There is a song very popular with Nigerian Pentecostalists. And as usual, the blitzkrieg of Pentecostalism, because of its often-loud noise, imposes itself on the psyche of all Nigerians – even non-Christians (don’t like to call them unbelievers – cause they may believe in other things than the gospel). Somehow, it was hatred at first sight for this song and sometimes I wonder why my vitriol is so strong!
I think I found the fundamental error of this great song, Darling Jesus, darling Jesus, O my darling Jesus you are a wonderful Lord, I love you sooo much, Darling Jesus, etc.
Despite the noise, the pomp and the loudness, one of the things the gospel does to anyone with a modicum of understanding is to induce in the person a tinge of sobriety and some element of soberness. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the foolish son was merry and gay when he had a lot of cash. At that point, he had so many friends and, of course he had his Darlings. But once all the monies were gone, so went the merriment. It was at that point that he came to his senses! “I will return to my father!” That was a determination. At that point, away with the lewdness and the garish day! If he had a song at that time, it was NOT “Darling Daddy, Darling Daddy, …” Whatever he did, whatever he sang, whatever he thought, was about repentance and a seeking for forgiveness. His only fear would be, “Will he take me back?” The cockiness of Daling Daddy would be completely absent!
We Christians are easily confused by the language of the Bible. Often it is because some folks tell us that it is when we read archaic language that those of us that barely passed English language, or literature will necessarily find hard. Sometimes, it is mediocre preaching based on low quality understanding of the gospel. I blame the popularity of songs that lack edification and deep desire after God and godliness of these things especially when they are not attended by depth in thought. The final question should be, what really is the gospel? What is the gospel about?
From a deep theological lens of a martyr like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, we have it that the gospel is about four “R”s. They are Repentance, Reconciliation, Regeneration, and Redemption. We shall leave delving into these topics one by one for later. A much simpler description of the gospel – essentially a summary of the testimony of the Apostles, Prophets, are encapsulated in a sweet song that used to taught to little children in days gone by:
The gospel bells are ringing,
Over land, from sea to sea:
Blessèd news of free salvation,
Do they offer you and me.
“For God so loved the world,
That His only Son He gave;
Whosoever believeth in Him,
Everlasting life shall have.”
Chorus: Gospel bells, how they ring,
Over land, from sea to sea;
Gospel bells, freely bring
Blessèd news to you and me.
That is the first stanza and perhaps the first issue about the gospel. They came to us like ringing bells from across the sea. It is an offer of a change of life, a change of perspective and an invitation to “Believe in the Son of God”.
What does it mean to “Believe”. This was, for many years a difficulty for me. People believe in tall tales that are unreasonable. Some doubt. Is God rewarding people for believism? So, if you just believe, everything is OK? The prudent man who takes his time to believe is damned? What of those that are so gullible and believe anything they are told and shift beliefs like shifting d=sand in the desert? Are they therefore accorded a higher place, ipso facto?
Alas, the word “believe” is much deeper than we may first imagine! Peter says “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17. Alas, alas, when the Bible asks us to “Believe the gospel”, it implicitly instructs us to “Obey the gospel”! The word “believe” there, is not a mere gullible accent! It is an active believing that leads us, as Paul says, to “Making good use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 For this reason, then, do not be foolish, but be conscious of the Lord’s pleasure. 18 And do not take overmuch wine by which one may be overcome, but be full of the Spirit”; Ephesians 5:16-18
The gospel bells invite us
To a feast prepared for all;
Do not slight the invitation,
Nor reject the gracious call.
“I am the bread of life;
Eat of Me, thou hungry soul;
Though your sins be red as crimson,
They shall be as white as wool.”
It is a feast already prepared. But the invitation will not last forever! Jesus is the bread of life – but will not be so for ever! When the invitees in the parable started giving excuses, their places were given to others that were ready!
The gospel bells give warning,
As they sound from day to day,
Of the fate which doth await them
Who forever will delay.
“Escape ye, for thy life;
Tarry not in all the plain;
Nor behind thee look, oh, never,
Lest thou be consumed in pain.”
Escape ye for thy life! It is a serious matter! Do not take it lightly! Be thoughtful, be earnest! This is not a joking matter! But it is not all negatives. The song concludes on a joyful note:
The gospel bells are joyful,
As they echo far and wide,
Bearing notes of perfect pardon,
Through a Savior crucified.
“Good tidings of great joy
To all people do I bring,
Unto you is born a Savior,
Which is Christ the Lord and King.”
The gospel bells are joyful for those that obey! They will meet challenges here, but they will not be alone. The king and the mighty Christ will accompany them on the tedious journey through this difficult terrain!
“17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding”. Romans 14:17-19May our hearts be drawn to believe and to obey. Amen!