How well do you know the gospel? Do you know it well enough to be sure that you have embraced it to the salvation of your soul? Paul speaks of “false brethren” (Gal. 2:4), of “evil workers,” of “the false circumcision” (Phil. 2:2), and of “false apostles who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ” (2 Cor. 11:13). He speaks of those who proclaim a “different gospel” or of a “distorted gospel” (Gal. 1:6-9). Jesus spoke of the “false apostles who will come in sheep’s clothing, bearing no genuine fruit” (Matt. 7:15) and of those hypocrites who were white washed tombs (Matt. 23:26-29).

Teaching elders, how well do you know the gospel? Do you know it well enough to cogently declare it to those who reside in darkness? Church member, do you know it well enough to testify to its glorious message? If the occasion arose, could you take someone through the Scripture and its plan of salvation, showing them specific biblical references on how to come to saving faith?