The Danger of an Assumed Gospel

There is a great danger lurking in many evangelical churches, yet the danger is so subtle that many cannot see what has crept in. At first glance, we may not notice the issues amongst the churches; on paper, we have everything correct – we’ve got our statements on human sexuality, gender, the role of women, the fundamentals of the Faith, and even the gospel. Perhaps we even subscribe to one of the historic confessions.

Yet, when listening to the preaching, you notice something is missing. It isn’t that the preacher has said anything wrong – there is no heresy – but still, there is a gaping hole in the message. The preacher has even used the Bible, but still, something is not there.

When it comes time for baptisms or for people to share their testimonies, you listen to people speak of lives being transformed, of good changes that have taken place, and the new moral life being lived. But again, something isn’t right – something is missing.

As you speak with your fellow Christians, you hear them talk about numerous subjects, but the subject of most importance is always lacking (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Then, when you engage in evangelism, you hear well-meaning believers promise people a better life, a peaceful eternity, and hope – but once again, the most important aspect of the message has been assumed and not shared.

In all these cases, what has happened is that the gospel has been assumed. Churches, preachers, and individuals have gotten to a place where we assume those listening to us understand and believe the key truths of the gospel. Unfortunately, many times the people we speak with have no concept of the biblical gospel.

The greatest danger of assuming the gospel is that we comfort people about their souls and eternity when they have no right to comfort. When we assume the gospel, we end up losing the gospel – and people are lost with it.

Several years ago, I spoke at an evangelistic event hosted by a Vietnamese church in Sydney. Most of those attending the service had grown up in Australia, with parents who had fled Vietnam due to persecution under communism. The parents taught their children biblical stories and morality, but something I noticed is that many of these church-going and moral young people had no concept of the gospel. At the end of the service, after I had preached the gospel, I extended an invitation for those who wished to repent and believe to respond. One of the first to respond was the worship leader! He had grown up in the church but had never heard the gospel – yet everyone assumed he was saved.

Now, this isn’t something confined to the Vietnamese church, but it is something that has crept in amongst evangelical churches of all shapes and sizes. We’ve fallen into the trap of thinking that just because someone attends a good church, they must know and believe the gospel. As a result, our churches have plenty of seats filled, but on the Great Day of Judgement, it will be revealed that many of those who attend church will be crying out, “Lord, Lord!” (Matthew 7:21–23).

In evangelism, I often meet people who excitedly tell me they are Christians – some will even tell me about the solid church they attend – but when asked about the gospel, they are clueless. Something has gone drastically wrong. An assumed gospel is a lost gospel.

In Philippians 3:1–11, the Apostle Paul writes to the church in Philippi. This church had a good reputation, though there was some disunity amongst the believers. However, good churches are always one step away from losing the gospel, so Paul writes and reminds the church of the gospel.

In Philippians 3:1, Paul states, “…For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.” What is Paul saying? He is telling the church that he is about to tell them a message they’ve already heard. He says it is safe for them to hear it again. Why? Because so often we forget the truth or are deceived away from it.

With that, Paul uses his testimony to stress the reality of the gospel – that right standing with God comes not through religion or effort, but rather it only comes through Jesus Christ and what He has done.

It is safe for us as Christians to regularly hear the gospel – we need to be constantly reminded of the wonderful news that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). I am firmly convinced that if we are going to preach any text in the Bible, then we must make our way to Jesus and what He has done. This means that in every sermon there should be enough gospel for a sinner to realise his or her plight and see the rescue found in Jesus.

Sadly, from what I’ve seen, the gospel has been assumed and lost in many churches. If questioned, no doubt the leadership would clearly explain the good news, but the issue is that it doesn’t always get communicated to the congregation. As a result, many in our churches are sitting comfortably by – but are heading to Hell.

What are some signs that your church may have assumed the gospel, and thus lost the gospel?

1) The gospel is rarely, if ever, articulated in the sermons.

2) When someone gives their testimony, it lacks mention of sin, the cross, the resurrection, and repentance and faith.

3) Evangelism is lacking, or if it does happen, the message is often about our own desires, comfort, and abilities.

4) There is a lack of praying for the lost.

5) There is no pleading with sinners to be reconciled to God.

6) The preaching or teaching could have just as easily been preached in a Jewish synagogue on a Saturday as in church on Sunday. The person and work of Jesus are missing.

7) People are never challenged or called on to examine themselves (2 Corinthians 13:5).

8) Sin is downplayed – it becomes ‘mistakes’ or ‘inadequacies’.

9) The gospel, when preached, is often not explained or is gently presented so as not to offend anyone.

10) There is no growth in holiness, prayer, or desire for Scripture amongst the congregation – and if there is, it is done out of religious duty, not love for the Saviour.

11) People think they are right with God because they do religious deeds.

12) Children raised in Christian homes think they are saved because they grew up going to church and have learnt Bible stories.

There is a real danger in assuming the gospel. We must speak clearly and scripturally on this matter. Since it was good and safe for Paul to remind the church in Philippi of the gospel, then surely we need to be doing the same in our churches, in our evangelism, and in our families. Never assume the gospel – that is the beginning of losing the gospel.

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Josh receives his salary from The Open-Air Mission. Any financial contributions made through this website will be allocated towards supplying evangelistic resources and addressing requirements associated with gospel-related activities.