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The Gospel Defined
Many think of the "gospel" as merely "The Good News". While this is certainly true, it does not accurately define what the "Good News" really is according to the scriptures. According to Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:1-8), the gospel can be/should be systematically defined in the following way:
1. Death (vs. 3) of Mashiyach
2. Burial (vs. 4) of Mashiyach
3. Resurrection (vs. 4) of Mashiyach
4. 40 Days of Undefilement/Kingdom Ministry (vs. 5-7, seen by many during his 40 days after his resurrection - Acts 1:3) of Mashiyach.
5. Ascension (vs. 8, born out of due time, i.e., after the ascension) of Mashiyach
On the Day of Pentecost Apostle Peter preached the gospel (Acts 2:22-38) message in much more detail than outlined by Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 and at the conclusion of Peter's Pentecost message, many listeners were convicted and asked Peter what they needed to do. Apostle Peter then told them how they could obey the gospel, both the initial steps (how one enjoins the New Covenant) and more. Even though Peter preached a more detailed message than Paul's outline in 1 Corinthians 15, one can easily find Apostle Paul's condensed outline of the gospel within Apostle Peter's message that he preached on the Day of Pentecost.
In another location (1 Timothy 3:16), Apostle Paul provides a similar gospel outline but in much broader sweeping descriptions of the gospel indicating how an individual can become godly (i.e., the mystery of godliness). A "mystery" in scripture usually refers to something hid, but was eventually revealed (Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:9; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 4:3). Furthermore, 1 Timothy 3:16 does not refer to the mystery of the Godhead (deity). Paul clearly said godliness, NOT Godhead, since a "Godhead" interpretation would contradict scripture (Romans 1:20).
One could easily argue that the gospel is also the greatest LOVE story ever told and the above outlines the main points of this LOVE story and that in the matrix below one discovers how they can properly (initially) respond to this divine LOVE (John 4:19) and become a part of the eternal "Bride of Mashiyach" (Revelation 21:9).
Now that the "gospel" definition is clear, the Apostles also made it very clear that this gospel must be OBEYED (2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17; Romans 10:16; 2 Corinthians 4:3; etc.). But obeyed in what way? The scriptures are also very clear on how one must obey the gospel to escape eternal damnation. See the table below for an introduction on how one must obey the gospel of Yahushua Mashiyach. Please note that scriptural references provided are far from exhaustive.
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Passion of Mashiyach Components
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
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Corresponding Gospel Application Components
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Corresponding Hebrews Six Components
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Performed By Whom
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Death
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Repentance
Romans 6:6; Galatians 5:24; Acts 2:38
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Repentance from Dead Works (For the Sinner)
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By the sinner
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Burial
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Water Baptism
Romans 6:3-4
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Doctrine of Baptisms (Water)
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By the minister
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Resurrection
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Holy Ghost Baptism
Romans 2:29; Colossians 2:11-12; Romans 8:11
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Doctrine of Baptisms (Spirit)
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By YHVH
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40 Days of Undefilement (Speaking of Things Pertaining to the Kingdom)
(Acts 1:3)
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Becoming a Kingdom Priest Witness until the "end" (applying the ONE covenant regulation--to LOVE)
Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 2:9; John 13:34; Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13.
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Faith Towards YHVH (Rewarder) and
Doctrine of Baptisms (Suffering)
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By the believer
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Ascension
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Call to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
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Resurrection of the Dead (For the Saints)
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By YHVH’s Spirit in Mashiyach
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The Continuum Application
Just as the overall will of YHVH is an eternally establish continuum, this principle also applies to the Gospel, not just in the sense of its placement in the overall continuum, but how its "real-life events" unfolded relative to the Mashiyach, they were each separate events over "time". This principle also applies to the gospel obedience requirement for the believer (2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17; 1 Corinthians 15:1-2). In other words, each and every major element (e.g., death, burial, resurrection, etc.) is individually intrinsic and "salvific" in nature, but must not be isolated; isolated in the sense of neglecting (not obeying) the other parts of the whole. In an isolated state (as a real-life event relative to Mashiyach or in application relative to a believer), they fall short of the whole (salvation as a culminating unit) and thus void the intended outcome of the whole (salvation as a culmination). Just as the literal "real-life events" of Mashiyach played out as a continuum and as a whole (culmination) over "time", so must an individual's obedience follow the same type of pattern.
Paul alluded to this truth/principle in his writings (1 Corinthians 15:12-17) to the Church at Corinth. This principle is also born out in the scriptures, if one dissects the whole gospel into distinct "obedience parts", e.g., repentance, water baptism, Holy Ghost infilling, etc., etc. Each part of the gospel has a "salvific nature" attached to it. For example, in 1 Peter 3:21 together with Mark 16:16 the writers strongly imply the "salvific nature" of water baptism (just one part of the whole). You will find the same is true with each and every part. But, the "salvific nature" of each is not intended to be isolated by itself to produce an independent "salvation" overriding or negating the other parts (of the whole). Such a view contradicts sound doctrine and would bring continual conflict with the other parts as well as within scripture itself.
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For complete teachings on this vital subject, click here, DOC VOL 3.
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