Bible Question:

Why is the gospel preached around the world?

Bible Answer:

Why is the gospel preached around the world?

The purpose of the gospel or the good news about Jesus Christ is so that men and women can be rescued from their sins and bring glory to God. 1 Peter 4:3-6 is one passage that explains the purpose of the gospel.

3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. 1 Peter 4:3-6 (ESV)

Non-Christians Are Surprised When Christians Are Different

In verses 3-5 we are told that there are basically two types of people in the world. The first type of person is one who lives as they desire. They sin and expect others to be like them (v.  3-4). The second type of person is a Christian who does not live as they desire but for Christ (v. 4-5). Non-Christians expect Christians to join them and are surprised when Christians do not. Some non-Christians are offended when Christians do not join them.

Romans 1:32 provides additional insight when it says that non-Christians give hearty approval or are thrilled when others act as they do.

. . . but also give hearty approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:32 (NASB)

Our practical experience is that this is true. Matthew 24:9 prophesies that non-Christians will hate Christians and kill them. 1 Peter 4:3-4 demonstrates that non-Christians love their sin and Christians seek to not sin and this creates conflict.

Non-Christians Will Be Judged By God

Verse 5 states that God will judge the non-Christians. It does not matter if they are alive or dead. Everyone will stand before God someday and give an account for their evil deeds. In Matthew 12:36 Jesus said that we will give an account some day.

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12:36 (ESV)

In 1 Peter 1:17 we are warned that we also give an account for every deed.

 If you address as Father the One who  impartially  judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves  in fear during the time of your  stay on earth . . . 1 Peter 1:17  (NASB)

Therefore, God is warning us that everyone will give an account for their sins.

Why is the gospel preached around the world?

Verse 6 answers the question, “Why is the gospel preached?” The answer is that our loving God had the gospel preached so that we might live as God does. In the middle of this verse we are told that some who were dead had already heard the gospel also. This reveals that even though they are physically dead, they live in the spirit, as God does, because they accepted the gospel.

What is the gospel?

What is the gospel? 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 explains the gospel.

For I delivered to you  as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died  for our sins  according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was  raised on the third day  according to the Scriptures, and that  He appeared to Cephas, then  to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some  have fallen asleep; then He appeared to   James, then to  all the apostles; and last of all, as  to one untimely born,  He appeared to me also. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8  (NASB)

In summary, the gospel is the good news that our God, Jesus Christ died so that our sins can be forgiven. Why did Christ decide to die for us? The answer is found in Romans 6:23.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is  eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NASB)

This verse tells us that because we have sinned we deserve  spiritual death, that is, to go to eternal condemnation. Because we are sinners we needed someone to rescue us and Jesus Christ did when He died and was resurrected from the grave and returned back to heaven. Romans 10:9-12 explains that those who believe the gospel and submit themselves to Christ will be saved from eternal condemnation or hell or the Lake of Fire.

. . . that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and  believe in your heart that  God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;  for with the heart a person believes,  resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses,  resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE  DISAPPOINTED.” Romans 10:9-12 (NASB)

Conclusion:

Why is the gospel preached around the world? The answer is that God loves us (John 3:16; Romans 5:5-8). God seeks to rescue us from eternal condemnation or hell or the Lake of Fire. Those who believe the gospel and submit themselves to Christ will be saved. Therefore, the purpose of the gospel is to enable people to live eternally in the spirit and one day live in heaven.

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