Preaching the Gospel in an exposition of the Word of God

Any biblical sermon must contain an explanation of the Gospel and a call to the audience to repent and believe. This is not "tacked on" to the sermon, but results from the work done by the preacher to discover the natural link between the passage in question and the person and work of Christ.

In order for the Gospel to be presented, the following must occur:


1. Jesus must be proclaimed as Lord:

• There must be a call to repent.

• There must be a declaration of Christ's divinity.

2. Jesus must be proclaimed as Saviour:

• There must be a call for faith in Christ.

• There must be an explanation of the Cross

The passage in question should supply enough information as to which is examined more heavily by the preacher. Some verses will lend towards a call for repentance, other verses will lend towards a call for faith. Let the verse determine which one you spend most of the time preaching on. Nevertheless, a full presentation of the gospel will not be accomplished without both being communicated.

We deny that the gospel is preached if Christ's substitutionary work is not declared and faith in Christ and his work is not solicited. (Cambridge Declaration)

From the Theosalient Department
© 2005 Neil McKenzie Cameron, http://one-salient-oversight.blogspot.com/
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