Should The Gospel Be Changed?

By David A. Cox

We live in a day and age in which everything seems to be changing constantly. Because of this, some claim that the gospel must change to keep in step with the times. They say, “Time does not wait for anybody. It leaves behind those who do not keep step." Is this true? Should the gospel be changed; can it be changed and still be the gospel?

All will admit that we live in a society in which things change constantly. But I will hasten to add that everything does not change with time. Man's need for food, clothing and shelter are the same, in that he still needs such to survive. Also, sin has not changed. Eve sinned when she trans­gressed the law of God (Genesis 3:1-6). Today, men sin when they transgress God's law (1 John 3:4).

Now if sin is still the same, why should the remedy (the gospel) be changed? The fact of the matter is that the gospel should not be changed. Paul said,

"But though we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto to you than that which we have preached unto you let him he ac­cursed" (Galatians 1:8).

Paul makes it clear to the Galatians that the gospel could not be changed and still be the gospel. Paul spoke of the preaching of "another gospel which is not an­other" (Galatians 1:6-7). Jude, writing con­cerning the common sal­vation that came by the way of the gospel, exhorted the breth­ren to "earnestly con­tend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). Jude speaks of the faith which comes from the preaching of the gospel (Romans 10:17) and says that it was once delivered. The gospel is complete and needs no changes. It gives all things that pertain unto life and godli­ness (2 Pe­ter 1:3). It furnishes man com­pletely with the spiritual diet unto every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The gospel is the "power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16). It is the word of God that we will be judged by (John 12:48). Since the gospel will save and it is that by which we will be judged, then why would we want to change it? All we must do is recognize the gospel for what it is - The Truth (Colossians 1:5); Obey it or be lost (1 Thessalonians 1:8; Romans 1:16). &

 [Via Gospel Power, Vol. XIV, Number 47]

What Is the Social Gospel?

By Jackie Prince

[Editor’s note: Unfortunately, I did not define the term, “Social Gospel,” in my own article on the subject. Jackie’s comments are, therefore, both needed and welcome.]

SOCIAL: Web. “Having to do with human beings living as a group in a situation which their dealings with one another affect their common welfare.”

The Social Gospel: Canadian Encyclopedia - The social gospel is an attempt to apply Christianity to the social ills and needs of an industrializing society. While the social gospel as a recognized movement began around 1900. The full effects did not reach the Church of Christ until the 50’s - 60’s. Issues in a developing industrial country [include] business and political ethics, employer/employee relationships, economic competition, riches/poverty, slums, drunkenness, drugs, teen pregnancy, gambling industry, disposable income, and entertainment. While all these and more certainly have an effect on each of us, the local churches were designed to change one person at a time, from the inside out.

Col 3:10  and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,  

2Co 4:16  Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.   

Local churches could change one person at a time from the inside out, but were not equipped to tackle these societal problems. Central organizations, departments, schools, hospitals and various agencies were developed to expand the work of the church to minister to the “Whole man.” Churches now needed youth ministers, social workers, marriage counselors, educators, activity directors, transportation departments, multipurpose buildings, political action committees, media campaigns, boycotts. Evangelism was now to be from the outside in. &

[More to come on this much needed subject]

Safe Preaching?

By Robert Craig

It’s not always safe to be a preacher. That is, a preacher who preaches what people really need. Herod the tetrarch was living in a state of adultery. Some say he was guilty of incest. Maybe a little of both. But he was living with his brother’s wife, Herodias, and John said to him, “It is not lawful for thee to have her” (Matt. 14:4).

Some of our present day preachers say, “John shouldn’t have judged him.” In fact, just down the street from me, a church advertises on their reader board, “Come. We neither judge nor condemn.” Well, Herod had judged himself. He’s the one who was the adulterer. Jesus said, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” John taught, “Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance.” The fruits he saw here was rebellion to God’s law of marriage.

There are so many today that are living in rebellion to God’s law of marriage that it is not wise for preachers to say anything about it, so they remain silent and accept anything into their fellowship that comes along.

John had a mission. That was to call people back to God. Preachers today have the same mission; call people back to God. Herod laid hold of John and put him in prison. He would have put him to death but he feared the people. Salome, the daughter of Herodias, danced before Herod and pleased him immensely. So much so, that he promised her anything. At the instruction of Herodias, Salome requested the head of John. Her request was granted and John lost his head all because he had enough courage to preach what he knew would please God. He could say with the apostle Paul, “Woe unto me if I preach not the gospel.” I believe he could also say with Paul, “I have fought a good fight....henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness."

It’s not always safe to preach the truth and, sad to say, most present-day preachers have learned that lesson. &