The Gospel's Power and Message (Recovering the Gospel)

This is a really good book that deserves a really good review. But it does not need to be a review that makes much of the author. Rather it must be a review that makes much of God, the author of life and salvation.The author, Paul Washer has been captivated by the depth and the beauty of the gospel for much of his life. The gospel has radically altered him and has moved him to endlessly preach its message without apology and with tenacity. It is apparent that he would love to see that message treasured by the American church in the way he has witnessed the gospel transform people of every nation. Washer knows that this can only be done by God's Spirit, yet he also understands that he has a responsibility to nobly proclaim the true gospel for dying ears to hear, so he endeavors to make much of God in the Gospel's Power and Message.He writes, "One of the greatest crimes committed by this present Christian generation is its neglect of the gospel, and it is from this neglect that all our other maladies spring forth (Washer, loc 90)." Washer challenges God's people to no longer stand idle. He says, "It does not become us as ministers or laymen to stand so near and do nothing when we see `the glorious gospel of our blessed God' replaced by a gospel of lesser glory (Washer, loc 119)." So Washer takes the reader through an arduous 287 page journey inspecting the many facets and implications of the one and only gospel of Jesus Christ.In part one, Washer provides an introduction to understanding the gospel as built off of 1 Corinthians 15.1-5. In each chapter the reader is inundated with scriptural truth. This is a major asset to Washer's writing. I appreciate how Washer's endnotes are predominantly filled with scriptural references, which range from around twenty-five to one-hundred per chapter. As I read line after line, I was refreshed by the reminder that we do not need clever anecdotes and moving stories to convict us to action. The truth of the Word of God alone is sufficient to move God's people. Washer's writing is simply built off the Word of God, which is a wise thing to do. It is much more difficult to err on explaining the gospel when one relies wholly on scripture. To err in explaining the gospel is a great risk. Concerning this Washer says, "Woe to us if we do not preach the gospel, but even greater woe is due us if we preach it incorrectly (Washer, 33)."And so Washer instructs us on the correct preaching of the gospel. He reminds us to know it ourselves and make it known. "The gospel is not merely an introductory message to Christianity - it is the message of Christianity, and the believer would do well to give his life in the pursuit of knowing its glory and making its glory known (Washer, 3)." He asks us to truly receive it and stand by it. "The man, woman, youth, or child who has truly received the gospel will stand on it, and in their standing they prove that they have truly received it (Washer, 15)." Washer regards the gospel as that which exclusively saves, is of first importance, and therefore ought to be passed on to others. Thus, the gospel must be clearly preached. He exhorts, "The power of words is in their meaning. It is not enough to quote certain gospel propositions by rote, but we must also work diligently to explain them (Washer, 34)."In part two, Washer unpacks Romans 1.16. He reminds us that there is but one gospel, which is consistent between both Jesus and Paul. After giving example after example of the parallels between Christ and Paul's message, Washer writes, "...there is no contradiction or deviation between the gospel of Jesus Christ and that which the apostle Paul preached and defined in his epistles (Washer, 46)." Washer adds, "There is but one gospel, which stands above the editor and the censor, and which must not be changed, adapted, or repackaged (Washer, 46)." Washer displays the scandal and power of the gospel for all who believe. He says, "We must regain our foothold in the scriptures until once again they birth in us the conviction that the gospel alone is the power of God for salvation. While it is true that it is a scandalous and incomprehensible message, it is also true that it is the only message through which God has promised to save fallen man (Washer, 72)."Part three covers the remainder of our quest in understanding the gospel's power and message. Here Washer helps us comprehend the gravity of making much of sin and much of God. In these chapters we better understand the urgency of God to rescue us from our sinful state. Better yet, we are called to recall that we are indeed in need of rescue. "Modern man rarely sees himself in this light and would hardly categorize his sin as rebellion and insubordination. Therefore, it is the labor of the gospel preacher to help him see what may be difficult for him to accept and yet is necessary for him to believe (Washer, 99)." Moreover we are reminded that Christ suffers God's wrath on our behalf. "The believer is saved - not simply because of what men did to Christ on the cross, but because of what God did to Him: He crushed Him under the full force of His wrath against us (Washer, 192)." Ultimately, we must recall that, "The gospel does not deal in trivialities; rather it deals with what truly matters most within the realm of human existence: eternal life and eternal death (Washer, 273)."Washer handles his treatment of the gospel with the utmost precision. He wastes no time with anecdotes or stories. If you are one who expects to hear gripping stories of real life people who have experienced transformation, you will only find one story of one person here. It is the story of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom rose from a dead corpse to the living, reigning, King over all. This story is told through the eyes of one of his disciples, Paul Washer.Hear the story of the Gospel's Power and Message here. Paul Washer is the founder of HeartCry Missionary Society and a laborer with them. Learn more about the HeartCry Missionary Society here. Follow Paul Washer on twitter here. book reviews by Joey Cochran at jtcochran.com. Read more

This is the first book in a series called 'Recovering the Gospel' . . . This volume is a wonderful and powerful look at the essentials of the Gospel. It covers everything from the total depravity of man (following the example of Scripture in pulling no punches), the perfect holiness, righteousness, and justice of God, to the work of Jesus Christ upon the cross, the righteousness that work imputes to the believer, and much more that corresponds to and leads out from those truths.The book is inundated with references to relevant passages of Scripture - and I personally liked that those were in footnotes instead of in a different section at the back of the book...Granted, many who grew up with what unfortunately often passes for Christianity today will say that this is a very unbalanced book and puts far too much emphasis on the wrath of God without having enough attention spent on His love, grace and mercy. But again, this is the first book in a series (of three, I believe), and besides that Mr. Washer's whole goal is to point out the parts of the Bible (and thus, God's character) that have come to be downplayed or downright ignored and/or denied by modern evangelicalism...I believe the point of this book is to open our eyes to the full counsel of Scripture and set ablaze our love, fear, and admiration for God... And I believe that, by God's grace and for the Christian who is being sanctified by the Holy Spirit, it will succeed...I am definitely looking forward to the next installment in the series!

This is a great read. We are using it for professional development at our Christian School.

This was such an amazing book. The truth is presented in a very clear, readable way. Good affirmation of the faith, as well as explaining why. It's not going to be palatable for those who want to make the gospel a watered down "at peace with the world" style of evangelism but it is clarion clear for the truth it states based on God's word. Excellent grounding.

This book has become one of my all time favorites. While it is exceptionally clear and readable (avoiding much technical theological language) it is not at all a lightweight presentation and explanation of the gospel. Paul Washer has done a superb job at looking at the intricate details of the gospel and its subsequent implications. It is very well footnoted with scriptural references. I am quite convinced that the readability of this book could easily engage the high school student, and yet, I am equally convinced that seminary students would devour its deep and profound penetration into the gospel's theological seas. I can assure you, reading this book is not skiing on the sea of scripture, it is deep diving for sure! Nevertheless, Paul has achieved this deep dive with the utmost clarity. I wholeheartedly endorse this book as a must read for the layman and for the professional theologian.

Brother Paul as he likes to refers to himself truly puts together something scandously true. Is understanding of the drepravity of man and the glorious gospel of our Jesus Christ is fantastic. Every page is packed with hardcore truth, and honestly is not for the faint of heart. Thinking about how Jesus was straight and to the point in his ministry (ex calling the Pharisees that their father was not Yahweh but the devil John 8) he sticks true to that style and puts together one of the best books I've read. The Lord has worked through me tremendously from the teaching of this book and I thank Him for raising up people like brother Paul who are so devoted to truth. This book is defiantly a must read for all professing believers.

This author, P. Washer, makes MUCH of the Bible; honoring It’s integrity and sufficiency. Great book clearly written by a man with a desire to honor Christ. 💕

Paul Washer is a true man of God and clearly has an intimate relationship with God. He brings much needed clarity and understanding of the gospel. Anyone who genuinely wants to know God and inherit eternal life must read this book!

Great product

A Gospel saturated literary tour de force. Washer will be as popular amongst the contemporary evangelical movement as Jesus Christ was with the Pharisees with this book. It is a biblical truth that mans' will is subject to his nature (120). I was reminded throughout this wonderful read of my depravity and by the author's dependance on scripture shown God's glory that he would save a wretch like me. If you want to know how to miss Christ by about 18 inches read a modern christian book on how to get your best life now and live out your purpose. If you want to get to the heart of the Gospel and be equipped to preach it to a fallen world, your neighbours and your shaving mirror get the the Gospel's Power and Message. If you follow any of our day's popular TV False Preachers you'll avoid this book by a country mile which is the reason why I would plead that you buy a copy and study it. God will save you from the dark world of 'christian' entertainment that serves your felt needs and bring you into the glorious light of his saving Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Awesome book which is an eye opener. Bought two for gifts.

Paul Washers another master piece. Gospel is glorious.