Gospel and Doctrine

I. Introduction: In the religious world, there is much confusion about gospel and doctrine. Many teach that the two are distinct and that one must obey the gospel but doctrine, being law, is not as critical. What does the Bible teach about this important subject?

II. What is the gospel?

A. It is the story of Jesus

B. Mark 1:1 – “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Romans 15:19-21 – Announces Jesus to the uninformed2 Timothy 2:8 – Tells of His resurrection

C. It is the message of the kingdom—the church

D. Matthew 4:23 – Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom Matthew 24:14: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

E. It is the message of salvation

F. It tells of God’s grace, Acts 20:24

G. It reveals the promises of God

H. Ephesians 3:1-7 – Bringing the Gentiles near to God Colossians 1:3-6 – Hope of heaven

I. It is Christ’s law for His kingdom

III. Is the gospel Christ’s law?

A. Most would agree that the gospel is the story of Jesus, the kingdom, and the message of salvation; some would say that the gospel is not a law.

B. Webster’s definition of law In order to be law, the gospel would require obedience

C. The gospel calls men to obedience, 2 Thessalonians 2:14-15

D. God calls us to Jesus through the gospel After obeying the gospel we must continue to obey its precepts

E. “Tradition”

F. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 – It must be followed; withdraw from those who do not keep the traditionsW.E. Vine’s definition Its use in the Old and New Testament suggests doctrine that was originally spoken then later written down. Bible dictionaries reflect this meaning.

G. Men must obey the gospel or be lost

H. Romans 1:16 – is the power of salvation to those who believe Romans 10:14-17 – The gospel must be preached to bring about belief Mark 16:15-16 – The preaching of the gospel teaches active belief

I. Summary chart

J. The apostles were sent to preach; to instill faith through the gospel Their audience had to obey or ignore the gospel message

K. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10

L. Those who do not obey the gospel will be punished Those who believe the testimony of the apostles, will be saved

M. Men will be judged by the gospel (Chart: Romans 2:16 and Revelation 20:12)

N. Christians must abide in the gospel in order to be saved

O. Colossians 1:21-23 Hebrews 10:35-39

P. The gospel meets the requirements of a law

IV. What is doctrine?

A. Webster’s definition

B. Characteristics of doctrine

C. It is good

D. To some doctrine is a bad word; something spoken of with contempt The Bible says that doctrine is good, 1 Timothy 4:6 It teaches of Jesus coming in the flesh, 2 John 7-11 It teaches holy living, Titus 2:1-7

E. It must be carefully followed

F. 1 Timothy 4:6 – Timothy is commended for careful observance1 Timothy 4:13 – Timothy was told to give attention to it Hebrews 13:9 “Do not be carried about (or away) with various and strange doctrines.”

G. Disobedience to doctrine brings punishment

H. 2 Timothy 4:3 – Some will not endure sound doctrine; choose error1 Timothy 6:3-5 – Withdraw from those who disobey doctrine2 John 9-11 – Those who do not abide in doctrine, do not have God It saves, 1 Timothy 4:16

V. There is no difference between gospel and doctrine

A. Comparison chart

B. 1 Timothy 1:10b-11 – The two are equivalent