False Doctrines Refuted by the Bible Phrase:
"Obey the Gospel"

"But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" (Romans 10:16)

"In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:" (II Thess. 1:8)

"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (I Pet. 4:17).

The Bible teaches that we must obey the gospel in order to be saved. Following are some man-made doctrines destroyed by this clear Bible teaching:

1. Universalism is refuted by this phrase. Universalism is the false notion that says that eventually all will be saved. Actually, the Bible teaches that most will be lost (Matt. 7:13-14). The Bible teaching on the essentiality of obedience to the gospel shows that salvation is conditional in nature (Heb. 5:9; Mk. 16:16).

2. The Calvanistic doctrine of unconditional predestination is refuted by the phrase "obey the gospel." Man has a choice in the matter (Rom. 6;16-17; Jn. 5:40; Matt. 11:28-30).

3. The denominational doctrine of "faith only" is destroyed by the phrase "obey the gospel". Our faith must be strong enough to obey (Gal. 5:6; Heb. 11:8).

4. The Catholic and Protestant practice of infant baptism is struck down by the Bible phrase "obey the gospel". Infants and small children do not have the capacity to obey, being unable to understand.

5. The popular false doctrine of Grace only is clearly in conflict with this Bible phrase. The phrase "obey the gospel" indicates that man does play an active role in his/her own salvation. Paul says, that we "obey from the heart" (Rom. 6:17).

Conclusion:

Modern preachers say things like: "just accept Jesus"; "pray and ask the Lord to save you"; "just believe in Jesus". The Bible says "obey the gospel."

RK