Page 17 - Biblical Counseling I Textbook

Mark 1:4-5; Romans 1:9, 15; 1 Corinthians 1:17: 2:1

Note also that the word we generally translate “word” in the NT is the Greek word logos. In general, it refers to
speaking that is rational (i.e., logical). When it is used to refer to God’s revelation, it is best translated as
“message” or in some other way that conveys the idea of a content-laden communication of God. Surveying
many of the various descriptive phrases using the word logos, makes it clear that what is in view is the central
message of God, the gospel.

Word of God (Colossians 1:25)
Word of the Lord (Acts 12:24; 1 Thess. 1:8)
Word of Christ (Col. 3:16)
Word of Truth (Col. 1:5; James 1:18)
Word of Grace (Acts 14:3; 20:32)
Word of the Cross (1 Cor. 1:18)
Word of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:19)
Word of Life (Phil. 2:16; 1 John 1:1)
Word of Righteousness (Heb. 5:13)

The gospel is the power of God for salvation (Rom. 1:16-17).

What is meant by “salvation”? It is through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we can come
to Christ by faith and receive the gift of salvation by grace.

In what way is it God’s “power”? The gospel is what the Holy Spirit uses to generate life. (1 Cor. 4:14-15; Phil.
2:16; 1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18; 1 John 1:1)

The gospel is what the Holy Spirit uses to generate faith. Romans 10:17 “Faith comes from hearing the word of
Christ.”

The gospel is the power of God for sanctification.
The truth of the gospel frees us from the power of sin (Rom. 6). The truth of the gospel empowers us for
righteous living (Rom. 1:16-17; 1 Cor. 1:18; 2 Cor. 13:4; Gal. 3:1-5). [More on sanctification later.]

The gospel is our basis for hope.

It is the “good news” that cheers the soul. It provides hope of a “greater glory” (Rom. 5:2; 2 Cor. 4:17-18). It
provides hope for change now (2 Cor. 3:18; 4:16; Col. 1:27).

The gospel is what everyone needs. It’s for every unbeliever who needs faith to live (Gal. 2:16; Rom. 10:17). It’s
for every believer who needs to live by faith (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 2:20).

The gospel is what we apply to every circumstance. We preach the gospel to others no matter the situation or
need.

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