Landmark Baptist

Is the term "gospel" limited only to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, or does it's scope include the glad tidings of being able to serve Him in an acceptable manner in His church?

Romans 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

Why would he preach only a salvation message pertaining only to the New Birth and nothing else to saved, baptized, church members?

Romans 1:11-12 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary [A-J]
gospel
GOS'PEL, n. L. evangelium, a good or joyful message.

The history of the birth, life, actions, death, resurrection, ascension and doctrines of Jesus Christ; or a revelation of the grace of God to fallen man through a mediator, including the character, actions, and doctrines of Christ, with the whole scheme of salvation, as revealed by Christ and his apostles. This gospel is said to have been preached to Abraham, by the promise, "in thee shall all nations be blessed." Ga.3.8.

It is called the gospel of God. Rom.1.1.

It is called the gospel of Christ. Rom.1.16.

It is called the gospel of salvation. Eph. 1.13.

1. God's word.

2. Divinity; theology.

3. Any general doctrine.

GOS'PEL, v.t. To instruct in the gospel; or to fill with sentiments of religion.

Thoughts?

I believe the Gospel encompases the whole of Gods Word.

1Pe 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

1Pe 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

1Pe 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Everything we know about Christ has been revealed to us in numerous ways (through Prophets) and examples from the Garden to His coming Glorious return.

The Tree of Life speaks of Christ, the Sacrifice of Isaac speaks of Christ, the Law speaks of Christ, the Mercy shown to David speaks of Christ, The sin of Israel speaks of Christ (Judgement), etc; etc.

Somewhere, I got the meaning of "gospel" as the good news. I'm too old to remember where though.
I agree with cbut1 that it is the whole of the Word of God..

I have taught that the "churches" that teach that you can once again be eternally lost after having been born again, like the Nazarenes, are teaching another gospel. I believe this is so. What should our stance be toward those that would teach this heresy?

Galatians 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

I have heard the statement before, "Well they are way off on doctrine, but at least they preach the gospel right".

I am not convinced that this is a proper use of the word gospel. It seems to cheapen the word and follow the "Doctrine divides but Christ unites" crowd.

Where is the scope of the gospel? At what point do I say let them be accursed?

Bro. Coulter,
You asked, "Is the term "gospel" limited only to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, or does it's scope include the glad tidings of being able to serve Him in an acceptable manner in His church?"

The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus the Christ cannot be limited in its benefits and application to salvation of a lost sinner, otherwise we would have to conclude the institution of the church and our proper service as part of that institution is completely disconnected from His death - and that cannot be. To say His death, burial and resurrection - of which the gospel proclaims - is to be only applied to salvation and has nothing to do with service, is to limit what He accomplished and put into place.

Just the single doctrine of sanctification, even as described in our various doctrinal statements, uses language of saying it begins at salvation and is ever progressive in a practical way through a life of devotion and sincere service as we separate ourselves as a vessel unto Him.
All of that is totally dependent and made possible by His death, burial and resurrection.

Or, using your language, I would say the gospel is directly about His death, burial and resurrection - but the scope of His death includes every display of true faith in a risen Savior, whether it be at the point of salvation or in a life of service after salvation - all of God's plan for fellowship with and honor from humans is intimately connected to His death, burial and resurrection. We can do nothing that God accepts apart from what Christ did for us.

Galatians 2:20 sums it up quite well, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”