Why the Apostolic Gospel Matters

The Apostolic Gospel matters because it is the definition and foundation of the Christian faith. It matters regarding five main aspects of belief and doctrine: authenticity, authority, accuracy, affirmation and accountability. The gospel and the other New Testament documents are the eyewitness testimony to the words and deeds of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God and Saviour of the world. Here is why the Apostolic Gospel matters.

Introduction

We all have things that matter to us. We all focus on what is important. We set priorities in life and follow them. We also need a basis to build our lives on, a stable foundation in terms of values, principles and creeds to live by. Our faith foundation must rest on truth; and truth is in Jesus Christ who is the Truth and spoke the truth. It was transmitted to us through His disciples/apostles, the eyewitnesses. The gospel which they had received is the gospel they passed on (1 Corinthians 15:1-10) and the gospel faithful believers handed down after them (2 Timothy 2:2). The gospel of salvation is the faith once and for all delivered to the saints/believers (Jude 3).

The gospel is the centre of the Meta-Narrative of divine salvation history (Infographics).

The Apostolic Gospel is the Good News about Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins and was raised from the dead for our justification in order to give us eternal life. It is the Good News of God’s plan of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He offers us the forgiveness of sins and a new life on earth and eternal life for life after death. This message was delivered by the original apostles, inscripturated in the New Testament (NT) and summaries in the Apostles’ Creed. All of this matters as the definition and foundation of faith.

1 Authenticity

The Gospel of Jesus Christ was proclaimed through the apostolic witness in Acts and written down in the four canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). These writings come from the eyewitnesses and their associates. These writings are testimony to what Jesus did and taught and assure us of the gospel's authenticity. What they saw, heard and touched, is what they shared and passed on (1 John 1:1-4). The eyewitnesses themselves wrote gospels (e.g., Matthew, John) and so did their associates (e.g., Mark) after careful investigation (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-2). We can rely on the message that was passed on to us. There are thousands of manuscripts that is witness to the Bible's authenticity.

The canonical writings of the Bible enable us to discern truth from error and to distinguish sound doctrine from heresy. By canonical we refer to the 66 books of the Bible. It is the 'measuring rod' (Greek: kanon) to discern truth from error and heresy. We learn what is authentic and what is not. As believers we must know truth from error. Even in the early church there were false teachers, false prophets and false apostles. In later centuries false gospels of Gnostic origin emerged with (pseudepigraphal) names of people associated with Christ (e.g. The Gospel of Thomas) or outright forgeries (e.g., The Gospel of Barnabas).

From Paul’s writings we know that there were more apostles than the original twelve. Paul himself was chosen after the Ascension of Christ (see Acts 9) and entrusted with the gospel (Galatians 2:7-9; Philippians 1:7, 17). Paul and the original apostles preached the gospel. Others, too, were ambassadors of the gospel with apostolic authority (e.g., 1 Corinthians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 1:19). The key issue was ‘the message of truth’ they proclaimed, namely, that salvation is in Christ, available to all and accessible by faith in Him. Yet there were also false apostles the church tested and found wanting (Revelation 2:2). The major test of apostolic authority and authenticity was the content of the message. Those who denied that Jesus came in the flesh (incarnation as a man) were not of God (1 John 4:1-6). Paul preached Christ, not himself or his doctrine (2 Corinthians 4:5). He preached Christ as Lord. He preached 'Christ crucified' as Saviour (1 Corinthians 1:23; 2:2) so that the faith of the believers would rest on Christ (2:4-5).

The centre of Paul’s preaching and teaching was Jesus Christ and the message of the gospel: that Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3). Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6) and came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). The forgiveness of sins brings redemption to those who believe (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 1:16). He preached ‘Jesus and the resurrection’ (Acts 17:18), a message validated by the resurrection (v 31). Paul preached the full counsel of God, not shying away to tell people the whole truth, testifying of ‘repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Acts 20:17-27). He did so precisely because false teachers, like wolves in sheep clothing, would seek to destroy the church from within (v 29-30). True shepherds, on the other hand, are to guard the ‘flock’ with the gospel of the One who shed His life for His people (v 28). False shepherds and false prophets are a real danger to the church as they speak contrary to the teachings of Christ (Matthew 7:15-27). Paul taught those who came to him concerning the salvation of God, the Kingdom of God and the things concerning Jesus Christ (Acts 28:28-31).

Imposters and false teachers would teach contrary to the 'sacred writings' of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), such are strange and unhealthy teachings we must reject as inauthentic. The inspired Scripture is the authentic Word of God (2 Timothy 3:13-17). The true gospel is 'according to the Scriptures' (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Sound doctrine/teaching is in line with the 'glorious gospel of Jesus Christ' (1 Timothy 1:5-11). What Paul and the other apostles passed on, is what they had received. These were not novel teachings, but ‘according to the Scriptures’ (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). After the resurrection, Jesus showed His disciples from the Hebrew Scriptures that the Christ had to suffer and all things pertaining Him had to be fulfilled (Luke 24:44-47; cf., 22:37).

The gospel appeared to be a ‘new doctrine’ to the Athenians (Acts 17:19), those unfamiliar with the prophetic Scriptures. Paul told them that the source of truth is the Creator of all things (vv 22-30), a message confirmed by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead (v 31). Paul witnessed to what was written in the Torah and the Prophets (Acts 24:14) and his hope in God was in the resurrection (v 15). The apostles would not have gone through all the suffering if this message was not true. Paul gave uo everything to follow His Saviour and spread the message of salvation. All who lived in Jerusalem knew very well that Jesus had lived among them, performed miracles, was crucified under Pontius Pilate. Even Jewish and Roman historians reported on such events, notably Josephus and Tacitus. No ancient historian denies that Jesus lived.

Paul also met with those who were apostles before him (Galatians 1:11—2:3). With ‘my gospel’ Paul didn’t mean something unique, different from all others or some novelty no one had ever heard of. The revelation of the gospel was according to the Scriptures and the unveiling of the mystery promised in the prophetic passages of the Hebrew Bible (Romans 16:25-27). It is no longer a mystery; it is now revelation. Paul and others were faithful stewards of what God had revealed (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). They were authentic apostles, who carried God’s authority in line with Scripture and therefore they offered accuracy over against false apostles and false gospels and authority over against imposters and evil men teaching things contrary to the gospel. When Peter explained the phenomenon of prasing God in different languages at the Day of Pentecost and then preached the gospel, he did so based on the prophetic Scriptures (Acts 2:14ff). Hence, the apostolic witness and its authenticity and authority are based on the Hebrew Bible and the faithful transmission of the teachings of Jesus Christ. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and the apostles affirmed it. What is contrary to Scripture is heresy (1 Timothy 6:3).

Their message was authentic because it was the truth of Jesus Christ faithfully transmitted. The apostles were the authentic messengers of the gospel. The authentic gospel gives authority to the message preached.

2 Authority

The Apostolic Gospel is the gospel the apostles preached and transmitted to the body of believers once and for all (Jude 3). The apostles were the original disciples and eyewitnesses of Jesus Christ. They shared what they had heard, seen and touched (1 John 1:1-4). Their witness was crucial for the veracity (truthfulness), credibility and authority of the gospel. The early church, after the Ascension of the Messiah, remained in the apostles’ teaching/doctrine (Acts 2:42; 6:4). Their witness matters for all of humanity as we are all invited to understand and believe in God’s message of truth and plan of salvation for humanity. The gospel of salvation is the message of truth (Ephesians 1:13). The Apostolic witness matters for God’s truth was handed down by them. Apostolic doctrine matters because our faith is based on it.

The authority of the gospel lay within the apostolic source: given to and passed on by the apostles of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-10). They, in turn, passed it on to faithful men who would teach others in apostolic truth (2 Timothy 2:2). This was known as apostolic succession. The source had to be an apostle or, later, a disciple of apostles, and their disciples. The focal point, however, was the content of the message. The apostolic witness carries authority because what they passed on is what they heard, seen and touched (1 John 1:1-4; 2 Peter 1:16-21). They were instructed by Jesus to teach disciples to obey what He had taught them (Matthew 28:18-20). They had come to know the truth that set them free (John 8:31-36), and were to teach others, and they, in turn, were to teach others faithfully (2 Timothy 2:2). True disciples would abide in the doctrine of Christ and not deviate into heresy or false gospels (2 John 9-11).

They were not to invent their own fancy doctrines or come up with new ‘revelations,’ but rather faithfully transmitted what was entrusted to them. They preached Christ, not themselves (2 Corinthians 4:5). In a time of self-aggrandization or the quest to have power over people, which brings with it many wrong teachings and trends, we are to humbly serve by sharing the truth of the Gospel in Scripture as transmitted by the original apostles. Freely we received, freely we share.

Luke’s gospel was based on the eyewitnesses and servants/ministers of the word, so that the recipients might know the ‘exact truth’ about Jesus Christ as passed on by the apostles (Luke 1:1-4). Paul passed on to the believers what he himself had received; it is what the apostles taught (1 Corinthians 15:1-10). The apostles’ witness was of the truth about Jesus and the truth of His teaching. Truth matters because only the truth sets us free and ‘truth is in Jesus’ (Ephesians 4:21) who is the Truth (John 14:6). As believers and disciples of Jesus, we must abide in the truth of His word. We must know the ‘exact truth’ of what Jesus did and taught, so that we, too, may abide in the truth of His teaching and live free lives in Christ. The apostles were commanded to teach the disciples to obey what Jesus had entrusted to them (Matthew 28:18-20). Only those who hear and obey Christ’s teaching will be wise and stable in the storms of life (Matthew 7:24-27). Only those who abide in His teaching will know the truth that sets them free (John 8:31-36). The authority of the Apostolic Gospel matters because its truth sets us free and keeps us discerning in a world of confusion, heresy and false gospels.

The authority of the apostles was not to be enforced, and certainly not by political power as later abuses in church history tragically show. The apostles’ authority was based on their witness (Galatians 1:1), their integrity (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12) and the fruit of their labour (1 Corinthians 9:1-2). The true signs of apostleship had manifested among the believers (2 Corinthians 12:12). Paul was gentle like a nursing mother (1 Thessalonians 2:7; cf., 2 Corinthians 10:1), yet uncompromising when it comes to truth (Galatians 2:5, 11-21). His authority was not to pull down but to build up (2 Corinthians 10:8; 13:10). Genuine leaders are not breaking down people to impose their authority on others; they serve and build up believers for their edification and benefit.

Authority is in competence and must be used to edify others, not control them or keep them down. We are to equip others to reach their full potential and serve God’s purpose for their lives. Paul’s heart was one of selfless service for the gospel of the grace of God and to proclaim the full counsel of God (Acts 20:24, 27). He did anything he could for the elect, God’s people (2 Timothy 2:10). True apostolic leaders serve as their Master had served (Mark 10:43-45). Their authority lies in their humility and service to others (1 Peter 5:1-4). As Andrew Murray wrote so beautifully, water always seeks the lowest place and the branch with the most fruit, bows the lowest. In a world of ambitious and competitive achievement, pride often creeps in with it. Humility is the true mark of Christ. We serve to glorify God, not ourselves (Matthew 5:16). True apostleship will reflect Christ and apostolic doctrine will point to Christ and make believers grow into Him (Ephesians 4:15). The message of the apostles carried authority because it was the truth of Jesus Christ.

3 Accuracy

The accuracy of the Apostolic Gospel enables us to know the accurate truth of Scripture and helps us to discern deviations from it. Paul had his share of other (false) gospels to contend with (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15). Not only is heresy a problem, but even deviations from the gospel are dangerous. Sometimes the gospel is intertwined with cultural norms or mixed with tradition o men. This can shift the focus away from the central aspects of the gospel: ‘Jesus Christ and Him crucified’ (1 Corinthians 2:2). Christ must be the centre of our message, the foundation of our faith and the head of the church. His teaching must be the bedrock of all doctrine (1 Corinthians 3:11) according to the foundational apostolic witness (Ephesians 2:20). Sound doctrine is in line with the glorious gospel (1 Timothy 1:5-11). Any deviation is inaccurate and potentially dangerous as heresy sometimes comes in half-truths.

The minister of the word must accurately teach the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15; 4:2). The gospel of salvation is ‘the message of truth’ (Ephesians 1:13) that cannot be distorted. Unless people hear the Word of Christ, true faith cannot arise in their hearts (Romans 10:14-17). We are to be good stewards of what God has revealed and share the Word without diluting it, meddling with it or handling it with deceit (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). We are to speak the truth in love and point people to Christ (Ephesians 4:15), and not water it down to ‘tickle people’s ears.’ That is, just telling them what they want to hear, rather than what they need to hear from the Word of God. The accuracy of the Apostolic Gospel matters because its truth sets people free, brings them salvation and eternal life, and keeps them discerning in a world of confusion, heresy and false gospels. Lies deceive and distortions are destructive. Accuracy helps us not to be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine according to the trickery of deceiving teachers (Ephesians 4:14), but to remain focused on Christ (v 15) and His doctrine (2 John 9).

We have the Spirit of truth who guides us in the truth of Scripture as Jesus taught and the apostles handed down (John 14:26; 16:12-15). The Spirit would not 'reveal' or 'speak' anything contrary to the truth of Scripture. While visions, dreams and prophetic utterance are part of the Spirit-dimension of the Church until Christ returns (Acts 2:14ff), we are to test all things and hold on to what is good and biblical (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21). Accuracy matters as 'the devil is in the detail.' The devil, too, deceived by twisting the Word of God: he succeeded to mislead Eve and even tried it on Jesus! Accuracy is vital in order not to fall for the small, deceptive inaccuracies that deceive. True ministers of God must accurately handle the word of truth and accurately share the Word (2 Timothy 2:15; 4:2).

4 Affirmation

The Apostolic Gospel is the heart of the Bible and framework for all doctrine (1 Timothy 1:5-11). We can only affirm as authentic and authoritative what is in line with the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ and the sacred Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:14-17). The Spirit of truth will only witness to the gospel of truth. He would remind us what Jesus taught and affirm His truth. We are to abide in the Word in order to understand the truth that sets us free (John 8:31-32). Truth is in Jesus (Ephesians 4:21) and nothing contrary to His truth can have doctrinal affirmation.

The twisting or distortion of Scripture is the first step that leads to heresy and deception. We must be certain of the content of the apostolic faith and be clear regarding what is authentic and accurate. A healthy faith can only be built on sound doctrine. Distortions lead to a 'shipwreck' of our faith (1 Timothy 1:18-20), drowning in the ocean of heresy and confusion. Giving heed to 'deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons' viilates the affirmation of truth (4:1-3). People start to falsely affirm what is not in Scripture or even contrary to the Word. We cannot affirm such extra-biblical teaching. Visions and dreams can illustrate divine truth or give us personal guidance in some way, but doctrine is affirmed by the objectivity of the written Word.

In order to have sound doctrine, we need sound methodologies of interpretation. If the method is wrong, the result cannot be right. Biblical interpretation is an important and complex matter we must pay careful attention to. This is especially true when it comes to deception and heresy, as many of them appear ‘biblical’ and sometimes even sound ‘reasonable.’ A good teacher should not only share what the Bible means, but also why this is so. Even the devil used Scripture to try to mislead Jesus (Matthew 4:6). It is therefore vital to know what ‘is written’ (vv 4, 7, 10) and how to apply it properly and accurately. People can claim anything, and often use Scripture to ‘back up’ their claims. But it takes careful discernment to point to inaccuracies and error. It takes careful study to understand biblical truth properly.

There is also the element that people believe everything a certain teacher or minister says, often without discerning or making sure it can be biblically affirmed. They follow, sometimes blindely, a certain personality without proper reference to Scripture. Some people assume a role of teaching and position of authority over people that is cult-like. No person is infallible. Such ministers usually do not allow for dispute or disagreement—a serious red flag we cannot afford not to heed! A teacher, secure in his doctrine as biblical, should not fear questions or challenge. In fact, the depth of knowledge and understanding is often best seen in answering questions; good character is seen in peaceful and constructive responses.

While all debate should be done respectfully and, sometimes, we must ‘agree to disagree,’ we should always remain humble to learn and critical to discern. All of us have more to learn; yet we should neither be overcritical, neither gullible. It is therefore important that all doctrine is affirmed by Scripture, in line with the gospel, and based on sound interpretation. We need to draw out the meaning from Scripture, not read our ideas into it. There are times we need to defend biblical truth (Jude 3), but we must do so with humility, gentleness and patience (2 Timothy 2:23-26) while paying close attention that our own doctrinal convictions are biblical and sound (1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 2:13-17).

5 Accountability

Finally, we will all be held accountable for our words (Matthew 12:36-37) and what we taught (5:19-20), especially the teachers (James 3:1). We must all be accountable to God how we lived and what we said, but especially, regarding how we handled His Word. Unless the foundation of the faith we teach is Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), all our labour might burn up at Judgement Day (vv 12-17). True wisdom is according to God's Word (vv 18-23). We will be held accountable to His Word.

Doctrinal accountability is healthy. We remain humble to learn. Paul related to the other apostles and they were accoutnable to one another. They worked as a team (e.g., Acts 15). Accountability is a guard against getting proud and falling like the rebellious angels who lost their place in heaven. False teachers will join them in eternity, as Jude makes clear in no uncertain words (Jude 5-16). The anti-dote to heresy and deception are remaining faithful to the words of the apostles of Jesus Christ (v 17), rejecting sinful sensuality (vv 18-19) and building ourselves up in our most holy faith—the apostolic faith once and for all delivered (v 3)—in the power of the Spirit and the assurance of God's love (vv 20-21). We give glory to the One who is able to keep us (vv 24-25) as we remain humble before Him and faithful to His teaching. Living in accountability is living in humility.

Conclusion: Why the Apostolic Gospel Matters

The Apostolic Gospel matters because it is the definition of faith and the framework and foundation of all doctrine. We can trust the authenticity of Scripture and rely on the doctrinal authority of the apostolic eyewitnesses of Jesus Christ. We remain careful to accurately handle the Word of God and affirm only what is in line with the gospel and inspired, canonical Scripture. Discernment and biblical accuracy in line with apostolic authority is vital in the time we live in, a time of destructive confusion, competing doctrines and contradicting claims of authority. As we remain accountable to the authority of God's Word and faithful to its message, we are guarded against heresy and deception. We live in and proclaim the truth that sets free—the gospel of Jesus Christ, Son of God and Saviour of the world.

The Apostolic Gospel matters because we can be reassured in its divine authority, be certain of its biblical authenticity and be confident in its applicable accuracy. It is the foundation of our faith, the central message for our Christian walk and the framework for all doctrine. There is only one gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the faith once and for all delivered to the believers, for which we must contend (Jude 3). We share and apply the gospel in different cultures and contexts, and can use creative ways to express and illustrate it, but its essence and substance remain the same. They are not to be compromised. We are to remain faithful to the message of ‘our common salvation’ and ‘contend earnestly for the faith once for all handed down to the saints’ (Jude 3).