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Through the ages man has debated the substance and purpose of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You wouldn’t think there would be that much to discuss but countless committee meetings, conferences and councils have met to decide what the gospel of Jesus Christ really is and how it should be presented to mankind.

The problem arises because man often tries to make the gospel fit his expectations rather than finding his place within the gospel; some converts seeking the benefits of a Christian lifestyle rather than coming to Christ himself. The stability, financial security and supporting network of fellow-believers sometimes attracting people to the organization of Christianity; benefits many believers would be hard-pressed to do without as well.

The doctrines of Christianity and the attendant social order fostered by the love and respect of others they promote, have actually been proposed as a replacement for the failed Marxist ideologies of the Soviet Union and what used to be its “satellite” nations. The problem being that people may respond to the improved behavior that fosters stability in society but are not genuinely committed to that which brings about those benefits; an unreserved commitment to following Jesus and absolute obedience to his commands.

This poses a number of difficulties, not the least of which is that the societal benefits of Christianity are not always consistent in every political situation and are certainly not guaranteed. Freedom can and often does entail a whole new way of thinking and behaving and change happens slowly regardless of the need and desire for it. In truth, Christianity can bring hardship, discord and persecution, leading to disillusionment and disappointment for new converts.

In the unstable economy of a country trying to adjust to free-market principles as opposed to those that are “administered” and manipulated, many suffer financial loss and disappointment; leaving them to doubt and blame their calling in Christ as well as the direction of their new politics and policies. Those who aren’t truly dedicated to the idea of living every day for Jesus – the bad as well as the good ones – quickly become discouraged if the “magic” of God doesn’t solve all their problems and are tempted to go back to the “gods” they left behind.

The Protestant work ethic is at least in part responsible for the sometimes huge void between individuals of faith and unbelievers; the societal order and financial success brought about by those adhering to Judeo/Christian principles often startling and undeniable. Moreover, the theory that, ‘The family that prays together, stays together,’ is likewise often proven true. Self-destructive behavior involving drugs, smoking, drinking and sexual promiscuity can be drastically reduced and education markedly improved by the principles of godliness and accountability as well. But these are really the by-products of Christianity, not the goal of one’s acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior; anyone trying to use the gospel as a means to some other end is prostituting the gospel and the true purpose of Jesus call to ministry. For the by-products of obedience to the gospel are legitimate only when one is personally committed to His kingdom, even though an overflow of benefits often emanates from a dedicated group of believers to those who are only marginally interested.

Many have tried to manipulate the gospel. Slave owners of the deep south going so far as to demand that preachers teach their “property” the doctrines of submission and non-resistance in order to keep the slave population, which sometimes outnumbered free whites 3 to 1, docile and more easily controlled. Some wealthy businessmen financially supported the evangelistic crusades of Dwight L. Moody and Billy Sunday in the more recent past in an attempt to manipulate the labor force, hoping to counteract the efforts of the rising labor movement.

Some politicians still try to use faith as a means of gaining leverage against other politicians and countries; asserting American supremacy in the world – not because we adhere so well to the principles of Christ but because of a supposed “alliance” with the powers of heaven represented by Christ. Even preachers sometimes promote family harmony, financial security and personal happiness as fundamental goals of the church and a primary reason for the gospel instead of proclaiming the sacrifice of Christ and his expectations of us as followers of his way; which then impact our families, our finances and our personal happiness.

As Paul declared, “…we preach Christ crucified.” Not merely the words of a great philosopher and certainly not the challenge of a social reformer but, “…a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,…” 1 Corinthians 1:23 And in fact, the substitutionary death of Jesus on the cross would have had no meaning without the resurrection, as many men were crucified. But Christ’s resurrection ushered in grace and mercy, the ultimate blessing we all share as believers in Him. (1 Corinthians 15:12-28) The gospel being the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16); the message of the cross – which is foolishness to the perishing unbeliever – the power of God revealed to all who believe. (1 Corinthians 1:18 & Romans 15:19) Paul describing the very purpose of our communion together and evangelistic efforts as being, “…to proclaim the Lord’s death till he comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:26

This identification with Christ and his sacrificial death is crucial to our existence as Christians. “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead…, we too may live a new life. (For) If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.” Romans 6:3-5 (See also Romans 6:11)

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