Response to the Gospel Message and Salvation

The gospel message, understood as the "good tidings of great joy" (Luke 2:10-11) ^[2], proclaims salvation that is of God's purpose and appointment ^[3]. This message reveals God's grace ^[2] and brings to light life and immortality through Jesus Christ ^[2]. The response to this gospel message is central to Christian theology, leading to salvation, which is redemption made effectual to the individual through the power of the Holy Spirit ^[4].

Salvation is fundamentally "of God" (Psalm 3:8) and is given by Christ alone (Isaiah 45:21-22; Acts 4:12) ^[3]. It was announced after the Fall (Genesis 3:15) and was predicted for both Israel and the Gentiles (Isaiah 35:4, 45:22) ^[3]. The gospel is described as the "power of God to salvation" (Romans 1:16) and is glorious and everlasting ^[2]. The Lord Jesus Christ is identified as the "Saviour," one who saves from all forms of evil, and in the highest sense, he is the Saviour of his redeemed ones ^[4]. The message of the gospel is therefore intrinsically linked to salvation and the Saviour ^[4].

The "call of God" to salvation is extended through various means, including Christ, the Holy Spirit, God's works, and through ministers who preach the gospel ^[8]. This call is addressed to all people (Isaiah 45:22; Matthew 20:16), though many reject it (Proverbs 1:24; Matthew 20:16) ^[8]. For those who respond, the call is effectual, leading to fellowship with Christ, holiness, and a heavenly purpose (1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Hebrews 3:1) ^[8].

A core aspect of the response to the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, which secures a personal interest in the work of redemption ^[4]. Ephesians 2:8 states that salvation is "by grace . . . through faith," emphasizing that it is a gift from God and not a result of human works ^[10]. This means that salvation is not earned by human actions but is received through God's mercy alone ^[11]. Good works are understood as the result of salvation, not its cause, flowing from a transformed heart by God's Spirit (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 5:22-23) ^[12].

Upon responding to the gospel, believers are described as being "made alive together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:5), sharing in his resurrection both now and in the future ^[10]. This union with Christ means believers share God's glory and blessings ^[15]. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this transformation, washing away sins and giving new birth and new life (Titus 3:5) ^[11]. This signifies a complete departure from a life of sin and death and a transfer into a realm of life and purity (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:10) ^[11]. Believers are created anew in Christ Jesus, receiving a "new nature" where God's Spirit expresses his life within them (Ephesians 2:10, 4:24; Colossians 3:10) ^{[12, 16]}. This involves stripping off the "old sinful nature" and putting on Christ's new life, allowing him to guide their way of living (Colossians 3:9-10) ^[14].

The gospel message also brings assurance to believers. This assurance is produced by faith (Ephesians 3:12), made full by hope (Hebrews 6:11, 19), and confirmed by love (1 John 3:14, 19) ^[7]. It is an effect of righteousness (Isaiah 32:17) and is abundant in the understanding of the gospel (Colossians 2:2) ^[7]. Saints are privileged to have assurance of their election, redemption, adoption, salvation, and eternal life (Psalm 4:3; Job 19:25; Romans 8:16; Isaiah 12:2; 1 John 5:13) ^[7]. This assurance also extends to the unalienable love of God and their union with God and Christ (Romans 8:38-39; 1 Corinthians 6:15) ^[7].

The salvation offered through the gospel is described as "great" (Hebrews 2:2) because its author is Christ, it has been confirmed by miracles, and it has been attended with great success ^[19]. It is a declaration of salvation by Christ and is the means of bringing it near and applying it in conversion ^[19]. The Apostle Paul, in Acts 28:28, emphasizes that "the salvation of God is sent to the nations," indicating its universal scope and the expectation that people will listen ^[1]. John Gill notes that while salvation is wrought out, it is often unknown to people, especially the Gentile world, until it is made known through the "everlasting Gospel" and its ministers ^[18].

However, responding to the gospel can also bring challenges. Those who live godly lives in Christ may expect to suffer persecution (Mark 10:30; Luke 21:12; John 15:20; 2 Timothy 3:12) ^[9]. This persecution can originate from ignorance of God and Christ, hatred of God and Christ, hatred of the gospel, pride, or mistaken zeal (John 16:3; 15:20, 24; Matthew 13:21; Acts 13:50) ^[9]. Despite potential adversity, believers are encouraged to give thanks "for all things," recognizing that even distresses can become theirs through the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Romans 8:35, 37) ^[17].

The gospel message is not merely an intellectual assent but a transformative encounter. It leads to believers being fully accepted into God's family, becoming children of God (Ephesians 2:19; Romans 8:14-17) ^[13]. The book of Revelation proclaims, "Now the salvation, the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ has come" (Revelation 12:10), indicating the ultimate triumph of God's saving work ^[5]. The present moment is identified as "the acceptable time" and "the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2), urging a timely response to this divine offer ^[6].

Sources

Acts ““Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the nations. They will also listen.” -- Acts 28:28”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Gospel, The — Is good tidings of great joy for all people -- Lu 2:10,11,31,32. Foretold -- Isa 41:27; 52:7; 61:1-3; Mr 1:15. Preached under the old testament -- Heb 4:2. Exhibits the grace of God -- Ac 14:3; 20:32. The knowledge of the glory of God is by -- 2Co 4:4,6. Life and immortality are brought to light by Jesus through -- 2Ti 1:10. Is the power of God to salvation -- Ro 1:16; 1Co 1:18; 1Th 1:5. Is glorious -- 2Co 4:4. Is everlasting -- 1Pe 1:25; Re 14:6. Preached by Christ -- Mt 4:23; Mr 1:14. Ministers have a stewardship to preach -- 1Co 9:17. Preached before”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Salvation — Is of God -- Ps 3:8; 37:39; Jer 3:23. Is of the purpose of God -- 2Ti 1:9. Is of the appointment of God -- 1Th 5:9. God is willing to give -- 1Ti 2:4. Is by Christ -- Isa 63:9; Eph 5:23. Is by Christ alone -- Isa 45:21,22; 59:16; Ac 4:12. Announced after the fall -- Ge 3:15. Of Israel, predicted -- Isa 35:4; 45:17; Zec 9:16; Ro 11:26. Of the Gentiles, predicted -- Isa 45:22; 49:6; 52:10. Revealed in the gospel -- Eph 1:13; 2Ti 1:10. Came to the Gentiles through the fall of the Jews -- Ro 11:11. Christ The Captain of. -- Heb 2:10. The Author of. -- Heb 5:9”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Saviour — One who saves from any form or degree of evil. In its highest sense the word indicates the relation sustained by our Lord to his redeemed ones, he is their Saviour. The great message of the gospel is about salvation and the Saviour. It is the "gospel of salvation." Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ secures to the sinner a personal interest in the work of redemption. Salvation is redemption made effectual to the individual by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Revelation “I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ has come; for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night. -- Revelation 12:10”
2 Corinthians “for he says, “At an acceptable time I listened to you, in a day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation. -- 2 Corinthians 6:2”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Assurance — Produced by faith -- Eph 3:12; 2Ti 1:12; Heb 10:22. Made full by hope -- Heb 6:11,19. Confirmed by love -- 1Jo 3:14,19; 4:18. Is the effect of righteousness -- Isa 32:17. Is abundant in the understanding of the gospel -- Col 2:2; 1Th 1:5. Saints privileged to have, of Their election. -- Ps 4:3; 1Th 1:4. Their redemption. -- Job 19:25. Their adoption. -- Ro 8:16; 1Jo 3:2. Their salvation. -- Isa 12:2. Eternal life. -- 1Jo 5:13. The unalienable love of God. -- Ro 8:38,39. Union with God and Christ. -- 1Co 6:15; 2Co 13:5; Eph 5:30; 1Jo 2:5; 4:13. Peace with ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Call of God, The — By Christ -- Isa 55:5; Ro 1:6. By his Spirit -- Re 22:17. By his works -- Ps 19:2,3; Ro 1:20. By his ministers -- Jer 35:15; 2Co 5:20. By his gospel -- 2Th 2:14. Is from darkness -- 1Pe 2:9. Addressed to all -- Isa 45:22; Mt 20:16. Most reject -- Pr 1:24; Mt 20:16. Effectual to saints -- Ps 110:3; Ac 2:47; 13:48; 1Co 1:24. To man is Of grace. -- Ga 1:15; 2Ti 1:9. According to the purpose of God. -- Ro 8:28; 9:11,23,24. High. -- Php 3:14. Holy. -- 1Ti 1:9. Heavenly. -- Heb 3:1. To fellowship with Christ. -- 1Co 1:9. To holiness. -- 1Th 4:7. To liber”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Persecution — Christ suffered -- Ps 69:26; Joh 5:16. Christ voluntarily submitted to -- Isa 50:6. Christ was patient under -- Isa 53:7. Saints may expect -- Mr 10:30; Lu 21:12; Joh 15:20. Saints suffer, for the sake of God -- Jer 15:15. Of saints, is a persecution of Christ -- Zec 2:8; Ac 9:4,5. All that live godly in Christ, shall suffer -- 2Ti 3:12. Originates Ignorance of God and Christ. -- Joh 16:3. Hated to God and Christ. -- Joh 15:20,24. Hatred to the gospel. -- Mt 13:21. Pride. -- Ps 10:2. Mistaken zeal. -- Ac 13:50; 26:9-11. Is inconsistent with the spirit o”
Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:5: 2:5 gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead (literally made us alive together with Christ): Joined with Christ, believers share in his resurrection, now and in the future (see 2:6; Rom 6:4-14; Col 3:1-4). • It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved: See Eph 1:2; 2:8-9.”
Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:5: 3:5 not because . . . but because: The contrast is between human actions that might be thought to merit salvation and God’s grace (see Gal 2:16). Salvation is through faith in God’s mercy alone (Eph 2:8). • He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth: See Ezek 16:9; John 3:1-15; Eph 5:26; Heb 10:22; 2 Pet 1:9. • and new life through the Holy Spirit: This signifies a complete departure from the life of sin and death and a transfer into the realm of life and purity (see also Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 5:17; Col 3:10).”
Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:10: 2:10 He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us: Good works are the result, not the cause, of salvation. God’s Spirit, working through a transformed heart, produces a good life (Gal 5:22-23).”
Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:19: 2:19 Gentiles who believe are no longer strangers and foreigners (2:11-12, 17). Through Christ, they are fully accepted into God’s family. They become children of God, just like believing Jews (see Rom 8:14-17).”
Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:9: 3:9-10 your old sinful nature . . . your new nature: Paul contrasts old and new identities (see also Rom 5:12-21; 6:6; Eph 4:22-24). Believers strip off their old life and put on Christ’s new life, allowing him to be Lord and to guide the way they live.”
Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:6: 2:6 united with Christ Jesus: Because of this union, believers share God’s glory and blessings, and experience resurrection both now and in the future (see Rom 6:4-14; Col 2:12-13; 3:1-4).”
Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:24: 4:24 A believer has a new nature: God’s Spirit expresses his life within the believer (see Col 3:10; cp. Gen 1:26; Rom 12:1-2; Gal 5:22-23). The transforming work of God’s Spirit is part of the gift of salvation (Eph 2:8-10).”
Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 5:20: thanks . . . for all things--even for adversities; also for blessings, unknown as well as known (Col 3:17; Th1 5:18). unto God and the Father--the Fountain of every blessing in Creation, Providence, Election, and Redemption. Lord Jesus Christ--by whom all things, even distresses, become ours (Rom 8:35, Rom 8:37; Co1 3:20-23).”
Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 98:2: The Lord hath made known his salvation,.... Which was appointed him, he undertook, came to perform, and has effected; this, though wrought out, is unknown to men, especially to the Gentile world, who had no prophecy, promise, or revelation of the Messiah, and salvation by him; but now this is made known in the everlasting Gospel, called therefore the Gospel of salvation, and by the ministers of it; and, besides this, the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ, and his salvation, is given to some; whereby they come to know their need of it, the suit”
Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 2:2: How shall we escape,.... The righteous judgment of God, and eternal punishment: if we neglect so great salvation? as the Gospel is, which is called salvation; in opposition to the law, which is the ministration of condemnation; and because it is a declaration of salvation by Christ; and is the means of bringing it near, and of the application of it in conversion, and so is the power of God unto it: and it is a "great" salvation; the Gospel which reveals it is great, for the author of it is Christ; it has been confirmed by miracles, and attended with great success; a”

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