The Gospel was never meant to be complicated. In fact, Paul warned against being “led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3, NASB). Yet, over time, human interpretations and theories have caused confusion, creating misunderstandings about the very essence of the Gospel.
God’s Word is Intended for Every Intelligent Being
The commands in the Gospel are clear. As Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:15-16, NASB). These words were meant to be understood by everyone, not just a select few. So, where does the confusion come from? Often, it’s not from the complexity of God’s Word, but from human misunderstandings.
Salvation is Clear
We are commanded to believe in Christ: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17, NASB). It’s as simple as hearing and believing. But that belief must be coupled with action. Repentance and baptism are not optional. Jesus said, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, NASB), and Peter declared, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38, NASB).
The challenge is not in understanding these commands but in obeying them. When we try to add our own interpretations or substitute our preferences for God’s clear instructions, we complicate the simplicity of the Gospel. Just as the Bible says, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12, NASB).
The Need for Simplicity in Worship
Some today are perplexed about which church to join or how to worship. Yet, the early Christians had no such confusion. “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42, NASB). The New Testament church was unified in these practices, not divided by human additions or traditions.
God’s Word provides everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3, NASB). Let us not be distracted by what the Bible doesn’t say, but remain steadfast in what it does. As Paul urged the Colossians, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men” (Colossians 2:8, NASB).
The Simple Gospel 