Definition (Progressive Revelation): The teaching that God has revealed Himself and His will through the Scriptures with an increasing clarity as more and more of the Scriptures were written. In other words, the later the writing the more information is given. Therefore, God reveals knowledge in a progressive and increasing manner throughout the Bible from the earliest time to later time.
- Though this definition is true, it would be incorrect for us to impose this definition upon the Gospel that saves a person (Romans 1:16).
- There are no less than five Gospels directly identified within Scripture:
- The gospel of the uncircumcision (Galatians 2:7)
- The gospel of the circumcision (Galatians 2:7)
- The gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23)
- The gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
- The everlasting gospel (Revelation 14:6)
- It would be incorrect for us to assume that the Gospel is a progressive message over time (i.e. 1 + 2 + 3 = 4).
- Paul states in Philippians 4:15 “that in the beginning of the gospel …” indicating a distinctive start to his Gospel message.
- Paul states within the clearest definition of the Gospel that saves us today (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), in verse 3, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received …”
- See also Galatians 1:11-12; 1 Corinthians 12:5-6; Romans 15:16; Acts 20:24
- Paul states in 1 Timothy 1:16, “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering …”
- Paul states that through the grace of God, he “laid the foundation” for what we are to place our faith in (1 Corinthians 3:10).
- Paul calls the Gospel of our salvation “my gospel” three times (Romans 2:16; Romans 16:25; 2 Timothy 2:8).
- In 1 Thessalonians 1:5, Paul labels his unique Gospel message as “our gospel”, with the “our” being identified in verse 1 – Paul, Silvanus, Timotheus – and with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a crucial aspect of Paul’s Gospel message (not preached at all within the Gospel of the Kingdom), being emphasized in verse 10. (1 Thes 1:1; 1 Thes 1:10)
- Paul distinctly calls the “glorious gospel of Christ” “our gospel” while including himself with believers at the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 4:1-6).
- Paul continues to proclaim his distinctive Gospel message in 1 Corinthians 9:17: “For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.”
- The Gospel of the grace of God will come to a conclusion at the snatching away of the body of Christ (the Rapture of the Church – 1 Thes 4:13-18; 1 Cor 15:51-53; Titus 2:13).
- Once the Rapture occurs, being saved by grace alone without works (Ephesians 2:8-9) will cease and the Gospel of the Kingdom will resume (Matthew 24:14).