In today’s world, we place a premium on things that are certified—whether it’s food, medicine, or documents, we trust what is verified. Yet, have we considered whether the gospel we follow is certified? In religion, as in life, substitutes and errors abound. Jesus Himself warned of the necessity of truth, saying, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32, NASB). A counterfeit gospel cannot save us; only the genuine gospel, the one delivered by God, holds that power. Let us explore the essential features and characteristics of this certified gospel.
The Marks of the Certified Gospel
1. Original and Unchanged
The certified gospel is the original message of salvation as given by God. Paul marveled at how quickly some were deserting the gospel, writing, “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel” (Galatians 1:6). There are many gospels being preached today, but only one is authentic. It is not subject to human alteration or innovation. The true gospel, as Paul emphasized, is ancient and eternal, not a creation of man. Anything that departs from the message contained in the New Testament is not the certified gospel.
We live in a world of constant change, where “new” often attracts attention. However, the gospel is not a trend to be updated. Its truth remains unchanged. As Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.” The same unchanging Jesus guarantees the enduring validity of His gospel.
2. Pure and Unadulterated
Paul warned about those who would pervert the gospel, saying, “But there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!” (Galatians 1:7–8). This warning underscores the danger of altering the gospel. A diluted or corrupted gospel is like polluted water—it cannot sustain life. In the same way, the gospel must remain pure to save souls.
Purity requires adherence to the truth. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Teaching and believing the truth of the gospel is essential, for no one can accidentally obey God or stumble into salvation.
3. Adequate and Sufficient
The certified gospel is complete and sufficient for all time. Paul declared, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). This gospel was delivered once for all and requires no additions or revisions. Jude 1:3 reminds us to “contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints.” The sufficiency of the gospel lies in its divine origin and eternal purpose. It provides all we need for salvation, guidance, and eternal hope.
4. Glorious and Powerful
The certified gospel is glorious in its power and scope. Paul proclaimed, “We preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:23–24). Its glory lies not in human wisdom or eloquence but in its ability to save sinners and transform lives. Unlike human philosophies, the gospel brings light to darkness and hope to despair.
Paul’s unashamed proclamation of the gospel—whether in Athens, Rome, or elsewhere—serves as a model for us today. We must boldly preach and live the gospel, allowing its glory to shine through our words and actions.
The Elements of the Certified Gospel
Having examined the external characteristics of the gospel, let us delve into its essential elements as outlined in Scripture.
1. The Gospel of God
The first principle of the certified gospel is its divine origin. Paul began his letter to the Romans by declaring, “Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1). The gospel is rooted in God’s eternal plan, stretching from creation to eternity. It is God’s message, not man’s. Evolutionary theories and human philosophies pale in comparison to the majesty of the gospel’s declaration: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).
The gospel proclaims God’s sovereignty and power, reminding us that He alone is the author of salvation. As David wrote, “Know that the Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves” (Psalm 100:3).
2. The Deity of Jesus Christ
Another vital element of the certified gospel is the deity of Jesus Christ. Peter boldly proclaimed on the Day of Pentecost, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). The gospel is the good news of Jesus’ virgin birth, His sinless life, His atoning death, His triumphant resurrection, and His glorious ascension.
Jesus’ deity is the cornerstone of our faith. As Paul wrote, “For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). His resurrection is the ultimate proof of His divinity and the guarantee of our salvation.
3. The Church of Christ
The certified gospel cannot be separated from the church, which Jesus purchased with His blood. Paul reminded the elders of Ephesus, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). The church is the body of Christ, composed of those who have obeyed the gospel.
Ephesians 4:4–5 emphasizes the unity of the church: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” The gospel brings us into this one body, united under Christ’s headship. Denominationalism and division undermine the unity that the gospel seeks to establish.
4. The Gospel of Salvation
Finally, the certified gospel is the gospel of salvation. It proclaims God’s plan to save sinners through faith, repentance, baptism, and obedience. Jesus Himself declared, “The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). The gospel demands a response, for salvation is available only to those who obey its commands.
Paul’s words to Timothy encapsulate the gospel’s power and purpose: “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). The gospel equips us to live holy lives and prepares us for eternity with God.
Conclusion: Will You Obey the Certified Gospel?
The certified gospel is the only gospel that can save. It is the gospel of God, centered on Jesus Christ, proclaimed by the apostles, and preserved in the Scriptures. It is unchanging, pure, sufficient, and glorious. Yet, it demands a response. Will you accept it, obey its commands, and live by its principles?
As Paul wrote to the Romans, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:13–14). The gospel must be preached, heard, and obeyed.
Friends, the certified gospel is your only hope of salvation. Do not delay. Believe in Jesus Christ, repent of your sins, be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins, and live faithfully in His service. Let us embrace the certified gospel and share its message with a world in desperate need of salvation.
The Simple Gospel 