The Inclusive Gospel

Dr. Mike 2025, , ,

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2:36

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(Paul)…proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.  Acts 28:31

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But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.   Ephesians 2:4-7

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 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.   Ephesians 2:18-22

When the gospel message is preached, what do you normally hear? Is it not from a humanistic perspective? The emphasis so often is on us humans in need for a savior. So, the central point preached is on Jesus as Savior. A true statement. But is it the main point or only one of its tenants? For when preached, people think that is all there is. But as one grows in the faith, one comes to appreciate the rest of the story. I like to summarize the gospel message like this:

  • Jesus Christ is Lord.
  • God’s Kingdom Rules.
  • God has a Purpose for Humanity.
  • You are Included.

Within this outline is built the necessary steps of repentance and belief in Jesus. That HE is the Jewish Messiah and global Savior. Yet the gospel message involves more. It highlights that Jesus defeated Satan and now sits at the right hand of God the Father. HE now has all authority over heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18). That Satan knows his time is short and now operates on earth as a terrorist. His game plan is to prevent or just slow down God’s plan for humanity. For God’s purpose from the foundation of the world is to raise a family. To prepare and train HIS children to reign within the family business – the Kingdom of God. The devil knows it. And is doing everything in his power to make God and his children fail.

Jesus, the God-Man, died, was resurrected, and ascended into heaven. When HE did, the curtain that separated humanity from God was ripped in two. No longer do people need to sacrifice animals, or work through a human mediator. Instead, every person now has direct access to our heavenly Father through Jesus.

But there is more.

When one accepts Jesus as their Lord, HE sends the Holy Spirit to impregnate you. God’s divine spirit merges with your human spirit. The work of sanctification then begins (2 Thess. 2:13). As you walk, talk, and hang out with the Triune God, your character and attitude changes. You begin to reflect your heavenly Father’s demeanor. You are being morphed into the image of Jesus Christ.

As you mature, your new beliefs and outlook begin to influence the world around you. You colonize your personal life, your home life, and your work life under the authority of the Kingdom of God. You are being trained to serve and lead as Jesus would. You are being prepared for eternity. And yes, you are included.

But like an adopted child, you can either choose to accept and take part in the family affairs, or not. In rebelling, you will lose out in the family blessings. But when you extend your appreciation for being accepted, you are grateful. You look for ways to share in the family experience.

Yes, you are included in the gospel message.

For the good news is about Jesus, HIS Kingdom, and your inclusiveness in HIS family plan. So, you are either now living under HIS authority in your life or not. You are either participating with HIM on earth or not. You are on mission with HIM or not. The real question now is, where will you go from here?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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