Nine Marks of a Healthy Church - 3rd Mark

It's a sad state of affairs in the church today, but an accurate gospel message is rarely heard. I cringe when I listen to Christian radio DJ's try to share the gospel, and I know much of "Christian" television is heresy. I often wonder how many Christians would be able to give a complete presentation of the gospel if asked to do so. As part of Ashlea's membership requirement at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Mark Dever required her (as with all membership candidates) to give the complete gospel in less than one minute. I believe that's something all Christians should be prepared to do.

We looked at the biblical understanding of the good news in church yesterday as Pastor Dave continued through the Nine Marks of a Healthy Church series. Pastor first shared the following of what the gospel is not:

• The good news is not simply that we are okay. The Bible tells us we are rebels against the Almighty God, wild by nature, and wanting to go our own way. Every part of each human is tainted by sin. (James 2:10-11)
  
• The good news is not simply that God is love. God's love does not outweigh His other attributes. God is also holy and just, and He requires that sin be punished.
  
• The good news is not simply that Jesus wants to be our friend. Yes, Jesus is a friend to sinners, but not on our terms. Friendship with Jesus can only happen after we have been regenerated - given new life in Christ.
  
• The good news is not simply that we should live right. We don't benefit from the gospel by being "good" people. God doesn't accept us because we live moral lives, and we can't earn His favor by doing good deeds. In the kingdom of God, nice people finish last (spend eternity in hell) because they have no need for a crucified Savior. The are resting on their own laurels rather than trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross.

So, what exactly is the complete gospel message? From Mark Dever: "When I present the gospel to someone, I try to remember four points - God, man, Christ, response. Have I shared with this person the truth about our Holy God and Sovereign Creator? Have I made it clear that we as humans are a strange mixture, creatures made in the image of God and yet fallen, sinful and separated from Him? Does the person I talking with understand who Christ is-- the God-man, the only mediator between God and man, our substitute and resurrected Lord? And finally, even if I've shared all this with him, does he understand that he must respond to the gospel, that he must believe this message and so turn from his life of self-centeredness and sin?" (Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, p. 23)

When was the last time you heard that gospel message on Christian radio, or in your own church for that matter? It's something to think about.