The whole gospel

Something struck me as I read Acts 10: the gospel message of Peter.

He talked about how Jesus had come with power, healing the sick and doing good. He then talked about how Jesus was crucified and subsequently resurrected. And then he said this,

 He (Jesus) commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that… (Acts 10:42a)

Okay, you fill in that blank. What do you think they were commanded to preach and testify about to the people?

I’ll wait….

Ready?

Are you sure?

Okay, here’s the finish to that sentence.

…he is the one appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead. (42b)

Surprised?

I was. How many people, when they come to the crux of the gospel and what the death and resurrection of Christ mean, start off with that sentence?

“Judgment day is coming. And on that day, Jesus will judge you.”

It’s so easy for us to preach the love of God. But we also need to preach the judgment of God.

Yes, Jesus’ second coming is good news. After all, when he does, our good King will judge all evil, heal this broken world, and make all things right.

But the thing is, how many know that they are part of the evil that must be judged.

All of us are worthy of condemnation because of our sin, and like it or not, judgment day is coming not just for others, but for us.

But there is more good news for those facing that judgment. What is it?

All the prophets testify about him that through his name everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins. (43)

The price for our sin has already been paid by Jesus on the cross. Our Judge is also our Savior. And if we will put our trust in him and the work he did on the cross, we will be forgiven.

That’s the whole gospel.

Let’s not sugarcoat the gospel. Let’s tell it as it is. Like Peter did. Like Paul did (Acts 17:30-31).

And by God’s grace, many will hear and be saved.