(1) INTRODUCTION
As a Christian, I have been asking:-
– What to believe in?
– What is the gospel?
Of course, different Christians believing God differently. For instance:-
– Some belief in godly career direction.
– Some looking for a godly life partner
– Some are struggling in finance and need a godly financial breakthrough.
– Some are seeking peace
– Some just inspire to worship God, etc.
Should we continue with the list, perhaps we can safely and surely say that at different stages in life, we have different needs or checklists.
(2) THE CRUCIAL QUESTION
But when Christians proclaim their belief in the Bible or Jesus, what does that truly entail? What does it mean to believe in the gospel? What exactly do we believe about the gospel and baptism, and how are they interconnected?
Before delving into the ‘Crucial Question,’ let’s examine Apostle Paul’s warning to the Corinthian churches in 2 Corinthians chapter 11. In the passage, Paul recounts how Eve succumbed to temptation, drawn in by the smooth words of the serpent. He cautions that if believers were to tolerate such cunning deception, akin to Eve’s downfall, it would be like accepting:
– a different Jesus
– a different Spirit
– a different Gospel.
The full context is as follows:-
| 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 GNT 3 I am afraid that your minds will be corrupted and that you will abandon your full and pure devotion to Christ—in the same way that Eve was deceived by the snake’s clever lies. 4 For you gladly tolerate anyone who comes to you and preaches a DIFFERENT Jesus, not the one we preached; and you accept a spirit and a gospel completely different from the Spirit and the GOSPEL you received from us! (2 Corinthians 11:3-4 GNT | amenbible.com) |
Eve had only a slight tolerance for the snake. She could not have imagined that her slight deviation from God’s word would lead to her falling away from His presence. In the Book of Second Corinthians, Paul draws a comparison. Even a slight distortion of God’s word or a minor deviation in belief is viewed as:
- corrupting the mind,
- straying from sincere devotion to Christ,
- being deceived by Satan.
To Paul, any departure from God’s truth, no matter how slight, is akin to falling into Satan’s deception. Likewise, even a small lapse in faith can lead to complete devastation. With that in mind, we will delve into ‘The Crucial Question’ regarding the nature of the gospel, baptism, belief, and their interconnectedness.”
(3) WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
In contemporary teaching, it is emphasized that:
- The gospel is synonymous with “Good News.”
- Any preaching about poverty, suffering for Christ, or God’s wrath is not considered “Good News” and thus not originating from God.
- The gospel is centered on “Grace.”
- Christ has not only paid for everything believers need but has also fully provided for it. Believers simply need to exercise faith to receive all blessings and gifts from God.
- Baptism is merely a public declaration of following Christ, symbolic and devoid of deeper significance.
However let’s look at some of the scripture for the definition such as Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3 below:-
| Mark 1:1-5, GNT 1 This is the GOOD NEWS about JESUS CHRIST, the Son of God. 2 It began as the prophet Isaiah had written: “God said, ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.’ 3 Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” 4 So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. “TURN AWAY FROM YOUR SINS and be baptized,” he told the people, “and GOD WILL FORGIVE YOUR SINS.” 5 Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. THEY CONFESSED THEIR SINS, and he baptized them in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:1-5, GNT) |
| Matthew 3:1-3 GNT 1 At that time John the Baptist came to the desert of Judea and started preaching. 2 “Turn away from your sins,” he said, “because the Kingdom of heaven is near!” 3 John was the man the prophet Isaiah was talking about when he said, “Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” (Matthew 3:1-3, GNT — 6 They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan. (Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3:1-3 | amenbible.com) |
What are the key points brought out by these two passages of scripture?
Mark’s Gospel begins with John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus’ earthly ministry, emphasizing that the gospel is not simply encapsulated in the phrase “GOOD NEWS”. Rather, it encompasses Jesus’ entire life and His mission to bring the Holy Spirit to humanity. The Gospel Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—narrate the complete story of Jesus:
– His life,
– His teachings,
– His methods, and
– His mission.
Therefore, believers and preachers should integrate insights from all four perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding of Christ’s purpose and the gospel message.
(4) THE BOOKS OF THE GOSPELS
Returning to the accounts in both Matthew and Mark reveals that the gospel calls upon non-believers to repent from their sins, confess them, and then be baptized, with the scripture assuring, “AND GOD WILL FORGIVE YOUR SINS.” Repentance from sin is not only essential but also a prerequisite for acceptance by God.
In Mark 1 and Matthew 3, it becomes clear that non-believers cannot claim all their sins are forgiven at the moment of salvation without first repenting of their sins.
Moreover, baptism should not be reduced to mere symbolism or a public declaration for Christ’s followers alone; rather, it requires a prior turning away from sins.
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus instructed His disciples to baptize those who desire to commit their lives to Him, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This verse stands out as one of the few in the Bible where all three divine names are mentioned together, emphasizing the significance and solemnity of baptism. It underscores that baptism is more than a mere symbol—it signifies a renunciation of sinful ways.
Should we take the Great Commandment from Mark’s account, it states clearly that:
– Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16, GNT)
– It is a “AND” condition for believing and baptism in order to be saved.
The scripture reference as below:-
| Matthew 28:19-20, GNT 19 Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: BAPTIZE THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, 20 and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, GNT) |
| Mark 16:15-18, GNT 15 He said to them, “Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 Believers will be given the power to perform miracles: they will drive out demons in my name; they will speak in strange tongues; 18 if they pick up snakes or drink any poison, they will not be harmed; they will place their hands on sick people, and these will get well.” (Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-18 | amenbible.com) |
(5) BE BAPTIZED
Let’s look at another verse to confirm Mark’s teaching below:-
| Acts 1:8 GNT 8 But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:4-5; 8 | amenbible.com) |
Scholars debate the authenticity of the last verses of Mark (Mark 16:9-20), that these verses were added later and not part of the original manuscript.
Cessationism contradicts Mark 16 and Acts 1:8. This doctrine argues that certain spiritual gifts, such as healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues, ceased after the apostolic age, suggesting they were meant only for the foundational period of the church and not to continue indefinitely. However, the truth is that these spiritual manifestations are intended to continue “to the ends of the earth.”
On one end of the spectrum, some view “Prosperity” negatively. On the opposite extreme, the Prosperity Gospel assures believers that God intends for them to experience financial and physical well-being.
This is how current denominations conflict with each other. Christians should be adhering to the core teachings of the Bible rather than doctrines that may vary between denominations.
Nevertheless, apostle John did pray for Gaius to prosper in 3 John 1:2 [Recap: 3 JOHN (PROSPER IN ALL THINGS)]
Furthermore, God prospered Abraham, Isaac, King David, and King Solomon in the Old Testament. Additionally, in Deuteronomy, Moses reminded God’s people that it was He who enabled them to gain wealth. Whether in the Old or New Testament, we serve the same God. These blessings and prosperity are not only spiritual but also tangible.
(6) SEEK YE FIRST
There again, it’s important to clarify that prosperity and universal health are not guaranteed for all believers. This viewpoint contradicts the experiences of the first-century apostles, such as Paul, who supported himself through tent-making (Acts 18:3).
However, the Bible does teach that God provides for His people. A well-known verse emphasizing this is Matthew 6:33:
Some interpretations of this verse emphasize Christ’s righteousness over believers’ righteousness, suggesting that by focusing on Christ’s glory and His righteousness, believers will receive everything they need. Others argue that Matthew 6:33 primarily concerns spiritual blessings rather than material or physical ones. Yet, within the passage, Jesus references the beauty of flowers and the provision of food for birds, indicating a concern for tangible, earthly needs alongside spiritual matters.
In this context, Jesus advises against worrying about physical necessities like food and clothing, highlighting the importance of physical well-being alongside future spiritual glory.
Moreover, the passage contrasts God’s provision with the lavish lifestyle of King Solomon, illustrating that regardless of wealth or status, God remains the ultimate provider for all.
(7) SLIGHT UNBELIEVING AND SLIGHT TWISTING IS NOT BELIEVING
In summary, if one feels the need to paraphrase, alter the Bible’s original context, interpret every verse exclusively through the lens of grace, or find Jesus’ fulfillment in every passage, that approach is not true belief but selective belief.
Similarly, if one interprets scriptures to suggest that all healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues have ceased, such a view is inconsistent with God’s word. It isn’t merely doubt but rather diminishes the Church’s power, reducing it to a mere earthly social organization devoid of spiritual authority. This represents partial belief and amounts to unbelief.
(8) CONCLUSION
May the Lord grant us the faith to trust Him and His Word with the simplicity of a child. Adopting paraphrased interpretations or cessationism views can distort His message and lessen its spiritual impact and truth.
Jesus’ primary mission was to guide believers in seeking God’s kingdom, living righteous lives, and testifying to His spiritual authority. However, contemporary teachings often refer to the Gospel as the “Gospel of Grace,” suggesting that Jesus’ purpose was merely to provide material blessings. This interpretation is not accurate.
The Gospel is far more than just “Good News”. The true Gospel of Christ, as presented in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, covers an in-depth account of Jesus’ life and mission, including the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Like Eve, who fell away due to a slight deviation from God’s word, we must believe fully and not selectively. Today, His word is being fragmented and supplanted by denominational differences. Prioritizing alignment with genuine biblical truth should precede personal desires and goals Amenbible.
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