The gospel is not a limp suggestion or a timid whisper—it’s the war cry of the King, the good news of Jesus Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the devil himself. It’s the story of a holy God, a fallen world, a conquering Savior, and a call to arms for every one of us. The gospel is no mere sentimentality—it’s a battering ram against the gates of hell. It’s the covenantal glue that binds us to the Triune God and His unstoppable purposes. Here’s how we tell it, how we live it, and how we share it:
God … Man … Christ … Response.
God: The Sovereign Glory
There is one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—eternally existing in three Persons, a roaring furnace of holiness, righteousness, and justice. He spoke the cosmos into being (Genesis 1:1) and holds it together by the word of His power. He is love (1 John 4:16), yes, but a love so pure it incinerates evil (Habakkuk 1:13). He’s not a tame deity to be trifled with; He’s the Creator who demands worship, and His glory will not be mocked. We start here because you can’t know Jesus rightly until you tremble before the God who sent Him.
Man: Rebels Under Wrath
God made us, male and female, in His image (Genesis 1:27), to reflect His glory and revel in His presence. That was the plan—perfect communion, a world brimming with shalom. But we bought the serpent’s lie, rebelled against our Maker, and plunged creation into chaos (Romans 3:23). Sin isn’t a minor misstep; it’s cosmic treason. And the wages? Death (Romans 6:23). Every one of us is born a sinner, helpless, hopeless, stacking up wrath for the day when God’s justice rains down (Romans 2:5). Hell isn’t a metaphor—it’s the furnace waiting for those who defy the King.
Christ: The Warrior-Savior
But God—oh, the thundering mercy of those two words!—sent His Son, Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man (John 1:1, 14), to do what we could not. He lived the life we were meant to live—sinless, glorious, bursting with miracles. He died the death we deserved, taking the full brunt of God’s wrath on the cross (1 Peter 3:18). And on the third day, He kicked the tomb open, shattering sin, Satan, death, and hell itself (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This is no weak-kneed Jesus; this is the Lion of Judah who crushed the serpent’s skull and offers salvation to all who bend the knee. He’s the only way to God (John 14:6)—no back doors, no side hustles, just Christ.
Response: Repent and Believe
The King has come, the work is done, and now the ball’s in your court. You can stay dead in your sins, barreling toward damnation, or you can repent and trust in Christ (Mark 1:15). Repentance isn’t a polite apology—it’s a gut-wrenching turn from rebellion to submission. Faith isn’t a feeling—it’s staking your life on Jesus’ bloody cross and empty tomb (Ephesians 2:8-10). Call on His name (Romans 10:13), and He’ll swap your filthy rags for His spotless righteousness. That’s the deal: your sin for His glory, your death for His life (John 3:16). Look to Him and be saved.
The Gospel in Scripture: A Battle Plan
Here’s how the Word unpacks this glorious truth. Hide it in your heart, wield it like a sword:
- God Created Us for His Glory
Isaiah 43:5-7 – “Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” We exist to magnify Him, period. - We Should Live for His Glory
1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Every breath is a summons to worship. - But We Don’t
Romans 3:23 – “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We’ve spit in His face and loved it. - So We’re Damned
Romans 6:23a – “The wages of sin is death.” We’re not just broken; we’re dead men walking under wrath (Ephesians 2:3). - Christ Came to Save Us
1 Timothy 1:15 – “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” He nailed our debt to the cross and shamed the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:13-15). - Repent and Believe
Mark 1:15 – “Repent and believe in the gospel.” Salvation’s free, but it’ll cost you everything—your pride, your sin, your life. And it’s worth it (Acts 16:31).
How Do We Evangelize at Cornerstone?
Jesus didn’t stutter: “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). That’s our marching order, and it starts with evangelism—sharing the gospel with the lost, aiming to persuade them into the kingdom. Not everyone’s a gifted evangelist, but every Christian’s a commissioned one. Doug Wilson says it plain: “We’re not here to play nice with the world; we’re here to plunder it for Christ.” Rich Lusk adds the covenantal weight: “This is family business—bringing prodigals back to the Father’s table.”
Here’s how you do it:
- Know the Gospel Cold – Study this guide. Memorize the Scriptures. The gospel’s the power of God (Romans 1:16), not your eloquence.
- Pray Like Warriors – Ask God for open doors, softened hearts, and a spine of steel. Pray He’d make you bold, not because you’re clever, but because Christ is King.
- Step Up and Speak – Share it with your neighbor, your coworker, that surly barista—anyone God puts in your path. Don’t shrink back; the stakes are eternal.
- Trust the Outcome to God – You’re not the Holy Spirit. Plant the seed, swing the sword of truth, and let God do the heavy lifting.
Evangelism’s not comfy—it’s a fight. But the joy of obedience, the salvation of souls, and the glory of God are worth it. As Philemon 1:6 promises, sharing your faith grows your faith. So start today. Pray for a chance to tell someone about Jesus. Then go tell them. Win or lose, God gets the glory, and that’s what we’re about at Cornerstone.