A believer was distributing gospel tracts on a street corner of a village. Some people received the tracts. However, a group of youngsters came and snatched the literature, tore it, and also burnt it. A passerby, a retired school teacher, came and rebuked the youngsters. “Why do you tear literature? Books give knowledge.” One vociferous fellow shouted back: “No, sir, it does not just give knowledge, but ideas that upset our social order. This should be prevented.”
Ideas: The Gospel is the truth, which takes every thought captive to obey Christ. (II Corinthians 10:5) The revolutionary ideas of the gospel challenge all cultures, traditions, and social orders. Hence, the gospel is opposed in many parts of the world.
Freedom: Those who know and receive the truth are set free. (John 8:32) This world is a place of several bondages: sin, world, religions, traditions, oppression, poverty, slavery, etc. Only Christ can set those in bondage free. Those who are holding masses under their bondage, depriving their rights, and denying them freedom of choice get upset and oppose the gospel.
Equality: The gospel teaches that there is no social hierarchy; all humans are equal. All humans are descended from the first couple, Adam and Eve. The Son of God died on the cross of Calvary for all. The Gospel offers an opportunity for all humans to receive forgiveness and salvation who repent and receive the Lord. (John 1:12)
Fraternity: The gospel creates a new community. Humans are divided into several races, castes, clans, languages, cultures, and nationalities. The dividing wall of hostility is demolished as Christ is the peace who reconciled all humanity. (Ephesians 2:14) One person considered himself elite, belonging to the upper echelons of society, wanted a god who could exclusively love him, and not a God who loves, accepts, and blesses all. The elder son in the Prodigal Son parable preferred not to be called as brother of the prodigal son. He referred to ‘Prodigal Son’ as ‘your son’ to his father. (Luke 15:30)
Do I understand the transforming power of the gospel?