The gospel of God (Romans 1:2) is the best news anyone has ever heard. It is a declaration of freedom to a world bound up in sin and its consequences. It is a message of freedom. It is an expression of love from the source of love. Indeed, words fail to describe its breadth and magnitude against the affairs of mortal man. Although the gospel reaches deep into the heart and mind of our Creator, its message is stunningly simple: “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15).

The gospel is a critical message to all lost people. Without it, they remain lost and have no hope beyond this present life. Because the gospel is something to be obeyed (Romans 10:16, 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17), it is imperative that the message be spread among all people. So who will spread the gospel of God?

Will Jesus Spread the Gospel of God?

Yes, but  no, at least no directly. That may be an unexpected answer for some. The gospel does not exist without Jesus. His blood paid the price for our sins and purchased the church wherein the saved are placed by God (Acts 20:28; Acts 2:47). His entire life’s work was to fulfill the Law (Matthew 5:17), which he did. He came to call men to himself for through Jesus alone is salvation (John 14:6). But Jesus gave the responsibility for spreading the gospel – evangelism – to his disciples. He gave to the apostles the keys to the kingdom so that they could set forth terms and conditions already decided in heaven (Matthew 16:19). Jesus told them to “make disciples,” to go and teach, baptize and teach the lost (Matthew 28:18-20).

Even when he confronted Saul on the road to Damascus he did not there tell him how to be saved but sent him into the city where Ananias taught him (Acts 9:17-19; Acts 22:10-16). Later Paul, speaking of the gospel, said it was a treasure in “jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:1-12, note esp. verse 7) which is a reference to the mortal body of man.

The coming of the church on Pentecost was marked by great signs from the Holy Spirit. But it was through the voices of men that the gospel message was preached (Acts 2:14). Our simple minds might think that an appearance of the recently resurrected Lord would be a great boost to the kingdom. But our wisdom is not God’s wisdom. The message was preached, with power, through men. It is the responsibility of men to carry the gospel to the world.

Will I Spread the Gospel of God?

Every Christian is charged with spreading the gospel of God. A man who ignores a burning building and fails to warn those inside is despised and ridiculed. We know we are to sound the alarm and warn others when trouble comes. Likewise, we ought warn others of impending doom.

It was the relatively unknown Andrew who brought his brother Peter to Christ (John 1:40-41). Peter then did great things for the Lord. ⁽¹⁾No doubt Andrew did many great things too but they are not recorded in Scripture.

There are many excuses offered for failing to warn and teach others. But that is all they are: excuses. We will soon examine some of those excuses here at PSB but it is sufficient to remind that someone loved you enough to teach you the gospel of God. Won’t you do the same for someone else? Do you love someone enough to share a message of liberty with them? Would you discomfort yourself to save man from eternal destruction?