When Christians Misunderstand the Message of the Gospel, Part 1...

In my experience engaging people who are skeptical of the claims of Christ and the message of the gospel, one of the major sources of their skepticism comes from the nature of the message of Christianity and its exclusivity. Maybe you are reading this and I have just described you. Maybe you find yourself saying "How can there be only one way to heaven? That does not make sense? Common sense tells you that God would not send four fifths of the world to hell. True scholars believe that there is more than one way to heaven".

In a letter to a church that was composed of Christians who acted unchristian, Paul reveals a timeless truth about how our response to those who are skeptical about our faith can reveal a great deal about our faith:

"For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God". 1 Corinthians 1:18 NASB

The timeless truth is that Christians act unchristian when we misunderstand the message of the gospel. In 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5, the Apostle Paul reveals for us three results that occur when Christians act unchristian by misunderstanding the message of the gospel.

The first result is that misunderstanding the message of the gospel results in a denial of its power. Paul explains that there are two responses to the message of the gospel. One group, who Paul states are perishing as a result of selfishness and sin, listen to the claims of Christ and the message of the gospel and respond by dismissing its power. The other group, who Paul states are being saved, listen to the claims of Christ and the message of the gospel and responds by embracing its power to save them from their selfishness and sin.

And today, just as it was 2000 years ago, there are only two responses to the message of the gospel. We can either dismiss the power of the message of the gospel to transform, which leaves us separated from God in selfish rebellion; or we can embrace the power of the message of the gospel to bring the forgiveness of our selfishness and sin and the relationship with God that we were created for.

Only the power of the message of the gospel is able to bring the forgiveness and healing that can transform lives. But when we misunderstand the message of the gospel, as followers of Jesus we can end up communicating a gospel message that denies and misrepresents its power to do what only the gospel can do.

So, are you a Christian who acts unchristian by misunderstanding the message of the gospel in a way that denies its power to transform lives?