The Gospel

A turning point in history occurred when God said to Abram, “And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). God promised Abram (soon to be renamed “Abraham”) that in his seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed.

The bottom line of this reference is the work of the Messiah (Jesus Christ), the promised descendant of Abraham. He lived a perfect life, died on a cross for our sins, and rose again, offering life to all who believe in Him (1 Corinthians 15:1–4).

This gospel must be the focus of any Christian’s ministry. The ultimate goal of ministry is not simply winning debates but proclaiming the gospel.

As stated in Answers in Genesis’s statement of faith, “The scientific aspects of creation are important but are secondary in importance to the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ as Sovereign, Creator, Redeemer, and Judge.”

“In you [Abram] all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3

Christians can use arguments to help break down “strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4), but the end result must be to fill the void with the truth that leads to salvation. Just knowledge of facts will not save anyone. The power is not in any human reasoning but in God’s Word and Christ’s work. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). No other name, no amount of persuasiveness, and no eloquence can save anyone.

All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ (Colossians 2:3).

Christians are told to be ready always to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15). Answers to technical questions can show how the Bible is relevant, encourage confidence in God’s Word, and strengthen believers, but these answers are only a step in evangelizing the lost.

Christians must study to show themselves approved, rightly handling the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15). We should not be ashamed to give the message of the gospel to anyone, no matter how intellectual or anti-Bible they may seem.

And never forget, the gospel begins in Genesis!

For Additional Information

• The Bad News . . . and the Good News
• What Is the Gospel?
• How Can I Use This Information to Witness?
• Declaring God’s Glory Among the Nations
• Does Church Need Change?