not pesh but have everlasting life (Jn 3:16).

Friends, if we receive Jesus we have everlasting life. If we receive Jesus we have the righteousness of God. If we receive Jesus we are not condemned but are passed from death to life. Jesus in us is the only hope of glory. You see John the apostle tells us *"...that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son Jesus." (1 John 5:11).*

"This gospel of the kingdom Christ", "the righteousnessof God"  is the everlasting gospel that is shown to John the revelator in the book of Revelation 14:6-12. This message is so important that all that dwell on the surface of the earth, every nation, kindred, tongue and people have to get it for a witness then the end shall come. Brethren, time is running out, the days are evil, why despair?

Give yourself to Jesus, let him in. John tells us that He (Christ) is at the door and knocks longing to get in to your heart (Rev 3:20). He wants to impart His righteousness to us, would you let him in? Will you give him room in your life?

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation"_ says Paul *(2 Cor 6:1,2).* If you are reading this, Christ is speaking to you. Are you going to harden your heart? Are you not going to let him in? Are you going to send Him? 

The Lords is entreatimg you today to heed to his voice and let him in. Harden not your heart if you will hear him *(Heb 3:15; Ps 95:7-11)* 

May the Lord bless you as you make this important decision to give your life to him.

Amen.