| | The Biblical [[gospel]] ("good news") is most essentially the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1Cor. 15:1-4ff) This "word of truth" (Eph. 1:13) has the God of the Bible as its object of faith, as "the Father sent the Son, the Saviour of the world." (1Jn. 4:10) This message reveals that "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." But whom men, "by wicked hands", nailed to a cross and killed, Christ suffering "once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened [resurrected alive] by the Spirit". And that Jesus Christ "showed Himself alive after His passion [suffering and death] by many infallible proofs, being seen of them [His apostles] forty days," as well as by over five hundred brethren at once. And "who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him." It concludes that it is this Jesus "who is ordained of God to be the Judge of living and dead", and that "to Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 1:3; 2:23; 10:38,40,42,43; 1Cor. 15:6; 1Pet. 3:18,22) | | The Biblical [[gospel]] ("good news") is most essentially the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1Cor. 15:1-4ff) This "word of truth" (Eph. 1:13) has the God of the Bible as its object of faith, as "the Father sent the Son, the Saviour of the world." (1Jn. 4:10) This message reveals that "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." But whom men, "by wicked hands", nailed to a cross and killed, Christ suffering "once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened [resurrected alive] by the Spirit". And that Jesus Christ "showed Himself alive after His passion [suffering and death] by many infallible proofs, being seen of them [His apostles] forty days," as well as by over five hundred brethren at once. And "who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him." It concludes that it is this Jesus "who is ordained of God to be the Judge of living and dead", and that "to Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 1:3; 2:23; 10:38,40,42,43; 1Cor. 15:6; 1Pet. 3:18,22) |
| − | In addition to the living and true God of the Bible being the object of faith and obedience, a primary aspect of the Biblical gospel is that neither the sacrifices or good works of man can enable him to escape from his future just and eternal punishment in hell-fire, (Mk. 9:43-48; 25:41,46; Rv. 14:11; 20:10) or merit him eternal life with an infinitely holy and just God.(Rm. 4; Titus 3:5; 2Tim. 1:19) But that instead man must be justified and sanctified by Christ, humble himself before God as a sinner, unable to justify himself, and then cast all his faith on the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom God sent to be the perfect sacrifice for sin, and Savior of the world. (1Jn. 4:10,14) By so (truly) doing, one is choosing ([[free will]]) the Lord Jesus over sin, light over darkness. (Jn. 3:19-21) This faith decision is shown by being [[Baptism|baptized]] in identification with the Lord Jesus<ref>Dr. John Gill (1690-1771), Mt. 28:19</ref> (Mt. 28:19; Acts 2:38-42; 8:36-37; 10:47-48) by being united to his body. {{cquote|Romans 6:<sup>3</sup> Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? <sup>4</sup> Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. <sup>5</sup> For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also ''in the likeness'' of ''his'' resurrection: <sup>5</sup> Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with ''him,'' that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. <sup>6</sup> For he that is dead is freed from sin. <br> 2 Corinthians 5:<sup>17</sup> Therefore if any man ''be'' in Christ, ''he'' is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. <br> 1 Corinthians 12:<sup>12</sup> For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also ''is'' Christ. <sup>13</sup> For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, '''…''' <br> <sup>25</sup> That there should be no [[schism]] in the body; but ''that'' the members should have the same care one for another. <sup>26</sup> And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. <sup>27</sup> Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. <sup>28</sup> And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. <br> Ephesians 5:<sup>25</sup> Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it; <sup>26</sup> That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, <sup>27</sup> That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. <br> 1 Peter 3<sup>18</sup> For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: <sup>19</sup> By which he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; <sup>20</sup> Which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a-preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. <sup>21</sup> The like figure whereunto ''even'' baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: <br> Acts 22:<sup>16</sup> And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. <br> Hebrews 10:<sup>22</sup> Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. <br> 1 Corinthians 6:<sup>11</sup> but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. <br> Revelation 22:<sup>17</sup> And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.,<br> Luke 18:<sup>15</sup> And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when ''his'' disciples saw ''it'', they rebuked them. <sup>16</sup> But Jesus called them ''unto him'', and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. <br> Acts 2:<sup>39</sup> For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, ''even'' as many as the Lord our God shall call. <br> Matthew 28:<sup>19</sup> Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: <sup>20</sup> Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, ''even'' unto the end of the world. Amen. <br> —King James Version}} | + | In addition to the living and true God of the Bible being the object of faith and obedience, a primary aspect of the Biblical gospel is that neither the sacrifices or good works of man can enable him to escape from his future just and eternal punishment in hell-fire, (Mk. 9:43-48; 25:41,46; Rv. 14:11; 20:10) or merit him eternal life with an infinitely holy and just God.(Rm. 4; Titus 3:5; 2Tim. 1:19) But that instead man must be justified and sanctified by Christ, humble himself before God as a sinner, unable to justify himself, and then cast all his faith on the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom God sent to be the perfect sacrifice for sin, and Savior of the world. (1Jn. 4:10,14) By so (truly) doing, one is choosing ([[free will]]) the Lord Jesus over sin, light over darkness. (Jn. 3:19-21) This faith decision is shown by being [[Baptism|baptized]] in identification with the Lord Jesus<ref>Dr. John Gill (1690-1771), Mt. 28:19</ref> (Mt. 28:19; Acts 2:38-42; 8:36-37; 10:47-48) by being united to his body. {{cquote|Romans 6:<sup>3</sup> Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? <sup>4</sup> Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. <sup>5</sup> For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also ''in the likeness'' of ''his'' resurrection: <sup>5</sup> Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with ''him,'' that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. <sup>6</sup> For he that is dead is freed from sin. <br> 2 Corinthians 5:<sup>17</sup> Therefore if any man ''be'' in Christ, ''he'' is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. <br> 1 Corinthians 12:<sup>12</sup> For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also ''is'' Christ. <sup>13</sup> For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, '''…''' <sup>25</sup> That there should be no [[schism]] in the body; but ''that'' the members should have the same care one for another. <sup>26</sup> And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. <sup>27</sup> Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. <sup>28</sup> And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. <br> Ephesians 5:<sup>25</sup> Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it; <sup>26</sup> That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, <sup>27</sup> That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. <br> 1 Peter 3<sup>18</sup> For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: <sup>19</sup> By which he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; <sup>20</sup> Which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a-preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. <sup>21</sup> The like figure whereunto ''even'' baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: <br> Hebrews 10:<sup>22</sup> Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. <br> Acts 22:<sup>16</sup> And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. <br> 1 Corinthians 6:<sup>11</sup> but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. <br> Revelation 22:<sup>17</sup> And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.,<br> Luke 18:<sup>15</sup> And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when ''his'' disciples saw ''it'', they rebuked them. <sup>16</sup> But Jesus called them ''unto him'', and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. <br> Acts 2:<sup>39</sup> For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, ''even'' as many as the Lord our God shall call. '''...''' 10:<sup>47</sup> Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? '''...''' 11:<sup>13</sup> And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; <sup>14</sup> Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. '''...''' 16:<sup>15</sup> And when she was baptized, and her household '''...''' <sup>30</sup> Sirs, what must I do to be saved? <sup>31</sup> And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. <sup>32</sup> And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. <sup>33</sup> An he took them the same hour of the night, and washed ''their'' stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. <sup>34</sup> And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. '''...''' 18:<sup>8</sup> And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. <br> 1 Corinthians 1:<sup>16</sup> And I baptized also the household of Sephanas: <br> Colossians 2:<sup>11</sup> In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: <br> Genesis 17:<sup>9</sup> And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. <sup>10</sup> This ''is'' my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. <sup>11</sup> And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. <sup>12</sup> And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generation, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which ''is'' not of thy seed. <sup>13</sup> He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. <sup>14</sup> And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant. <br> 1 Peter 3:<sup>21</sup> The like figure whereunto ''even'' baptism doth also now save us <br> John 3:<sup>5</sup> Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and ''of'' the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. <br> Luke 18:<sup>17</sup> Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. <br> Matthew 28:<sup>19</sup> Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: <sup>20</sup> Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, ''even'' unto the end of the world. Amen. <br> Mark 16:<sup>19</sup> He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. <br> —King James Version}} |