Who is the Gospel Intended For?

[jimmyjimmy]

Is the gospel (the good news) just something which is of value in winning souls to Christ, so that its work is done in their lives once they are in the fold? Is it simply an evangelical tool, or is there some other value to it for Christians?

 

[Adstar]

The Gospel is for anyone who hears or reads it...

It is for them to be able to make their response to what the Gospel is offering..

 

[jimmyjimmy]

The Gospel is for anyone who hears or reads it...

It is for them to be able to make their response to what the Gospel is offering..

So, it's for evangelism? For unbelievers.

 

[Hammster]

Is the gospel (the good news) just something which is of value in winning souls to Christ, so that its work is done in their lives once they are in the fold? Is it simply an evangelical tool, or is there some other value to it for Christians?

It's value is to glorify God, ultimately.

It's not just for winning souls, thought it does that. For the believer, it should be what shapes our life and informs and instructs us how to live. Paul said he determined to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified. So all of his epistles were written with that in mind.

 

[TheSeabass]

The gospel is also for those who are already Christians to keep them grounded and settled, Colossians 1:23 so as to not be removed away from it becoming lost Galatians 1:6

 

[vinsight4u]

/nvm

 

[Eryk]

An evangelion was the declaration of power given by a Roman emperor. This word was adopted by Christian evangelists to assert that Jesus is the true king. The gospel is a summons to allegiance to the king and his cause. Obey Jesus - he is your Lord.

(2 Thess 1:8) He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

This does not mean that we are saved by our obedience. It means that salvation has brought us into the Kingdom of God, to serve and honor the king.

 

[Adstar]

So, it's for evangelism? For unbelievers.

It is for everyone.. That's what i said it was for....

 

[jimmyjimmy]

It's value is to glorify God, ultimately.

It's not just for winning souls, thought it does that. For the believer, it should be what shapes our life and informs and instructs us how to live. Paul said he determined to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified. So all of his epistles were written with that in mind.

All things are for His glory. Amen. I was interested in discussing its benefits to mankind.

I'll add more once some people chime in.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

It is for everyone.. That's what i said it was for....

In what way(s)?

 

[jimmyjimmy]

The Gospel is all of the OT prophecy about how Christ would come and all the prophecy in the future as to how He will come again.

I'm not sure I agree; however, we weren't talking about the content of the gospel, but what use it is to mankind, and which people it benefits.

 

[Hammster]

All things are for His glory. Amen. I was interested in discussing its benefits to mankind.

I'll add more once some people chime in.

I wrote more.

 

[Foxfyre]

Is the gospel (the good news) just something which is of value in winning souls to Christ, so that its work is done in their lives once they are in the fold? Is it simply an evangelical tool, or is there some other value to it for Christians?

IMO the gospel (little 'g') is a statement of truth. In theological terms, the Gospel (capital "G") is the theological foundation of the Christian faith. Literally translated it is the 'good news' that the Christ is God in human form with us in the person of Jesus who was crucified, and who offers us salvation and eternal life. God with us, and God's Spirit among us now. As Mark expressed it: "The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news." (Mark 1:15)

The Gospel is not 'for anybody'. The Gospel simply is. And it has changed the world for the better wherever it exists.

 

[Dave-W]

Is the gospel (the good news) just something which is of value in winning souls to Christ, so that its work is done in their lives once they are in the fold? Is it simply an evangelical tool, or is there some other value to it for Christians?

I guess that depends on how narrowly you define "gospel." If it is ONLY about how to get saved, then yes it is primarily for unbelievers. And the benefit from believers being well versed in it stems from their being able to share it with others also.

BUT - if you define it as all of NT script, then it includes even more on how to live and grow up AFTER salvation.

That too is good news.

 

[Christodoulos]

Is the gospel (the good news) just something which is of value in winning souls to Christ, so that its work is done in their lives once they are in the fold? Is it simply an evangelical tool, or is there some other value to it for Christians?

For those who believe in the plain Teachings of the Holy Bible, and Jesus Christ and Paul and the other writers, the Gospel of "Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation, to EVERYONE who believes" (Romans 1:16). But, to the Calvinist, it is the Gospel of salvation for "the elite" (elect), who they believe are the only ones that Jesus Christ actually died for, their unbiblical "limited atonement"! So, either the Bible is right, or Calvinists?

 

[vinsight4u]

/nvm

 

[vinsight4u]

/nvm

 

[bling]

Jimmy,
If you are not part of what you consider the "elect" to be how is the "gospel" good news for you?

 

[Hammster]

Hey, let's derail the thread by bringing up a topic not mentioned in the OP.

 

[Christodoulos]

Hey, let's derail the thread by bringing up a topic not mentioned in the OP.

Like what? "Who is the Gospel for", is what the Calvinists teach in their version of the Atonement, and therefore very relevant here.