More Than the Cross: Rediscovering the Fullness of Paul’s Gospel

More Than the Cross: Rediscovering the Fullness of Paul’s Gospel

When we hear the word gospel, many immediately think of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4—the clear and powerful declaration that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. This is undeniably the core of our salvation message—the good news that justifies the believer by grace through faith. But is the gospel limited only to the cross event?

According to Paul, the gospel is far broader. It’s not only the entry point into salvation, but the whole scope of what Christ has accomplished for us and what God is now doing through the Body of Christ.

The Gospel: Not Just Good News, But the Whole Counsel of Grace

Paul refers to this as “my gospel” (Rom. 2:16; 16:25)—a divinely revealed message centered on the finished work of Christ but expanding far beyond Calvary.

He writes that his apostleship was given “according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness” (Titus 1:1). This gospel includes:

The Examples of Paul and Titus to Boldly Proclaim the Gospel

The Examples of Paul and Titus to Boldly Proclaim the Gospel

A Call to Every Believer

Preaching is not exclusive to ordained ministers—it is the calling of every believer. Whether clergy or layman, every follower of Christ has the divine responsibility to proclaim the gospel with conviction and love. The world is filled with opposition, false teachings, and spiritual struggles, yet the gospel remains the power of God unto salvation. But for it to reach hearts, someone must speak it out.

Scripture reveals the lives of faithful men who endured immense challenges yet never wavered. Among them, Paul and Titus serve as shining examples of unwavering dedication. Their ministry was not one of ease, but of perseverance, facing obstacles that sought to silence the truth. And yet, they pressed on. Their faithfulness speaks to us today, calling us to rise, speak, and boldly proclaim God’s salvation in Christ.

Paul and Titus: Faithfulness in the Face of Hardship

Paul’s ministry culminated in two arrests in Rome, each bearing profound significance. His first imprisonment (AD 60–62) saw him under house arrest, still able to teach and encourage. Released after this period, he continued his labour for the gospel, strengthening churches and appointing leaders. This was when he penned his letter to Titus, urging him to establish order and appoint elders on the island of Crete, a land known for deception and moral corruption.

Unveiling the Mystery of 1 Corinthians 2:7

Unveiling the Mystery of 1 Corinthians 2:7

"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory." — 1 Corinthians 2:7

What Is the Mystery?

Biblically, a mystery is not unknowable, but previously concealed and now revealed. The wisdom Paul speaks of is God’s hidden plan of salvation, ordained before time began yet kept secret until revealed through him. Some aspects of this mystery include:

• The incarnation and resurrection of Christ (1 Timothy 3:16).
• The inclusion of Gentiles in salvation (Ephesians 3:6).
• The believer’s union with Christ (Colossians 1:26-27).
• The future glory prepared for God’s people (Romans 16:25).

Paul speaks of God’s wisdom in a mystery, a truth hidden for ages but now fully revealed through Christ and His work on the cross. This mystery is the foundation of our doctrine, a revelation that goes beyond worldly wisdom and calls believers into a deeper understanding of God’s eternal plan.

Why Was the Mystery Hidden?

Paul’s Example in Faithfulness and Commitment to God

Paul’s Example in Faithfulness and Commitment to God

In times of uncertainty, fear, or opposition, our faith is tested. The Apostle Paul stands as a powerful example of unwavering commitment to the Lord, walking by faith and not by sight. As he prepared to journey to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary trip, fellow believers warned him of the hardships he would face—persecution, imprisonment, and possibly death. Yet, his heart was set on fulfilling his calling, not deterred by fear but strengthened by his deep conviction in God’s purpose for his life.

Warnings Before Jerusalem

Paul was no stranger to suffering for the sake of the gospel. In Acts 20:22-23, he declares to the Ephesian elders that he is "bound in the spirit" to go to Jerusalem, fully aware that bonds and afflictions awaited him. Despite this knowledge, he remains steadfast, saying, "None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 20:24). His determination was not reckless but rooted in a profound trust in God’s plan.

May God Have Mercy on Your Soul: An Expression of Ignorance

May God Have Mercy on Your Soul: An Expression of Ignorance

As I watched a funeral on TV, I heard the minister say the following, "Rest in peace <person's name>, may God have mercy on your soul." Those words stuck with me and the more I thought about them, the more I was struck by the absolute ignorance embedded in this statement—an ignorance that disregards the foundational truth of the gospel and the finished work of the cross of Christ. It revealed how tradition and empty expressions continue to be spoken without thought, maintaining a cycle of religious negligence rather than biblical accuracy. This phrase, like others that I list at the end of the post**, have become a customary utterance, mindlessly repeated without questioning its meaning or validity in light of God’s revealed truth. Seeing this, I felt it necessary to bring attention to not only this statement but others also, that persist as vain customs, promoting human imagination rather than biblical reality. Words carry weight, and when they contradict the truth of Scripture, they must be identified and dismissed as meaningless rhetoric—mere traditions of men that veil the absolute authority of God’s Word. 

This article serves as a call to recognize such errors and return to the certainty of sound doctrine, particularly the gospel of God's grace as taught in Paul’s epistles.

The Hollow Tradition of a Fruitless Expression

"May God have mercy on your soul."

Adorning the Gospel: Living a Life That Reflects the Word of God

Adorning the Gospel: Living a Life That Reflects the Word of God

The concept of "adorning the gospel of Christ" invites every believer to live in such a way that their lives amplify the beauty, value, and majesty of God’s Word. It is a call to let our actions reflect the transforming power of the gospel—not through our own strength but through our submission to the influence and direction of God’s Word within us. As Paul’s doctrine teaches, the lives we live in obedience to God’s truth can make the doctrine of our Saviour attractive, inviting others to see the glory of Christ through us.

What Does It Mean to Adorn the Gospel?

The word "adorn" carries a rich meaning. Derived from the same root as the term for "cosmetics," it implies arranging something to enhance its natural beauty and order. When we adorn the gospel, we showcase its beauty through the way we live, much like a jeweler arranging precious gems to display their brilliance. The beauty of the gospel is inherent, but our lives can reflect and magnify it, drawing others to Christ.

Paul emphasizes this principle in his instructions to bondservants in Titus 2:9-10. Through three key lessons, we learn how to adorn the gospel:

The Urgency of Preaching the Gospel

The Urgency of Preaching the Gospel

Once this earthly life ends, it is not the end of our journey. Scripture makes it clear: "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27, KJV). Each person will stand before God, facing His righteous judgment according to their works. For those not found in the Book of Life, there is a fearful certainty of a guilty verdict and a second death, "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  [15]  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:14-15, KJV). This is a sobering reality.

Every human is appointed to die once because "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, KJV). Following death, we face the terrifying prospect of God’s judgment. Many around us are heading toward this eternal fate, and we must not push this truth to the back of our minds. Whether we’re walking through a store, at work, or in our community, we are surrounded by souls who might leave this life today, unprepared for eternity.

Jesus Christ is the only remedy to this eternal separation from God. John reminds us, "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" (1 John 3:17, KJV). How can we claim the love of God if we withhold the greatest treasure we possess—the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Rightly Divide to Understand Salvation in the Grace vs. the Kingdom Programs

Rightly Divide to Understand Salvation in the Grace vs. the Kingdom Programs

Introduction: A Common Misunderstanding About Salvation

In discussions about salvation, many well-meaning Christians, who do not rightly divide the word of truth, fall into the trap of mixing different biblical instructions intended for distinct audiences and periods. This misunderstanding often stems from combining teachings from Jesus’ earthly ministry with those found in the Apostle Paul’s epistles, which outline the gospel for the present dispensation of grace. Here is a summary of this prevalent but doctrinally inconsistent viewpoint:

1. Confession for Salvation: Based on Matthew 10:32 and Luke 12:8, it is argued that public confession is required for salvation, along with faith.
2. Repentance from Sin: Verses like Luke 5:32 and Luke 24:47 are used to emphasize that turning away from sin (repentance) is a prerequisite for salvation.
3. Water Baptism: Passages such as Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38 are interpreted to mean that water baptism is necessary for the remission of sins and salvation.
4. Endurance for Salvation: Matthew 24:13 is cited to suggest that believers must endure until the end of their lives to secure salvation.
5. Peter’s Message at Pentecost: Acts 2:38 is taken as universal guidance for salvation, combining repentance and baptism for the remission of sins.

While this view appears comprehensive, it mistakenly blends requirements from Israel’s kingdom program under the Old Covenant with the grace program revealed through Paul. Sadly, these misunderstandings place undue burdens on believers and obscures the simple, liberating truth of salvation by grace through faith alone. With this overview established, let us analyse these points to uncover what is doctrinally wrong, why these interpretations are inconsistent with the current dispensation, and what the correct biblical teaching is. Rightly dividing the word of truth brings clarity, freedom, and a deeper understanding of God’s plan.

The one true church of God and its members

The one true church of God

Adapted from a teaching by Paul Lucas

The true Church of God is defined in Scripture as a congregation of believers set apart for God's purposes through their faith in Jesus Christ. This Church transcends denominational labels or physical gatherings and is grounded in God's eternal plan, as stated in 2 Timothy 1:9: "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began."

God's calling is described as holy and purposeful, and those who are part of His Church are sanctified in Jesus Christ. As mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:2, the Church consists of "them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints." This sanctification implies that believers are set apart to walk in God's will, fulfilling the divine purpose established before the foundation of the world.

While there are many churches and religious groups globally, not all are part of the true Church of God as described in Scripture. Being part of the true Church requires being in Christ and living according to God's holy calling. Simply joining a physical church does not guarantee membership in this spiritual body. As Romans 8:1 reminds us, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Believers who are in Christ are called to understand and fulfill this divine purpose. Ephesians 4:1 exhorts us, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called." It is the duty of every believer to align their lives with God's plan, striving to live in obedience to His calling while growing in their faith and understanding. Only through such a commitment can one truly walk in accordance with the holy calling God has extended to His Church.

Preaching Christ: The Heart of the Matter

Preaching Christ: The Heart of the Matter

In Philippians 1:14-18, we find Paul reflecting on his imprisonment and its unexpected effects on the spread of the gospel. His captivity has emboldened others to preach with greater courage, but Paul notices that not everyone does so with pure intentions. Some preach out of envy and rivalry, while others preach out of goodwill and love. Despite the mixed motives, Paul’s remarkable conclusion is that what truly matters is that Christ is preached.

Reflecting on this, Paul asks, "What then?" How should it affect my feelings when others preach from envy or rivalry? His answer is profound: regardless of their motives—whether in pretense or truth—the key point is that Christ is being proclaimed.

"Pretense" means hiding one’s true motives and giving others a false impression. It involves trying to cover up true intentions, often for personal gain. Paul did not support this kind of deception, but he did support spreading the message of Christ. For him, the core message—that Jesus Christ is the Saviour—and saving souls was more important than any competition or rivalry.

This serves as a powerful reminder that the proclamation of Christ, regardless of the manner, possesses the potential to impact and transform lives. Although it is preferable for preachers to be well-educated and sincere in their motives, any form of announcing the Saviour is preferable to silence.

Paul's kindness and understanding of this matter offers a few important lessons for us to consider. For example, if others are more popular or successful, we should celebrate their success because it means Christ is being preached. When other ministers preach, even if we see errors in their messages, yet the grace gospel is proclaimed, we can still find joy in the fact that Christ is magnified. When we can't preach because of other commitments, we should rejoice that others are able to share the message of Christ. No matter what the circumstance, what the intentions, or who is preaching, if it is proclaiming the free gift of justification through the cross and resurrection of Christ, we should rejoice in their contributions to God's work and to the furtherance of our blessed grace gospel.

In a world where so many things can hinder and affect the spread of the gospel, let us look at things the way Paul did. Let us celebrate the shared goal of making Christ known to all.

Understanding The Gospel (An IMPORTANT message for learning and understanding the Bible)

Understanding The Gospel (An IMPORTANT message for learning and understanding the Bible)

Here is an important teaching from Paul Lucas, dealing with "the understanding of the gospel". I plan to upload only this video (on my YouTube channel), the first in a series that Paul will present and upload to his channel going forward. I encourage you to watch this video and return to his channel for the subsequent videos in this series. 

What I find of great value in this teaching series is not only the proper understanding of  what the bible refers to as the gospel, but even more importantly is the information we can learn concerning studying the bible itself; how to look for and understand patterns in the perfect design of God's word in the King James Authorized version, how to interpret each word as it is set in place in the sentence structure, and how to take time in studying and cross referencing the text within the passage, and within the context of the book in which it occurs, and in context with other books in the Bible itself. 

As Paul says in the video, the King James version is a PERFECT book in design, in grammar, in information structure, and in its message. How can we exhaust just one book, let alone all 66. God is all wise and He has ensured that the words in the KJV communicate this to us in great detail and accuracy.

Click here to view the video. The make sure to go to Paul's channel here and look out for the rest of the series as and when they are uploaded.

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 4 - He staggered not, but was strong in faith)

Start this lesson series here: 
Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 1)

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 4 - He staggered not, but was strong in faith)

Rom 4:3-5  For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

In the beginning of Romans, Paul appealed to us (the reader of his epistles) that we should have faith in ‘the faith’; our doctrine that God inspired Paul to write, that contains the principles which should govern our lives. We should have faith not only in the words he wrote, but we ought to have faith that they are the very words of God, 1Cor.14:37; God’s will for us, His desires for us, the way He wants us to walk and function as members of the Body of Christ.

Now, in chapter four of Romans, after having delivered the doctrine of justification: concerning the wrath of God, concerning His righteousness and justice, and concerning His love for us through His Son, Paul writes to us of faith, again, appealing to us to have faith in the gospel, in like manner that Abraham had faith in God, believing that He was able to do what He promised Abraham,

Rom 4:20  He [Abraham] staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;  (21)  And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.  (22)  And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 3 - God's Wrath, Righteousness, and Love)

Start this lesson series here: 
Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 1)

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 3 - God's Wrath, Righteousness, and Love)

Paul starts his exposition of the grace gospel with reference to the wrath of God in Rom.1:18,

Rom.1:18-19  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  (19)  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

Why does Paul do this? Isn't the gospel supposed to be 'good news'? What is so good about knowing about God's wrath? Well, this question has two answers,

1. God's wrath cannot and shouldn't be ignored. It is a true and very important fact to know.
2. God's wrath brings value to the sacrifice of Christ, and confirmation of His great love for us.

If one had to share the gospel with someone, they'd only have half the gospel if you only shared the cross, the resurrection, and God's love. These aspects are emphasized by the fact that God despises and cannot tolerate sin, and the fact that we are sinners, qualifies us utterly to be the recipients of His righteous and horrific wrath. As utterly loving and forgiving God is towards us, we can expect no less than His utter vengeance and righteous wrath upon us for our rebellion. 

God's Forbearance and Righteousness revealed in Christ

God's Forbearance and Righteousness revealed in Christ

Rom.3:24-26  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:  (25)  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;  (26)  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Imagine I told people that the only way to be justified with God was to jump across the ocean to another country; obviously, that would be impossible. Without God's grace, this would serve as a good illustration of how unattainable it is for us humans to be justified before God. However, what does the human heart do? What about sinners who believe they can earn their salvation through their efforts? In their ignorance, they attempt this challenge regardless—one person jumps two feet and falls far short, while another jumps twenty feet and, instead of acknowledging how far he still is from the other side of the ocean, turns around and says, "Look how much better I am than that guy."

The point of the matter is, the man that jumps the furthest is in the deepest water. It's the people in this world who compare themselves with drug addicts and serial killers and pedophiles that are in the most trouble because they're comparing themselves to everybody around them and refusing to acknowledge how far short of the glory of God they've fallen. They think they are in a different category because they are not as bad as those people. They seem to ignore the fact that in the sight of God, they are as guilty and vile as addicts, murderers and pedophiles. What does John say, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1Jn.1:8. People who think they are more righteous than the person next to them are deceived and lie to themselves. The scriptures say that all have sinned, and all have come short of the glory of God. 

Video: Understanding Salvation (Part 3) - The faith of Abraham

I continue the video series called 'Understanding Salvation' with this 3rd part. I encourage you to take time to listen to the series and gain a deeper understanding of salvation, which is NOT only the escape of hell, as many Christinas think, but MUCH more than only that first step.

See part 3 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mfeCbkaVeU

God bless.

Being in a ready state to preach the gospel of Christ

Being in a ready state to preach the gospel of Christ

To summarize this video: It is a heartfelt encouragement to believers to actively share the gospel of Christ. It emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel, whether on street corners or in casual conversations, despite potential opposition and persecution. The video highlights the increasing ignorance and hostility towards God’s word in today’s world and urges believers to pray for boldness and grace to speak the words of life. 

I trust that watching this video may motivate you to take your role as ambassadors of Christ seriously, to speak the gospel boldly, and to understand the eternal significance of your efforts.

The video also includes a printable PDF document (in the description area) with organized scriptures to help one to present the gospel effectively. Use the PDF to memorize scriptures so you can be prepared to share the gospel at any moment. Every person deserves to hear the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Amen.

See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISjZID32lPM

Edification through Reaction and Response

Edification through Reaction and Response

There have been a number of reactions, comments, and statements made from this post. I thought I'd post these for some reading and contemplation. I trust my replies will provide a suitable dispensational interpretation and correction on the doctrinal confusions or inconsistencies that come from mixing or blended dispensational content together. This post is purely educational. I trust you will either be edified by it, or that it will get you digging into the scriptures to prove that what I say is scripturally true. By no means to I try to appear arrogant or boastful. My motivation is to bring us all into seeking truth that is consistent and contextually correct. God bless.

For convenience, I apply bullets and italics to each comment or statement, and I respond to them below each.

Let's begin...

• I suggest anyone reading this thread put their faith in Christ and the Apostles over your new revelations. How God shows His approval of his saints is through the working of miracles. This was evident in the Book of Acts. There have been many saints over the last 2000 years who God has used to perform miracles.

In all honesty I must inform that you are operating under the wrong dispensation. Today we walk by faith, not sight, 2Co.5:7. It was the Jews in the prophetic program that required signs in order to believe their prophets and apostles, 1Co.1:22; Joh.4:48. Why, because God made a covenant with them to do signs and wonders before them, Ex.34:10. He did not make this covenant with us. In addition to that, consider truthfully what the real value of signs and miracles are. During Israel’s exodus they witnessed some of the greatest signs ever recorded, like the parting of the Red Sea and so forth. But soon after they forgot all about that spectacle and worshipped a golden calf. The value of these miracles for them appeared to mean nothing! Jesus performed more miracles than what books can contain, Joh.21:25, yet only 120 were in the upper room at Pentecost. What was the value of his miracles in the eyes of those Jews who wanted to crucify him? Nothing. Zero! Miracles might have a temporary hype and be beneficial to a few, but they are quickly forgotten. Today, there is something more perfect than signs. The completed canon of scripture, Col.1:25, which provides us knowledge and insights into God and His plan for humanity and creation. By studying this book, believing it, and applying it to one’s life it more profound, more powerful, and more permanent than any physical and temporary miracles.

Did Paul ever teach the Kingdom Gospel?

Did Paul ever teach the Kingdom Gospel?

Yes! But only for a very short period of time.

Paul, blinded by the glory of Jesus Christ on the Damascus Road, was led into Damascus by his companions after his encounter. He spent 3 days without sight and sustenance. Then Ananias prayer for Saul’s sight and Saul was strengthened with food. Straightway after he gained his strength, Saul went to the Jewish synagogue and started to preach that Jesus is the Son of God. See Acts 9:19 in the image.

This is the only time when Paul preached the Kingdom gospel.

How do we know it was the Kingdom gospel? In verse 19 it says that Saul preached that Jesus is the Son of God. This was the key faith condition (and confession) for receiving salvation as per this gospel. A person had to believe that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah and confess Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God.

For confirmation of this, have a look at these examples of people being saved under the Kingdom gospel.

If Peter did not preach Paul's grace gospel, why does he speak of grace, the cross, and of faith and hope in his epistles?

If Peter did not preach Paul's grace gospel, why does he speak of grace, the cross, and of faith and hope in his epistles?

QUESTION:

Read 1 Peter 1:10-12, 14-21. Within the first chapter of Peter’s first letter, he speaks of the grace of God that would come to them. Not only did He speak of this, but He also spoke of faith and hope they would have by being in God. He also referred to the cross of Christ when he said his recipients were redeemed with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

It sounds to me that Peter is preaching the grace gospel since he spoke of the grace that would come to the Jews and the blood of the cross being shed for them which is what Paul preached day to day.

Peter was the apostle to the circumcised and Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles, Galatians 2:8. This does not mean the gospels they preached were different, it only means their assignments were different.

Once again, these words were written by the apostle you said never preached the grace gospel of Paul. Please explain.

ANSWER:

Your questions are valid. I appreciate you asking. Let me take them one at a time and clarify with my perspective.

In Luke 20 you ask which gospel was Jesus' preaching.

The answer is that He was preaching the only gospel that existed at that time, the gospel of the kingdom that pertains to the Jews. Paul has not yet been saved, so God’s revelations concerning the grace gospel have not yet been made known.

False notions on how to follow Jesus

False notions on how to follow Jesus

COMMENT:

To follow the Lord there is more to it than just faith. It takes action to prove our compliance - to become a disciple it’s a requirement to be baptised, fully immersed with water. Think of how Jesus was baptised. Afterwards he set the standard - he said pick up your cross and follow me, meaning surrender your life to Jehovah. He spent his last 3 and a half years preaching and teaching.

He warned his disciples that false Prophets would emerges and teach false doctrine and said that we should avoid them. So, we need to be on the watch because Satan does use contaminated doctrine to delude us.

ANSWER to correct these false notions:

If you read James 1:1, you will see that James addresses his epistle to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad. This is in reference to the 12-tribes of Israel who were scattered, some years earlier due to the persecution initiated by Saul (Paul). Thus, the doctrine of this epistle, and that of all the other epistles from Hebrews onwards, is NOT addressed to, or for application by the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ has its own apostle, Paul, Rom 11:13, and its own doctrine, the 13-epistles of Paul.