The gospel demands an obedient response to all that God has done for humanity in Jesus Christ. This includes faith in God, trust in the work of Jesus Christ, the repenting of sin, being baptised, and becoming like Christ through discipleship.
The requirement of faith
Belief in God
Hebrews 11:6 See also John 10:38, John 11:25–27, John 14:8–11
And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Trust in Jesus Christ
John 3:14–16 See also John 1:12–13, John 3:36, John 7:37–39, John 20:31; Acts 13:38–39, Acts 16:31; Romans 3:22
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
The requirement of repentance
A conscious change of mind and heart
Acts 3:17–20 See also Psalm 51:17; Jeremiah 3:12–13, Jeremiah 6:16; Luke 18:13–14; Acts 17:30
And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed for you.
Turning away from sin
Acts 8:22 See also 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 34:14; Isaiah 59:20; Jeremiah 25:4–6
Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart.
Turning towards God
Acts 20:21 See also Deuteronomy 4:29–31, Deuteronomy 30:8–10; Isaiah 44:21–22, Isaiah 55:6–7; Hosea 14:1–2; James 4:8–10
testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The requirement of baptism
Acts 2:38 See also Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 8:12, Acts 8:36–38, Acts 10:47–48, Acts 19:1–5, Acts 22:16
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The requirement of public confession of Jesus Christ
Romans 10:9–10 See also Matthew 10:32 parallel Luke 12:8–9
that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.
The requirement of discipleship
Willingness to learn from Jesus Christ
Matthew 11:28–30 See also John 13:14–15; Philippians 2:5; 1 Peter 2:21
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Willingness to obey Jesus Christ
John 14:15 See also John 14:21, John 14:23, John 15:10; 1 John 2:3–6, 1 John 3:21–24, 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
Willingness to suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ
Matthew 16:24 parallels Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23 See also Acts 14:21–22; Philippians 1:29; 2 Timothy 3:10–12; James 1:2; 1 Peter 3:14, 1 Peter 4:12–19
Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.