Just as one holds a bank bill up to the light to see its distinctive features, we need the light of God’s word to shine on any message that claims to be the Gospel.
Before we look at faulty responses, let’s familiarize ourselves again with the Gospel and its true responses. This is the message that began fully at Pentecost (Acts 2) and was still being replicated when the Romans obeyed the same pattern of teaching (Romans 6). Here is the way Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, first presented the Gospel after the resurrection:
A. Evidences that pointed to Jesus as “Lord and Christ”
1. Miracles of Jesus (Acts 2:22)
2. Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by Jesus (Acts 2:23, 36)
3. Eye-witness proof of Jesus’ power and resurrection (Acts 2:24, 31-32)
B. Facts about Jesus …
1. as approved by God (Acts 2:22)
2. as crucified (Acts 2:23, 36)
3. as raised from death (Acts 2:24, 31-32)
4. as reigning at God’s right hand (Acts 2:30-33)
5. as assuredly proved to be Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36)
C. Commands by the authority of Jesus
1. repent (Acts 2:38)
2. be baptized (Acts 2:38)
3. be saved (Acts 2:40)
D. Promises made possible by Jesus
1. forgiveness of sins Acts (2:38)
2. the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
3. salvation (Acts 2:40)