Understanding the Gospel message is central for believers of the Christian faith. Dr. Jeremiah Johnston talks with pastor and author Dr. J.D. Greear about the Gospel’s undeniable power to transform and save lives.
Greear remembers a time when he went through tremendous doubt about his salvation. The period of doubt ultimately paved the way to a greater understanding of the saving work of Jesus Christ. Greear has spent his life spreading the message of salvation.
Through his mission work and studies, he has gained valuable insight into methods of sharing the Gospel and answering the questions people groups have. He shares insights from his book, “Breaking the Islam Code: Understanding the Soul Questions of Every Muslim,”
“No matter what I’m talking about, nothing takes the centrality away from the first place of the Gospel. Christianity is not good advice; it is good news. It’s not just the way you get saved; it’s the power to live it out.”
In responding to questions from believers who waver in their trust for God’s saving work in their lives, Greear encourages them to put their faith in God’s promises rather than in their own feelings.
“Our Heavenly Father wants us to know the certain promises of the Gospel. God’s Word is strong and His promises are stronger. Salvation has everything to do with the One that faith is in. Faith is not a savior; Jesus is the Savior. What we find in Scripture is that Christian growth is really growth deeper into the Gospel.”
“The New Testament speaks about the blood of Jesus – not just paying the sin debt but washing away the sin of our heart that keeps us separated from God. What matters is: are you leaving your hope for salvation on the finished work of Christ? Go and embrace what He’s done for you.”
We need to embrace the reality of our salvation in order to fully experience the life Christ died for us to have. Once we’ve grown deeper in Gospel truth, we will be able to live it out and begin to share it with others.
Dr. J.D. Greear is the president of the Southern Baptist Convention and pastor of The Summit Church. His book, “Above All: The Gospel Is the Source of the Church’s Renewal,” was released in 2019.