The Gospel And Its Simplicity
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesIn recent years, it has been advocated by some in the religious world, that the word of God cannot be understood by men. However, it would be very inconsiderate of a loving God to give instructions that could not be understood by its recipients, then to judge them by those instructions (John 12:48). However, the word of God is not an incomprehensible “mystery” as some men say.
Paul said the “mystery” has been “revealed” or “made known” to men:
“Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith” (Romans 16:25-26 KJV).
Paul also said:
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself” (Ephesians 1:7-9 KJV).
The Word is given in simplicity so that every responsible creature can understand it:
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15 KJV).
People who were not familiar with the gospel heard it, believed it, and obeyed it. They were saved by their obedience to it.
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls ….. Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:37-38 KJV; Acts 2:41,47 KJV).
Timothy understood the scriptures even from his childhood:
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15 KJV).
The Bereans understood the scriptures well enough to check if what they had been taught by Paul and Silas was true:
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11 KJV).
Some would say that supernatural power (the Holy Spirit) is necessary to understand the word of God. Such was certainly not the case in the first century as is proved by the above Bereans.
The Ethiopian eunuch fully understood the teachings of Phillip:
“And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? {Acts 8:30} And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35 KJV).
Notice that a “man” was all that was necessary to help the eunuch to understand the inspired Scripture. The man, Phillip, preached the gospel message to him.
Paul said:
“For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21 KJV).
Again, Paul said:
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise …. ” (1 Corinthians 1:27 KJV).
Dear reader, a supernatural work by the Holy Spirit is not necessary for man to understand the simplicity of the words of Jesus Christ (the gospel). Christ intended that His gospel be simple.
Paul said:
“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3 KJV).
We must not allow so-called wise men tell us we can’t understand God’s word.