How do we know the importance of preaching the gospel?

Mark 16:15 directly states the command of Christ to preach the gospel, which underscores its importance in the life of a believer and the church. Preaching the gospel is not merely an option but a divine mandate that has eternal implications for souls. This aligns with the teaching of the Reformed faith, which holds that God uses the proclamation of the Word to bring about regeneration in the hearts of His chosen people.

Furthermore, Scripture demonstrates that faith comes through hearing the Word (Romans 10:17), illustrating the critical role preaching plays in salvation. While ancillary activities such as community service and church events may provide benefits or foster engagement, they should never replace the priority of sharing the gospel. This is a core principle of sovereign grace theology, emphasizing that it is by God's grace alone through faith that one attains salvation, rather than through works or good deeds, however well-intentioned they may be.