Before we answer this question, let’s talk about the gospel itself. Gospel literally means good news – the good news that Jesus died and came alive again in order to forgive our sins and restore our relationship with God. Chances are you know this well. But what about the rest of the gospel?
The gospel is multi-faceted. It’s not only needed for conversion, but afterwards as well. Tim Keller says,
The gospel is not just the ‘A-B-C’ but the ‘A-to-Z’ of the Christian life. The gospel is not just the way to enter the kingdom, but is the way to address every problem and is the way to grow at every step.
The gospel says that I am broken and needy (even after salvation) and only Christ can redeem me (every day of my life). The gospel shows me how and where I try to make my life run apart from Christ. The gospel points me to the One who does for me what I cannot do on my own. The gospel gives me hope as I identify with the One who understands every kind of suffering and pain imaginable. The gospel is the true satisfaction for every longing of my heart.
The gospel, in a word, is Christ and Christ is the nourishment our souls longs for. Now, back to the question.
Who needs to hear the gospel?
1. Those who have never heard.
This is one of the most obvious answers. There are still people in our world today who have not heard the gospel. They are broken, in need of Christ’s redemption. Some are desperately searching for truth; some are not. All need to hear.
2. Those who are unsaved.
Another obvious answer. They need to know that only Christ can heal and restore their broken lives. They need to see the vast love, mercy and grace of God until their hearts are undone and they embrace Christ as their Savior and Lord.
3. Christians
This is the point at which the gospel grows richer and deeper than we ever imagined it could be. We find that the Christ who enabled our entrance into his kingdom, also enables our very life. Everything about our life depends on Christ, not on ourselves. We find there is no need to strive, perform, or achieve. Christ heals, restores, and enables. He catches our tears. He accepts us unconditionally. He pours out love and affection on us, no matter the day, no matter our behavior. What beauty and grace!
4. Children
While children could be a subset of any of the above three groups, they are worth thinking about individually. It is of much benefit to believe on Jesus while still a child. There is a far greater benefit in the life of a child who after conversion understands his identity in Christ and sees the beautiful ways Christ continually helps, saves, and sustains him day in and day out.
Children naturally trust, enjoy, and depend. What better time to learn to trust, enjoy, and depend on Christ not only for salvation but for every aspect of life! I can personally attest to how hard it is to live your Christian life from the basis of the gospel once you’ve grown accustomed to trying to live it in your own strength (albeit unknowingly).
This is why I’m excited about the new (and final) devotional book coming out next week, God is My Savior! It’s written for 7-11 year olds and is designed to help them see how trusting God as Savior extends to every area of their life with God. Here are some topics and truths that are covered during the four weeks.
It will be finalized and ready to go Monday and will be on sale for the first week only (Sept 23-30). I’ll also be sending out information to subscribers and followers about some great giveaways during the week. If you want more info on the giveaways or to be reminded about the sale, enter your email below, or follow my FB page!
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5. Me
It’s easy to teach about the gospel and write about the gospel without taking the time to let the gospel do its work in my own heart. I need the gospel to probe and penetrate. I need it to reveal the root cause of sin in my life. I need to turn to Christ when my heart is longing and searching. I need to gaze on him until he becomes my satisfaction. I need to delight in him and enjoy him. I need to let go of control and allow Christ to shape my days, my home, my relationships.
Everyone Needs the Gospel
The gospel is the antidote for every person, every desire, every pain, every hurt. At the core, we are all the same. We all desperately need Jesus. We need him so we can be saved and restored to fellowship with God. And we need Jesus just as much once we belong to God.
Jesus is the answer for the world today. Every. Single. Person.