Receiving the gospel involves accepting it as the true word of God, as opposed to merely accepting it as a suggestion or opinion.
To receive the gospel signifies a deep, transformative experience where a person acknowledges and accepts the message of salvation as the true Word of God. In 1 Thessalonians 2:13, it is noted that believers receive the word not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which works effectively in those who believe. This understanding distinguishes between merely accepting the gospel, which could imply human agency in salvation, and genuinely receiving it, which recognizes divine intervention and grace in effecting belief. This reception is entirely attributed to God's sovereign work within the believer's heart, as faith itself is a gift from God.
Scripture References:
1 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 15:1, John 1:12
Commentary