Preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the heartbeat of the Christian faith. Jesus gave it a divine directive, and His apostles fervently echoed it. The Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16), and its proclamation is essential for the salvation of souls and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. This article emphasizes the importance of preaching the Gospel in and out of season, drawing from the teachings of Jesus, the Apostle Paul, and various scriptures that underscore its necessity and urgency.
The Mandate of Jesus Christ
Gospel preaching was the main focus of Jesus’ earthly ministry. In Luke 4:43, Jesus articulates His mission: “But He said to them, ‘I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also because for this purpose I have been sent.’” This declaration underscores the primary purpose of His earthly ministry—to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
In Matthew 28:19–20, known as the Great Commission, Jesus commands His disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” This commission extends to all believers, emphasizing the continuous and global scope of Gospel preaching.
The Urgency of the Apostle Paul
The Apostle Paul, arguably the most prolific evangelist in the New Testament, expressed a profound sense of duty and urgency in preaching the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 9:16, Paul exclaims, “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” This statement reflects Paul’s deep conviction that preaching the Gospel is not optional but a divine obligation.
In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul gives Timothy additional evidence of his sense of urgency when he says, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” This exhortation highlights the need for constant readiness and perseverance in proclaiming the Gospel, regardless of circumstances.
The Gospel and the Salvation of Souls
The Gospel is how God offers salvation to humanity. In Romans 1:16, Paul writes, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” This verse underscores the universality of the Gospel and its power to bring salvation to all who believe.
Jesus, in His own words, emphasizes the necessity of the Gospel for salvation in John 3:16–17: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but rather so that it might be saved through Him.” The message of the Gospel is God’s invitation to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Fulfillment of Prophecy and the Coming of the End
Preaching the Gospel is also integral to fulfilling biblical prophecy and the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. In Matthew 24:14, Jesus prophesies, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” This prophecy indicates that the global proclamation of the Gospel is a precursor to the second coming of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
Scriptures Emphasizing the Importance of the Gospel
Numerous scriptures emphasize the importance and urgency of preaching the Gospel. Here are several key passages:
- Mark 16:15–16: “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned.’”
- Acts 1:8: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:17–18: “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the Gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:18–20: “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you to be reconciled to God on Christ’s behalf.”
- Romans 10:14–15: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’”
The Role of Believers in Preaching the Gospel
Every believer is called to participate in the Great Commission. This participation goes beyond formal ministry roles and extends to everyday interactions, living out the Gospel, and sharing the message of Christ’s love and redemption with others. In 1 Peter 3:15, believers are instructed, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”
The Eternal Impact of the Gospel
One cannot exaggerate the Gospel’s enduring impact. It is the message that brings hope, transformation, and eternal life. In 1 John 5:11–12, we read, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” The Gospel is how this eternal life is made known and accessible to all.
Conclusion
The importance of preaching the Gospel in and out of season is unequivocal. Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, and numerous scriptures affirm its necessity and urgency. The Gospel is the power of God for salvation, bringing light to those in darkness, reconciliation to the estranged, and eternal life to the perishing. As believers, we are entrusted with this precious message and called to share it with the world, fulfilling the Great Commission and hastening the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Preaching the Gospel is not just a task but a divine calling that carries eternal significance. Let us, therefore, be diligent and unwavering in proclaiming the Good News so that all may come to the knowledge of the truth and the salvation found in Jesus Christ.