God Saves Sinners Apart from
the Preaching of the Gospel by Don Fortner Faith comes by hearing,
and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10, verse 17. No one is
saved apart from the hearing of the gospel. Let no one deceive
you in this matter. The issue is not whether or not
God can save His people without the use of means. The issue is
whether or not He will. We know that He will not because
He has revealed it plainly in His Word. Faith comes by hearing,
and hearing by the Word of God. It pleased God to save His elect
by the foolishness of Gospel preaching. All who are begotten
of God are begotten of Him by the Gospel. All who are born
again are born again by the incorruptible seed of God's Word, which is
preached to them in the Gospel. These things are so plainly revealed
in Holy Scripture that there is no excuse for error regarding
them. 1 Corinthians 1 verse 21, James
1 verse 18, and 1 Peter 1 verses 23 through 25. Those who teach that God saves
sinners apart from the preaching of the gospel fly in the face
of Holy Scripture. It is therefore no surprise to
see them favor emotionalism, experiences, dreams, custom,
and religious tradition above the Word of God. The preaching
of the Gospel is God's chosen, ordained means of grace, by which
He calls chosen, redeemed sinners to salvation in Christ by the
irresistible power and grace of His Holy Spirit. The New Testament
universally declares that the preaching of the Gospel is vital
to the salvation of God's elect. Our message is always the same. We do not have one message for
children and another for adults. We do not have one message for
one group and another for another group. The preaching of the Gospel
is a proclamation of the unsearchable riches of Christ, of salvation
by His grace, of peace with God, of pardon of sin, of righteousness,
and life and salvation by Him. The Scriptures plainly declare
that no one will ever be saved who does not. Hear the Gospel. Romans 10, verse 17. Believe
on the Lord Jesus Christ. Mark 16, verses 15 and 16. Acknowledge and confess his sin. 1 John 1, verse 9. repent of
his sins, Luke 13, verse 5, and persevere in the faith, Matthew
10, verse 22.