We live in a day and age where every so-called preacher says that he is preaching the gospel. What is the gospel then? Many times the name of Christ is not even mentioned during the course of their messages. The answer to that question must come from the Word of God.
The Bible tells us very clearly that a God-called preacher has only one message and that is, "Christ crucified." The Apostle Paul said, "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" (I Cor. 1:17). He defines the gospel in Romans 1:3 as "concerning His Son Jesus Christ the Lord... and declared to be the Son of God with power..". A God-called preacher's only desire is "not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified" (I Cor. 2:2).
Preaching "Christ crucified" is more than just telling people that Jesus died, but rather "how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (I Cor. 15:3). How did He die?
1. First of all, Christ died as a substitute (II Cor. 5:21). As the believer's great Substitute, the Son of God took their sins upon Himself and assumed their debt, the penalty of sin. And by His death in their place, He effectually satisfied the penalty of sin for them. His blood paid, and forever canceled, their debt. On the cross, Christ infinitely satisfied the justice of God. His blood forever silenced the claims of God's holy law against His people.
2. Secondly, it was particular (Isa. 53:8). Christ's death was never intended to cover the sins of all people. He died for those whom the Father chose from before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1).
3. Thirdly, His death was effectual (Heb. 9:12; Isa. 53:9-12). Each and every person for whom Christ died was redeemed. In other words the price has been paid for their eternal salvation and they belong to Him. Christ successfully accomplished everything He came to do.
4. And lastly, it was final (Heb. 9:26). When Christ cried out "It is finished" as He hung upon that cursed tree, He was declaring that everything He came to do was completed. He was declaring that everything necessary for the salvation of God's elect was done. Redemption was accomplished. Justice has been satisfied. The law has been honored. Never again will there ever be a sacrifice that God will accept by the hands of sinful man for salvation. Christ's sacrifice, and His sacrifice alone, was accepted by the Father, and it was final.
Does your pastor preach this message? If he is not, he is not preaching "Christ crucified." This message is the only message lost sinners need and it is the only message God's sheep need. Is this the only message you need?