Why the Centrality of the Gospel Matters

The centrality of the Apostolic Gospel matters because it is the foundation and framework for all doctrine and must remain our main focus since it is the main message of the Bible and the central message of the apostles. Paul preached the gospel as the word of God and it must therefore be central. Shifting the Gospel away from the centre of our teaching and mission will jeapordise all doctrine and activity. The Gospel must be central because it is main message we are to preach and teach. Here is why it matters.

Introduction

Paul preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ as 'of first importance' (1 Corinthians 15:3 NASB, NET, NIV) or 'first of all' (NKJV). He preached Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2) as the word/message of the cross that is the power and wisdom of God unto salvation (1:18-24). The gospel Paul passed on was the greatest priority and the central aspect in all of his preaching and teaching. He had given up everything that was dear and important to him in order to follow the holy calling with which he was called by the Messiah (Philippians 3:4-11; 2 Timothy 1:8-12; Acts 20:24). Paul also preached the gospel as the Word of God. The gospel they preached is the word of God, not a human word (1 Thessalonians 1:5,13). The gospel is 'the hope of eternal life' as God promised in times past and is now proclaimed as 'His word' (Titus 1:1-3). Therefore, as the word of God (that which God is saying) the gospel must remain central.

We have pointed out (here) that Paul did not want the church to revolve around preachers and personalities, but centre around Christ and the gospel. Preachers are but servants—Christ is Lord and Saviour! Christ and the gospel must be central to our proclamation and teaching ministries. Only through proclaiming the gospel can faith arise in the hearts of people in order to be saved (Romans 10:14-17; Ephesians 1:13-14). Only as Christ is preached, the veil that blinds people's hearts is removed and spiritual darkness in the minds of people is broken—the light of the gospel penetrates demonic darkness and light shines in people's hearts (2 Corinthians 3:1—4:6; read more). Only the gospel brings 'life and immortality to light' (2 Timothy 1:8-10) and moves people from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13-14). Christ must be preached as Saviour and Lord, as He saves us and will also judge us  (see more). The gospel was central to the preaching of Jesus and the apostles. The gospel must, therefore, be central to us and our ministries.

The apostolic witness of Christ as the Cornerstone of the apostolic gospel of salvation and reconciliation is the foundation of the faith community (Ephesians 2:19-21). Christ is the irreplaceable foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11). The gospel is the message once for all passed down to the believers (Jude 3) and the framework for all doctrine. Anything contrary to the glorious gospel is false doctrine and fails to fulfil the purpose of apostolic instruction (1 Timothy 1:5-11; 6:3-6). Keeping the gospel central will keep our focus clear and our faith on the right path.

1 Foundation

Christ is the irreplaceable foundation of our faith and the faith community (1 Corinthians 3:11). The church at Corinth was divided by preachers and personailities, and Paul sought to unite them in Christ and the gospel he was called to preach (1:10-17). The message of the cross is the power and wisdom of God unto salvation (vv 18-25). Only in Christ are God's righteousness, santification and redemption to be found; only by being 'in Christ Jesus' we truly understand who we are and what our potition before God is (vv 26-31). Paul preached 'Jesus Christ and Him crucified' (2:2) and did so in the power of God (v 4) so that people's faith is centred in Christ and rooted in the power of God, not human wisdom (v 5). Christ and the gospel were central and foundational to Paul. This was the only way to unite a divided church.

All the wisdom of God is in Christ and revealed by the Spirit as we live with the mind of Christ (vv 6-16). As believers understand the gospel, they can become mature and not remain childishly immature by dividing the church around human personalities (3:1-4). Paul, Apollos and others who

preached the gospel are but servants and ministers through whom people believed (v 5). Ministers serve and cooperate as God's fellow-workers (synergoi) according to the grace given to each one, yet it was God who gave the increase/growth (vv 6-9). The ministers are the workers, God's people are, figuratively speaking, God's field and building (v 9). The word is the seed, people's hearts are the soil, as Jesus taught (Mark 4; Matthew 13). Paul's central emphasis was always on Christ. Ministers are not unimportant, yet they find their rightful place as servants, not overlords of people.

Paul saw himself as a 'wise master builder' laying 'the foundation' according to the grace of God given to Him (v 10). His adequacy came from God, as he reiterated in this second letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 3:4-6). Christ is the foundation Paul laid in the believers through his preaching and teaching, the irreplaceable foundation of the faith and the faith community—that foundation is laid and it is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). How ministers build on that foundation is up to them; God will judge and reward accordingly (vv 12-15). The believers are the temple of God's Spirit and defiling that temple is a grave matter (vv 16-17). The believers are not to fall for the human wisdom and be deceived regarding what truly matters; our focus must be on Christ and God's wisdom revealed in Christ (vv 18-20). Believers are to understand the power of God to save and the wisdom of God to live life as He originally intended. Human knowledge puffs up, yet the true love of God builds up (8:1b). In other words, knowledge apart from God's wisdom makes arrogant; God's love as revealed in the gospel edifies. Ministers are important in their roles to proclaim the gospel, yet what believers have in Christ is what truly matters (3:21-23).

The gospel is the word of God, not the invention of man. The gospel the apostles preached (1 Thessalonians 1:5) in the face of strong opposition (2:2) is the word of God, not a human word (v 13). The faith Paul proclaimed as an apostle (messenger) of Jesus Christ is 'the hope of eternal life' and 'His Word' (God's word) as promised in the past (Titus 1:2-3). The gospel is the word of God (Philippians 1:12-14). Therefore, as the word of God, the gospel must, therefore, remain central. Paul preached Christ crucified in the power of the Spirit (1:5), not in human strength, for it is the word of God, not a human concept (1 Corinthians 2:1-4). Only preaching Christ in the power of the Spirit will ensure that their faith rests in Christ and the power of God, not on human ideas (v 5). God previously spoke through the fathers and the prophets, yet in the last days He speaks through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-3). Peter also pointed out that the gospel is the word of God which will remain forever, as the imperishable seed through which we are born again (1 Peter 1:23-25) to a living hope by the message of the resurrection (v 3). When Moses and Elijah appearded on the Mountain of Transfiguration (Matthew 17), the conclusion was that we must hear God's Son (v 5) who 'alone' (v 8) remained there when the ancient prophets faded away. This is not to downplay Moses and Elijah, or the Law and the Prophets. It is to point out that we must keep Jesus Christ and the gospel about Him central in everything we teach and do. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the Gospel of God in that God speaks through His Son (Romans 1:1-7). It is His message of salvation to humanity as the word of God (1:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13).

The central aspect of all apostolic proclamation was Christ and Him crucified and raised from the dead as the irreplaceable foundation of the faith and the faith community. The apostolic witness to Christ and His unifying work at the cross was 'the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone' (Ephesians 2:20). The apostolic-prophetic ministries are foundational in that they proclaimed Christ as 'our peace' who died on the cross and offers salvation as God's grace through faith to those who are lost in sin, alienated from God, but in Christ can be brought near and be included into God's people and all the covenant promises of God (2:1-19). This is possible as we build our faith and lives on the foundation that was laid by the eyewitness apostles and prophets of the first century as handed down by the NT documents and summarised in the Apostles' Creed. This is the faith of 'our common salvation' once and for all passed down to the believers/saints (Jude 3). It is through this gospel at the centre of our proclamation and teaching that believers can grow into a 'holy temple' as 'a dwelling place of God in the Spirit' (Ephesians 2:20-22).

The mystery once hidden, has been revealed by the apostles and prophets, namely, that through the gospel of Christ, the Gentiles (non-Jews, formerly alienated from God and not part of the commonwealth of God's covenant blessings), can become part of God's people (3:1-6). Paul had been chosen by God and appointed to proclaim the message of salvation (v 7) that makes the transition from the domain of sin (2:1-3) and darkness into the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13-14), from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God through the forgiveness of sins (Acts 26:18) possible. The gospel of Christ in the apostolic witness is the foundational message that brings salvation by grace through faith to the world, that turns sinners into saints, and that forms believers into God's temple as His dwelling place on earth. The foundation of Christ in the gospel must be central. If the foundation is wrong, the building cannot stand. Christ, not persons or personalities or other doctrines, must be the centre of our preaching and the foundation of our teaching, or else, a house divided within itself won't stand. The foundational doctrine of Christ is also the framework for all teaching.

2 Framework

Paul had been appointed by God to be an apostle to both proclaim and defend the true message of salvation. Through God's grace he was able to build the church into the temple God intended her to be. The central aspect to his teaching was Christ and Him crucified, Christ the irreplaceable foundation as outlined in the apostolic witness. He preached the gospel as the word of God (1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2:2, 13). He did so in partnership with other apostles and ministers, who were God's servants unto the church. One of them was Timothy, 'a true son in the faith' (1 Timothy 1:1-2). Paul worked in relationship with others, always leading by example. He also entrusted God's work he was called to fufill to others. Timothy, for example, was instructed to 'remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith' (vv 3-4).

This was not some tyrannical attempt to suppress creativity of thoughht or freedom of speech. It was clear instruction to keep Christ and the gospel central. People are free to think and believe whatever they wish, yet the church is the place for the centrality of Christ and the gospel. The church of the living God is to be the pillar and support of the truth (3:15), not heresy, philosophical speculation or mere human wisdom. Paul was a preacher and defender of the true gospel (Philippians 1:15-17; 2 Timothy 1:8-11). He respected other people's philosophical views and religious thought, yet when it comes to the truth of the gospel, he was uncompromising. One can be uncompromising in proclamation while being gracious in attitude. We are to speak 'the truth in love' (Ephesians 4:15) as we outwork our faith in love (Galatians 5:6). We are to win people for Christ, not win an argument and lose people. Gentleness and patience are important when we seek to win people with the heart of God (see 2 Timothy 2:24-26). We must respect people's choices of faith, as the apostles did. Some hearers of the gospel accepted it, others rejected it, and still others would want to hear it again, presumably reflecting on what they had heard (see e.g., Acts 2:40-41; 13:48; 17:32-34). Some searched the Scriptures to verify the apostolic message (17:10-12). Preachers sow the seeds of the word; the condition of the soil of the heart and mind of the hearers will determine the resulting harvest (Mark 4; Matthew 13). We should, by all means, be creative in our presentations of the gospel and the different ways we seek to make people understand the truth of the gospel, yet we can never distort the content of gospel.

The reason Paul instructed Timothy to command people within the context of the church not to teach things that cause disputes is because these are contrary to edification by faith (1 Timothy 1:3-4). The purpose of Paul's instructions to do so, is to achieve the aim of his instruction: love from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith (v 5). This main aim is part of the framework for all doctrine. Love is the greatest commandment and fulfilment of the Law (Matthew 22:34-37; Romans 13:8-10). It is the way God wants us to live on the fundamental level (Galatians 5:13-26). As children of God we are to imitate the God of love by living in love (Ephesians 5:1-2), the new way of holiness, and no longer the old ways of sin (4:17-24). It is a lifestyle of honesty, forgiveness and love (vv 25-32). We are to live according to God's will, not in the slavery of sin (Colossians 3:1-11; see Q3); it is a lifestyle of humility, kindness and love (vv 12-14). It is the only lifestyle that gives true peace (v 15) as lived according to God's word for His glory (vv 16-17).

In outlining the main purpose of his instruction (1 Timothy 1:5), Paul warned Timothy of the dangers of abandoning what truly matters (v 6). There were those who abandoned the healthy centre of the gospel and taught all sorts of things from the Law they themselves didn't even understand (v 7). A confused person will cause more confusion. They also didn't apply the Law according to its original intention (v 8). The Word of God can be misinterpreted and used to abuse people. This is serious, as some heinous crimes were committed by people professing to be people of faith. Paul makes clear that the Law is good if used lawfully (v 8), explaining what that meant: sinful behaviour 'contrary to sound doctrine' (vv 9-10). The Law is good and teaches us to live according to God's will. His will is 'sound doctrine,' healthy teaching, that which is good for us. In his advocacy for the purpose of his instruction (genuine love) and the Law (moral behaviour), and how that is 'sound doctrine,' Paul concludes that sound doctrine is 'according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God' (v 11). All sinful behaviour is contrary to the Law and the gospel, and hence not the will of God. The gospel is, therefore, the framework for sound doctrine. All teaching must be in line with the gospel. The gospel must remain central. Teachings contrary to the sound words of Jesus' teaching are not healthy (1 Timothy 6:3ff). This gospel was committed to Paul's trust (v 11b) and he was its faithful steward (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). We are not to preach ourselves, but Christ crucified and Him as Lord (1 Corinthians 1:23; 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:5).

One other reason the gospel as outlined in Scripture is to be the framework for all doctrine is so that we will be able to withstand 'evil men and imposters' who teach contrary to God's will (2 Timothy 3:13). Timothy is instructed to remain faithful to what he had learned from Paul, what was written in 'the sacred writings,' the inspired Word of God (vv 14-16), which are able to instruct and equip us for life and ministry, as well as correct us to be in line with God's will according to God's word (v 17). The 'pattern of sound words' we are to hold on to (1:13) is the gospel of Jesus Christ (vv 8-12). It is the grace of God in which we stand strongly and the message we are to pass on to faithful people who teach others the truth of God (2:1-2) as, by way of analogy, good soldiers, determined athletes and hard-working farmers (vv 3-6). God imparts understanding as we reflect on the truth of Scripture (v 7) according to the gospel of salvation (vv 8-10). The centrality of the gospel matters as it serves as the framework of all doctrine with Christ at the centre. This approach will enable us to have Christ as our central focus and thus withstand heretical doctrines.

3 Focus

The right focus is crucial in life in order to keep us on the right path. If we are to 'hit the mark,' the centre of our aim is vital. In the midst of the storms of demonic heresies, false prophets and teachers, and evil men and imposters promoting every wind of doctrine, our focus on Christ as the centre is vital. Perhaps it is no coincidence that Jesus was crucified in the middle between two criminals (Luke 23:32-33). Even on the cross Jesus was the centre. In our proclamation and teaching it is imperative that He be the central focus. The equipping by the fivefold ministry so that the believers can do the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12) flows from the one Lord and God, the one faith and the one hope of our calling (vv 4-6). This is the way to walk worthy of our calling in the Spirit of unity (v 1-3). There is one gospel we are to proclaim!

The gifts of the ascended Christ (vv 7-10) are gifts to the Body of Christ for edification, maturation and functionality (vv 11-16). We are to grow up into Christ the Head of the church (v 15) as we become mature (v 13), with the result that we be stable in the storms of heretical doctrines (v 14). The edification and maturity in Christ leads to each member fulfilling their function in the corporate body in ministry (v 16). The centre is Christ; the gospel of Christ must be the central focus; the centrality of the gospel matters to face and handle the storms of false doctrine and heretical deception. If it is contrary to the gospel, it is not of God.

As we fight the good fight of faith, the confession of Christ as the central message of our faith is vital (1 Timothy 6:12-16). Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, empowers us to keep the right focus in the midst of the race we must run with endurance and the persecution we might be facing as His people (Hebrews 12:1-3). With the right focus on Christ and the centrality of the gospel, we can fight the good fight, finish our race and keep the faith in order to receive the crown of righteousness from the One whom we faithfully served, the Judge whose appearing we eagerly await (2 Timothy 4:6-8). If we lose focus of Christ at the centre, we are in danger of getting on the wrong track. The centrality of the gospel matters to have and keep our focus on Christ right.

Conclusion: Why the Centrality of the Gospel Matters

The gospel is the word of God to humanity: salvation in Christ by faith in Him based on His atonement on the cross for the forgiveness of sin and His resurrection from the dead as the victory over death in order to give us eternal life. Christ in the gospel is the irreplaceable foundation of faith, the framework of all doctrine and the central message to keep our focus fixed on the Author and Finisher of our faith. The centrality of the gospel matters because it keeps our faith centred in Christ, the Saviour, provides the framework for all doctrine in line with Christ, the Teacher, and helps us to stay on the straight and narrow in following Christ, the Lord.