and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” Romans 15:20-21
Today, it is hard to fathom that there are people who have not yet heard about Jesus Christ. In Paul’s day, the Good News was still new. With television, radio and the Internet, more and more people are being reached. But here is the problem. There is also a great deal of misinformation out there. People are defining who and what Jesus was and is to meet their own agendas. They are trying to mold Him into their own image.
Some claim, even from the pulpit, that Christ is a way to God, but no more than Buddha or Mohammad. Others are saying that Christ was a victim of oppression and the only way to receive salvation is by raising up the oppressed and giving them power. That was what Judas thought. It is called collective salvation. It is wrong. Salvation is an individual thing. The Bible says “if any man sins we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous.” (1John 2:1) Jesus spoke of the lost sheep, that He seeks out that one, not a whole herd. He told the thief on the cross he would be in Heaven that day, not everyone else. Jesus told the woman who touched his garment her faith, not a collective one, had healed her. He asked his disciples, “who do each of you say that I am?”
Jesus’ ministry didn’t die with Him on the cross. He is not a victim. He chose that path so He could fulfill his duty – to become the ultimate Victor. He conquered death itself. Yet many Christians are not hearing that message. So, perhaps Paul’s statement still stands. There are those who have not yet heard the truly Good News. There are plenty of wrong messages floating around. Some people have gone to church their whole lives and not been told the Truth. Others have never darkened the doors of a church. Many of them live right down the street from me and you. They needed the Good News in Paul’s day – they really need it now.
