The Gospel Warns

by Micky Galloway

In this series of articles we are examining some specific words that denote specific responsibilities of stewardship of the gospel. We must use the gospel to “compel” (to “constrain, whether by threat, entreaty, force, or persuasion” - W.E. Vine), others to respond (Luke 14:23). As good stewards of the gospel we are to be prepared to “defend” or give answer (I Peter 3:15) for our hope. Our duty as “stewards of the mysteries of God” (I Corinthians 4:1) is to “persuade,” (to reason or present intelligent arguments) from the Scriptures to help others come to a knowledge of the truth. Another important element of such stewardship is to “warn.” Definition: “to put in mind, warn, is translated to warn in the A.V.; to teach, make known” (W.E. Vine). “Inform someone in advance of an impending or possible danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation … give someone forceful or cautionary advice about their actions or conduct” (Google Dictionary).

The Scriptures are filled with warnings. As early as the garden of Eden, “Jehovah God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17). The nation of Israel was told, “When thou shalt beget children, and children’s children, and ye shall have been long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves, and make a graven image in the form of anything, and shall do that which is evil in the sight of Jehovah thy God, to provoke him to anger; I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over the Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed” (Deuteronomy 4:25-26). Ezekiel was charged to warn the people and consequences would be imposed upon him if he did not faithfully discharge his responsibility. “When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul” (Ezekiel 3:18-19). The language of these warnings is explicit. Do this and I’ll bless you, don’t do this and I’ll curse you (cf. Deuteronomy 28-30).

Warnings to those not Christians. The commission of Jesus to the apostles is clear. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16). If one rejects the gospel he will be lost because of his sin. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Obedience to the gospel provides forgiveness, man’s only hope. For those who reject the gospel, we are assured that the Lord will come, “rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: who shall suffer punishment, (even) eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might” (II Thessalonians 1:8-9). Someone says, “That sounds harsh.” No! That is a warning of the peril of departing from this life unprepared, emphasizing the gracious offer of salvation through Jesus. Paul used such warnings to motivate obedience. “For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things (done) in the body, according to what he hath done, whether (it be) good or bad. Knowing therefore the fear (phóbos; fear, terror, reverence, respect, honor -The Complete Word Study Dictionary), of the Lord, we persuade men” (II Corinthians 5:10-11).

Warning to preachers and elders. Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:15-16). The apostle Paul continually warned about “… false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light. It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works” (II Corinthians 11:13-15; cf. II Peter 2:1-2). Specifically to the evangelist Timothy, Paul wrote, “Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee” (I Timothy 4:16; cf. II Timothy 4:2-4). To the Ephesian elders, Paul said, “Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock … I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:28-30).

Warnings to those who are unfaithful. Paul wrote, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men” (I Thessalonians 5:14, KJV). The ASV says, “Admonish the disorderly.” It is our responsibility to warn those of our brethren who are walking disorderly (unruly) to “restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest though also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). We should warn them of the real danger to their souls. “They who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21). Christians must understand just how very important it is that we warn those who are unfaithful to the Lord and His church. “The crown of life” is promised to those who are faithful (cf. Revelation 2:10).

A fundamental part of Paul’s preaching was to sound the warning to all. He preached, “… warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:27-28, KJV). He taught every man so that all men might be perfect (complete) in Christ Jesus. Today we should warn every man and not just a certain nationality or race.

We live in a world, where warning signs abound, but the most important warning of all we often find intolerable. Let us warn of the dangers of sin and the blessed security of obedience to the gospel. Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved …” (Mark 16:15-16). Let us work with all our might to preach the saving gospel to every man, woman, boy, or girl who is capable of understanding that they might avoid the eternal consequences of being lost and know the joy of heaven.