The Rejuvenating Power of the Gospel: 18 Uses of the Gospel

The ways in which the gospel can be used in our lives as Christ-followers probably number in the thousands. It would be a worthy discipline for us all to make our own list and in this way keep mindful of the ongoing power of the gospel in the life of the believer.

The following thoughts may be helpful in beginning your own list. I have compiled a compact set of things the gospel tells us about our God, ourselves, and the mission of the church.

The Gospel tells us about the God we serve

1) It Demonstrates the Nature of God: The Gospel teaches us about the nature of the God we proclaim: His sovereignty, His generosity, His sensitivity, His great love, and His eternal faithfulness.

2) It Declares the Redemptive Plan of God: The Gospel continually reminds us of God’s greatness in perfectly superintending his redemptive plan. It is right on time and will absolutely reach its intended goal.

3) It Focuses on the Glory of God: The Gospel will keep us ever mindful that God’s glory alone is the grand purpose and goal of all creation. We are saved from the wrath of God, by the grace of God, for the glory of God.

The Gospel Tells Us about Ourselves:

1) It Declares Our Natural Depravity: The Gospel reminds us daily that we were once enemies of God, without hope, destined for wrath, with no power in ourselves to change our condition or our eternal destination. But, now we are beloved children because of His great love and the redeeming power found in our Lord Jesus Christ.

2) It Defines Our New Identity: The Gospel continually reminds us that the greatest and most important thing about us is that we are in Christ! This is our identity. This means that Christ-esteem has forever replaced self-esteem as the primary variable in our well-being.

3) It Describes Our New Position as Servants: The Gospel calls us daily to deny ourselves, identify with Christ in our cross-bearing, and follow Him as joyful servants. In the Gospel we are reminded that Jesus is the both our Savior from sin, and the Lord Master of our new life. 

4) It Reminds Us Of Our New Citizenship: The Gospel is a constant reminder that this world is not our home, its success is not our goal, and its demise will not be our end. The Gospel grabs our chins and forces us to focus on eternity’s promised rewards.

5) It Demands Our Progress: The Gospel reminds us that there is no separation between our justification and our sanctification. Whom God saves, He sanctifies. We are called to grow in the grace, knowledge, and love of Christ.

The Gospel Tells Us About The Mission of the Church

1) It Determines Our Message: The Gospel keeps us planted in the biblical story, and not in the changing whims of culture. It is the Gospel that holds the Scriptures together, allowing them to make sense, and allowing the Church to have a meaningful message to the world.

2) It Clarifies Our Perspective on the World Around Us: The Gospel clarifies the chaos around us, reminding us that the world’s greatest need is not physical or emotional, but spiritual. Sinners are blinded to the truth and alive to their depraved wills, and that salvation only happens when the Spirit rides in on the Gospel, granting regeneration, repentance, and saving faith.

3) It Sets Forth Our Privilege: The Gospel reminds us that, since the Spirit uses the Gospel to change lives, we have the privilege of partnering with the Spirit by putting the gospel in play in the lives of those around us.

4) It Defines Our Measure of Success: The Gospel reminds us that the job of transforming souls is completely accomplished by God, and not by us. Our call is simply to be faithful in sowing the seed, purely, consistently, and lovingly.

5) It Assures Our Confidence: The Gospel reminds us that God is the One we serve, that God is the One that saves, that His plan is right on time, and that when we are on the side of the Gospel, those who reject us are actually rejecting God.

6) It Clarifies Our Doctrine: The Gospel reminds us that not all have been chosen unto salvation. Many will neither understand the truth, nor see the light. This allows us to understand why some will never accept the free offer of salvation.

7) It Defines Our Attitude in Ministry: The Gospel reminds us that God is patient and longsuffering to unruly children, helping us remember to lead and minister with grace and love as well as truth.

8) It Determines Our Philosophy in Ministry: The Gospel reminds us that the mission is to grow the Kingdom, not merely increase attendance. That success is first and foremost faithfulness to Christ and His Word.

9) It Restricts The Programs of Our Ministry: The Gospel keeps us from designing and delivering programs or sermons or devotional talks aimed at the will of man rather than the conscience, that produce emotional decisions rather than true saving faith, and that allow unbelievers to feel better about their lives without Christ.

10) It Rejuvenates Our Hearts for Ongoing Ministry: The Gospel is a spring of fresh, life-giving water every day. We ignore it at our own peril. Whatever fatigue or disillusionment or disappointment you may face, if the Spirit of God dwells in you, the Gospel can be to you Heaven’s great refreshment for your soul. Drink often, and drink deeply.

Hope this helps,

David