June 28th. Day 28 of walking through “Reasons to Rehearse the Gospel Daily” — Part 1 of “A Gospel Primer for Christians” by Milton Vincent.

Today’s reason — The Ultimate Prize.

And about this reason to rehearse the gospel daily, Vincent says this...

“In the New Testament, the gospel is several times referred to as the ‘gospel of God.’ {Romans 1:1; Romans 15:16; 2 Corinthians 11:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:2, 8, 9; 1 Peter 4:17} Such an expression should be understood in the fullest sense possible. The gospel is called the ‘gospel of God,’ not simply because it is from God, nor merely because it is accomplished through God, but also because ultimately it leads me to God, who is Himself its greatest Prize. Indeed, what makes the gospel such great news is God, who brings me to Himself {Ephesians 1:4-5} and then gives Himself so freely to me through Jesus Christ.” {Romans 5:5, John 14:21}

He continues by saying...

“The essence of eternal life is not found in having my sins forgiven, in possessing a mansion in heaven, or in having streets of gold on which to walk forever. Rather, the essence of eternal life is intimately knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. {John 17:3} Everything else that God gives to me in the gospel serves merely to bring me to Himself so that this great end might be achieved. Christ died for the forgiveness of my sins so that I might be brought ‘to God.’ {1 Peter 3:18} Christ is preparing a place for me in heaven so that He might receive me ‘to Himself’ and have me forever with Him where He is. {John 14:2-3} And yes, there is a great street of gold in heaven, but is there any doubt where the street leads? Unquestionably, it leads straight to the throne of God Himself, {Revelation 21:21, 22:1-1} as do all of God’s gifts to me in the gospel.”

Vincent concludes by saying this...

“As I meditate on the gospel each day, I find my thoughts inevitably traveling from the gifts I’ve received to the Giver of those gifts; and the more my thoughts are directed to Him, the more I experience the essence of eternal life. The ‘gospel of God’ is from God, comes through God, and leads me to God; {Romans 11:36} and it is in Him that my soul finds its truest joy and rest.” {Psalm 16:11, Psalm 37:4, Psalm 73:25-28}

He is the greatest Prize, and the gospel is the only thing that gives us access to Him. Until the things of this world pale in comparison to this great Prize, we are not allowing it to change our lives. We must take hold of it and be bold with it. Preach the gospel daily — to ourselves and others.