Is the Gospel Really That Important?

In my quiet time today, my Scripture reading was in 1 Timothy 1. In the beginning of the chapter (v. 3-7), Paul writes about false teaching. He tells about how the early Christians were being sold incorrect copies of the gospel. He then talks about how the gospel is not for the just, but the broken. “Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted” (‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1:8-11‬ ‭ESV)‬‬.

When it comes to sharing our faith, we often use phrases similar to, “I’m going to share the gospel/good news”. Although it is true, how dare we use the gospel only for evangelism. When we have this mindset, we are putting the gospel in our little tool box that we only use for nonbelievers, when we are just as broken, and reliant on the gospel of Christ as nonbelievers are. The gospel is NOT for those who haven’t heard it. The gospel is for those who need it, yet do not deserve it. That’s me, that’s you, that’s every nonbeliever out there. The gospel is so much more than a one-hit-wonder. The gospel is something we ought to be reminding ourselves of every single day. God did not come for us to be so worried about our sanctification. It’s not about our holiness, but His sacrifice. The story of Jesus is so much more important than anything else ever. That includes our spiritual growth. Now, “Jack, what do you mean? Do not take away from the importance of our sanctification, you heretic!” you must be thinking. However by no means am I taking away from the importance of our spiritual growth. I am all for spiritual growth, and think that it is so essential for our relationship with God. All that I am doing is trying my best to point to you a glimpse at how great and much more important the gospel of Christ is. It is vital to everyday be reminding and re-teaching ourselves of the gospel of Christ. Yeah, it is that big of a deal.

In 1 Timothy 1:15, it states, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (ESV). Clearly Jesus came to save sinners. It’s not about performance. It’s not about status, or anything else we may accommodate salvation with. It’s simply about the willingness to accept and admit we are in need of the gospel everyday. By pushing the gospel away, viewing it as something we ‘needed’ rather than something we ‘need’, we are basically saying, “God, I am strong enough that I don’t need the gospel. I already know that story. Let’s move on and get to the meat!” You know what? I don’t think we are ever ready for the meat. I don’t think I will ever be able to be sufficient enough to not need the gospel of Christ. It’s because of our need for the gospel that we are graced with it. Now...let’s start off our day reminding ourselves of the very much needed gospel of Jesus Christ, shall we?

-Jack Hilsher

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1:15‬ (‭ESV)

“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”