We have been studying the long-term effect of the Gospel from the book of Romans chapters one through three. The Gospel is not just something that we receive once, so that we can gain assurance of salvation, and then move on to other things. Paul expressed his desire to preach the gospel to believers, not just to unbelievers (Romans 1:11-16 - "[that] you may be established / strengthened…" cp. Romans 16:25-27 - "…to establish / strengthen you…"). The gospel has a continual long-reaching effect on all aspects of doctrine, spiritual growth, and service to God. This could not be fully grasped before, but In this age of grace, the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only proper way to interpret all of the Bible. It is "…The truth as it is in Jesus." (Ephesians 4:21 cp. I Peter 1:10-12, 23-25).

The gospel has a perpetual application for us. It is important to understand the perpetual need for us to be involved with gospel truth. Why do we continually stress the person and work of Christ? Why is He to be preeminent in all things? See Colossians 1:14-19; 2:6-10; 3:1-4,16-17; Ephesians 3:8; I Corinthians 1:18 - 2:5; Philippians 1:20-21; 2:5; 3:8-10; 4:13,19; John 15:1-8,16.

We will be looking at some important warnings and instructions in the Book of Hebrews that will help us repent and/or stay vitally connected with gospel truth. Two preliminary considerations:

1) Some people have professed faith in Christ but do not really possess a saving relationship with Christ. Perhaps they have been mistaught, or they have not been paying attention to the truth that they have been taught. Passages in the Book of Hebrews, and in other places of Scripture, are designed to warn them to seek that true relationship with Christ and His word. See John 8:30-32; I John 2:15-19; 5:13 cp. II Corinthians 13:5; II Peter 1:10.

2) Some people have a true relationship with Christ, but they have not matured, or they have become careless, sleepy, discouraged, and distracted. They may be under the influence of weak or false teachers. Passages in the Book of Hebrews, and in other places of Scripture, are designed to awaken and revitalized them, to make them mature followers of Christ with true zeal and understanding. See I John 2:12-21, 24-29; 5:13 cp. II Peter 1:2-13; 3:17-18; I Peter 2:1-3; I Corinthians 14:20.

Special Notes:

A serious study of Hebrews 5:8 - 6:12 and Hebrews 10:19-39 is needed. Commentators vary greatly in interpretation. It is recommended that the commentaries of John MacArthur and Warren Wiersbe be consulted.

Also consider a study of the Book of I John. Besides consulting MacArthur and Wiersbe, a series of messages was delivered to Northland Bible Church, of Tomahawk, Wisconsin, on the Book of I John from 01/12/2020 to 05/17/2020. These messages may be found on two websites: sermonaudio.com or northlandbiblechurch.com.

Questions or problems? - please contact Alex Lindsay at alexmlindsay@yahoo.com.