More Than Pardon
The gospel message is more than just an offer of free pardon, it includes a call to repentance, atonement, and living a life of temperance, righteousness, and godliness.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the New Testament message of salvation extends beyond mere pardon for sins; it encompasses repentance, righteousness, and a call to live a godly life. He stresses that accepting Christ as Savior also requires a commitment to deny ungodliness and worldly desires, highlighting the importance of living in accordance with God's kingdom. Tozer warns against the danger of preaching only parts of the gospel, as it dilutes its power and effectiveness. The full gospel includes a call to amendment, separation from worldly influences, and loyalty to God, even in the face of adversity.
Text
It is a fact that the New Testament message of good news, "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures," embraces a great deal more than an offer of free pardon. Surely it is a message of pardon-and for that may God be praised-but it is also a message of repentance! It is a message of atonement-but it is also a message of temperance and righteousness and godliness in this present world! It tells us that we must accept a Savior-but it tells us also that we must deny ungodliness and worldly lusts!
The gospel message includes the idea of amendment-of separation from the world, of cross-carrying and loyalty to the kingdom of God even unto death!
These are all corollaries of the gospel and not the gospel itself; but they are part and parcel of the total message which we are commissioned to declare. No man has authority to divide the truth and preach only a part of it. To do so is to weaken it and render it without effect!
Sermon Outline
- The Gospel Message
- More than Pardon
- Repentance and Atonement
- Temperance, Righteousness, and Godliness
Key Quotes
“It is a message of pardon-and for that may God be praised-but it is also a message of repentance!” — A.W. Tozer
“No man has authority to divide the truth and preach only a part of it.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must accept a Savior and deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.
- The gospel message requires us to live a life of temperance, righteousness, and godliness.
- We must not divide the truth and preach only a part of it, but rather declare the total message of the gospel.