I recently had a thought-provoking conversation with a friend about salvation and the nature of God’s goodness.
Our discussion touched on fundamental questions about faith, morality, and the relationship between humans and God.
My friend posed several challenging questions: What exactly is the gospel unto salvation? Is it essential for people to be “saved? “I’m a good person. Why do I need God or His salvation? “Why would God even care about humanity?
He explained that he had always strived to be a person of good character and couldn’t see why that wouldn’t be enough.
I listened to my friend’s perspective with interest. While I commended his commitment to good behavior, I gently pointed out that admirable conduct, while praiseworthy, doesn’t necessarily equate to God’s approval.
I acknowledged that many people don’t need God in their lives. This attitude can stem from various sources:
- Negative experiences with religion during childhood
- Personal philosophical beliefs
- A sense of self-sufficiency
The salvation story isn’t just ancient history but also Apostolic—it’s a living narrative with the power to revolutionize lives today, just as it has throughout the ages.
Consider these powerful examples:
The Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became one of the most influential apostles after his encounter with Christ.
My own life stands as a testament to the transformative power of this message and you too can experience this change.
If the concept of the Gospel seems challenging, don’t worry. We at the Riches of Christ have written this scriptural guide to help you grasp its essence. Remember:
Believing in this salvation message is your first step towards embracing and walking in your true identity in Christ.
THE POWER OF GOD TO CHANGE LIVES
Growing up in a Christian home, I was the model of religious devotion:
- Regular church attendance? Check.
- Active in multiple church departments? Absolutely.
- Outwardly pious? Without a doubt.
Yet, beneath this veneer of religiosity, a nagging emptiness persisted. Questions lingered, unanswered. Despite my fervent activities, something crucial was missing.
The Illusion of Self-Righteousness
I labored under a common misconception: that my religious works would make me righteous and acceptable to God the Father. I was building a tower of good deeds, hoping it would reach the heavens.
The Turning Point
Everything changed when I encountered “The Father and His Family” by W.E. Kenyon. This book wasn’t just words on a page—it was a revelation that shook my world.
Truth Unveiled
As I read, truth after truth hit me like waves:
- “The Father loves me!”
- “I am a child of God!”
- “The Father is always pleased with me!”
- “I am righteous!”
For the first time, the Gospel wasn’t just doctrine—it was a living reality that opened a new chapter in my life.
Scripture Comes Alive
Suddenly, Romans 1 vs 16 wasn’t just another verse—it pulsed with new meaning:
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
The power of God unto salvation—I was experiencing it firsthand.
The Transformation
This encounter with the true Gospel brought profound change:
- My heart found peace.
- My salvation felt secure.
- I realized I was complete in Christ—nothing missing, nothing broken.
The New Reality
Now, I stand confident in my new identity:
- A new creation in Christ
- Free from the influence of the devil and sin (Galatians 5 vs 24)
- A citizen of God’s kingdom of Light
This is the power of understanding the gospel unto salvation—it doesn’t just change your beliefs; it transforms your entire being.
THE GOSPEL UNTO SALVATION
The gospel unto salvation is about the love of God which was demonstrated through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ for our sins.
The gospel is about what Jesus did not what man can do.
I CORINTHIANS 15 vs 3 – 4: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (KJV)
In the bible verse above, Apostle Paul stated the fact of the gospel. It is when these facts are preached that a man can be saved.
The gospel is beyond stopping your sins and going to heaven. It is not about behaving right and God will make you successful in life.
It is also not about how God will kill your enemies. It is beyond telling people to stop sinful acts or sexual immorality, though it is good but it cannot produce salvation.
Preaching against idol worship is not bad but it cannot produce salvation.
Unfortunately, these are some of the messages preached in many religious places.
Hitting hard on sinful acts can excite people and produce some good effects such as a good moral life and even church attendance but not salvation.
Salvation is not a good moral life or church attendance though salvation should result in good moral life and church attendance.
The preacher whose aim is to preach for the salvation of souls must be careful to preach the gospel which is the only power of God to save the sinner.
Anytime the gospel message is shifted from what Christ did to what we are to do, it’s no more the gospel.
Anytime the message shifts from eternal life or spiritual realities from the resurrection of Christ to material or earthly successes and comfort, it’s no more the gospel.
Anyhow we start and end the preaching, we must ensure that the message of God’s love demonstrated through the death and resurrection of Christ is well expressed, emphasized, and understood.
Today, I commend you for preaching the love of God in the death and resurrection of Christ for sin.
Ephesians 2 vs 8 – 9: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Verse 9: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
My passion lies in reaching out to young adults in communities and schools, witnessing the transformative power of faith in their lives.
This blog extends my ministry, sharing insights, encouraging believers, and exploring Christ's teachings in daily life.
Welcome, Brother James.
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