I’m no George Whitefield, but I’ve been accused of presenting a harsh Gospel so I’d like to clear the air. If you mean by presenting people with the truth as found in the Bible, then I admit that I do that. If I’m accused of teaching a harsh Gospel because I talk too much about the wrath of God, then I plead guilty to that charge too. Why do I talk so much about the wrath of God? Because it’s in the Bible!
Take a look at 2 Corinthians 5:10-11: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest to God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. Even though this judgment is for believers, please notice the phrase “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” When is the last time someone talked to you about the terror of the Lord?
Another verse that compels me to talk about God’s wrath is Romans 2:5: But after your hardness and impenitent heart you treasure up to yourself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God. Verses 8 and 9 go on to say: But to them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that does evil, of the Jew first, and also the Gentile.
There are many more verses along these lines, but I’ll just mention one more – Revelation 21:8 states: But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. If you skim past all of these listed, please focus on all liars. That includes every single person on earth.
So if you die as an unbeliever, you will spend eternity in Hell. That’s why I say the things I say. I warn people about Judgment Day because God’s wrath is coming. I’m merely warning people to flee from the wrath to come. God is angry with people about their sins. I don’t think I proclaim a harsh Gospel, I just think I tell people the unvarnished truth and that truth is that God is angry with unrepentant sinners (Colossians 3:5-6).
But the Gospel is not harsh at all. In fact, the Gospel is Good News! Our sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). There is nothing we can do to earn salvation (Romans 11:6). Salvation is through Jesus Christ alone. Jesus walked this earth over 2,000 years ago. He lived a perfect sinless life. Jesus never sinned in thought, word or deed (1 Peter 2:22). He always obeyed God the Father and He was obedient even unto death, death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). He was buried and on the third day He rose from the grave. Jesus defeated death, sin and Hell.
Here’s where the Good News comes in. God can pardon you for your sins if you put your trust in Jesus. Not just intellectual knowledge of Him, but truly believe in Him. You need to surrender your life to Him. Don’t trust in your own unrighteousness to save you, but put your faith in Jesus and turn away from your sins. See, this isn’t harsh at all. This is the most welcomed news. God made a way for guilty sinners to get back in a right relationship with Him – through Jesus Christ.
Jesus suffered a harsh death for guilty sinners (who put their faith in Him), but the Gospel is not harsh to us at all. I mention the wrath of God a lot because people need to understand their need for a savior before it makes sense for them to cry out to Jesus.
Don’t reject this most amazing gift from God – eternal salvation through His Son. Receive everlasting salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord by turning away from your sins and putting your trust in Him. Don’t foolishly reject this wonderful gift. Repent and believe the Gospel!