The Response to the Gospel

[joseph]

The Response

People can make decisions about what color socks to wear but making a
“decision” for Christ is not possible because dead people can’t choose
("we were dead in trespasses and sins"). In fact, our natural tendency
is to run and hide from God (Adam and Eve), not seek him out. Our
response to the gospel is more like a drowned person who is pulled
from the water and “decides” to breathe after CPR.

Only when people are at the end of their rope is the message of the
gospel – God’s righteousness freely given to sinners through faith in
Christ – heard and believed. At that point even the faith to believe
is a gift of God that accompanies the message. “Faith comes by hearing
the message” Rms. 10:17.

Acts 16:13-14
We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14
One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple
cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord
opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.

So what is the effect of speaking the gospel message on the hearer? At
least from what we can see, different people respond in different ways
and at different times. We seem to have a balance between Isaiah
55:11, “so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and
achieve the purpose for which I sent it” and the parable of the sower,
who sowed the same seed (word) and got different results.

For those who do believe the message, the response will be different
and varied but here are a few general categories:

Josh 24:15 - But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Ps 100:2-3 - Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with
joyful songs.

Heb 12:28-29 - Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that
cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably
with reverence and awe."

Rom 12:1 - in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living
sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God

Rom 15:7 - Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you

Col 4:2 - Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Eph 5:19-20 - Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always
giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ.

Our response to the gospel is one that stems from love and gratitude
for all that Christ has done on our behalf.