“The Gospel’s” means that it is of, and comes from the Gospel. Not from a man. Not from a council of men. Not from our “feelings.” It is from the Gospel as delivered by inspired men (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20,21). Thus, it is the Divine message given by Deity; and it does make a difference as to whether we follow the real Gospel or a perverted gospel (Gal. 1:8,9; John 8:30,31).
“Plan” is that which God has required men to do in order to come into contact with the cleansing blood of Christ. It is the answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 2:37).
“Of salvation” means being saved, having one’s sins forgiven, getting into Christ, entering into the Kingdom, being reconciled to God, being born again, becoming a child of God and entering into the church which is composed of the saved.
What, then, is the Gospel’s plan of salvation?
First, one must HEAR the Gospel. “How shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:14).
Second, after hearing the Gospel, one will either BELIEVE it or disbelieve it. If one wishes to follow God’s plan, he must believe. “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor. 1:21).
Third, there must be a REPENTING. “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Repentance is a godly sorrow for having done sin, which leads to a change of mind from disobedience to obedience (2 Cor. 7:10; Mat. 21:28-32).
Fourth, one must make the good CONFESSION. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus…thou shalt be saved” (Rom. 10:9).
Fifth, if one seeks to follows The Gospel’s Plan Of Salvation, he then must be BAPTIZED in order to be saved. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). “Even baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:21). “Repent and be baptized…for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). “Be baptized, and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16).
Since Jesus foretold of those who thought they were saved when in actuality they were not, (Mat. 7:21-23), it is obvious that there are false and unavailing plans which are being taught and believed which do not save. The following of any other plan in any other order does not do anything other than deceive a person into thinking that he is saved when in actuality he is still lost.
It is our earnest plea that all people follow the GOSPEL’S plan of salvation.
Gary Henson