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GOSPEL "CON" JOBS

    The gospel was designed by God to do certain things and accomplish particular goals.  Paul states the goal of the gospel in Romans 1:16:  "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Emphasis added.)

    To accomplish its goal the gospel performs several "con" jobs.  A look at Acts 2 will reveal these.

   (1)  The Gospel "CON"-fronts.  Peter confronted those listening with the fact that they had slain Jesus with their own "wicked hands." (v. 23) Men today, as then, must be confronted with the reality of their own sinfulness.

    (2)  The Gospel "CON"-vinces.  Peter backed up his charges by proving from scripture that Jesus of Nazareth was the One of Whom the Old Testament prophets had spoken.  He proved further that Jesus had been raised from the dead. (vs. 24-35) Based upon this proof, they could "know assuredly, that God has made that same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (v.36)

    (3)   The Gospel "CON"-victs.  Luck records, "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart ..."(v.37)  They were "arrested" by their consciences.  The people who had earlier without conscience demanded the death of an innocent man are now disturbed greatly by the realization of what they have done!  The gospel is designed to "reprove, rebuke, and exhort" (2Timoth 4:2), as well as to teach, correct, and instruct. (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17.)

    (4)   The Gospel "CON"-verts.  When those convicted of sin made inquiry as to what they needed to do.  Peter told them to "repent and be baptized... for the remission of sins..." (v.38)  All who "gladly received his word were baptized". (v 41)  In his "Solomon's Porch" sermon, Peter would later remind his listeners of their need to "repent and be converted..." (See Acts 3:19.)  To convert is to change.  The purpose of the gospel is to effect change in the hearts and lives of sinners to the saving of their souls.

    Have you been "conned" by the gospel?

                                                                      Edward L Anderson

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