One of the grave responsibilities of the Christian minister is to proclaim the whole counsel of God. The apostle Paul fulfilled this vital gospel duty reflected in his words to the saints at Ephesus. “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Part of the whole counsel of God is informing people that those who will not change find they cannot change” (Acts 20:27).
The power of the gospel to transform lives is well documented throughout history. The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Rom 1:16). With salvation comes a new standing and state in life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 explains, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Whenever the gospel of Christ is fully embraced hearts are changed and others note the difference. A skeptic once mockingly asked a new Christian, “Do you really believe that Jesus turned water into wine?” The former alcoholic was able to answer, “I do believe that for Christ has in my own household turned booze into bread for my children.”
The strongest argument for the gospel of Christ is the personal testimony of someone whose life has been changed by it. Charles Bradlaugh, an avowed infidel, once challenged the Rev. H. P. Hughes to a debate. The preacher, who was head of a rescue mission in London, England, accepted the challenge with the condition that he could bring with him 100 men and women who would tell what had happened in their lives since trusting Christ as their Savior. They would be people who once lived in deep sin, some having come from poverty-stricken homes caused by the vices of their parents. Hughes said they would not only tell of their conversion but would submit to cross-examination by any who doubted their stories. Furthermore, the minister invited his opponent to bring a group of non-believers who could tell how they were helped by their lack of faith. When the appointed day arrived, the preacher came, accompanied by 100 transformed persons. But Bradlaugh never showed up. The result? The meeting turned into a time of testimony and many sinners who had gathered to hear the scheduled debate were converted.
A. B. Simpson is reported to have said that the gospel “Tells rebellious men that God is reconciled, that justice is satisfied, that sin has been atoned for, that the judgment of the guilty may be revoked, the condemnation of the sinner cancelled, the curse of the Law blotted out, the gates of hell closed, the portals of heaven opened wide, the power of sin subdued, the guilty conscience healed, the broken heart comforted, the sorrow and misery of the Fall undone.”
All of this is true. But there is another facet of truth and it is this. “The same sun which softens the butter, hardens the clay.” The gospel not only converts, it confirms people in their character so that those who will not change find they cannot change. Simply put, those who are determined to do evil, engage in self destructive behavior, will find they cannot cease from doing evil. And, those who have a thirst and hunger for righteousness will move from spiritual glory to glory. Revelation 22:11, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”
It is true that the gospel changes people and individuals can be confirmed in righteousness. It is also true that people are who they are and can be confirmed in injurious behavior.
