Believe the Gospel for Real

Over the past three weeks, we have been exploring the foundational truths of the Gospel—the very basics of having a living relationship with Jesus Christ. These truths are not just starting points; they are the pillars upon which our faith is built.

Today, we will focus on a crucial message that has been placed on my heart: Believe the Gospel for Real. Not just superficially, not just temporarily, but genuinely and wholeheartedly until the very end.

Let’s dive into 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and Matthew 13 to understand why holding fast to the Gospel is essential for finishing this race of faith.

The Gospel: A Message We Must Hold On To

Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, reminds the church in Corinth about the Gospel he preached to them:

“Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the Gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this Gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

Key Points from This Passage

The Gospel saves—but only if we hold fast to it. Salvation is not just about starting the race; it’s about finishing it.
Jesus died, was buried, and resurrected for our sins. His resurrection proves that His sacrifice was accepted and that salvation is real.
We must believe, not in vain, but with endurance. There are many who start believing but later abandon their faith. We must guard against this.

Paul warns that it is possible to believe in vain if we do not hold fast to our faith.

The condition is clear: if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. This means there is a responsibility on our part to continue in faith, not just start well.

The condition is clear: if you hold firmly to the word that was preached to you.

A False Sense of Security – Is ‘Once Saved, Always Saved’ True?

Many people have heard and even believed the false doctrine that once you believe in Jesus, you are forever saved—no matter what you do afterward. This dangerous belief can lead to complacency, spiritual laziness, and even falling back into sin.

But let’s consider this logically:

If salvation could never be lost, why does Satan work so hard to tempt believers?
If we could not fall away, why does Scripture warn us to “hold fast” to our faith?
Why did Jesus warn that some would receive the Gospel but later fall away?

The reality is this: temptations exist because the enemy wants to pull us away from Christ. The only way to remain saved is to stay faithful to Jesus.

Jesus’ Warning in Matthew 13: The Parable of the Sower

In Matthew 13, Jesus tells a parable about a farmer who sows seeds, representing the Gospel being preached to people. The seeds fall in different types of soil, representing different responses to God’s Word.

Seed on the path – The enemy snatches it away before it can take root.
Seed on rocky ground – It grows quickly but has no root, and when trouble comes, it falls away.
Seed among thorns – The worries and temptations of the world choke it, making it unfruitful.
Seed on good soil – It grows and produces lasting fruit.

What This Means for Us

Some people hear the Gospel and receive it with joy, but because they lack deep roots, they fall away when challenges come.
Others allow sin and worldly distractions to choke their faith.
Only those who hold fast to the Word, persevere, and grow in faith remain saved.

Jesus made it clear: Faith must endure until the end. A one-time prayer or belief is not enough—we must continue believing, growing, and walking in obedience.

The Race of Faith Analogy

Imagine enrolling in a university degree program. You complete the first year with excellent grades, then the second and third years successfully. But suddenly, in your final semester, you drop out.

Would you receive your degree? No.

You put in the work, but because you did not finish, you will not receive your diploma.

Salvation works the same way. You must endure in faith until the end. It is not enough to say, “I believed in Jesus 10 years ago.” The question is: Do you believe in Him today?

Are you holding fast to the Gospel?

Don’t Let Compromise Lead You Away

Many believers start strong but slowly let small compromises pull them away from God. It starts with:

One small sin you justify, thinking, “It’s not a big deal.”
Skipping prayer and time with God because “life is busy.”
Listening to the world’s lies that “sin isn’t that bad.”

Before you know it, you are no longer walking with Jesus.

The devil knows that pulling you away starts little by little—until you wake up one day and realize you have turned away completely.

This is why we must hold fast.

How to Hold Fast to the Gospel

If we want to remain in faith and finish strong, here’s what we must do:

Stay in the Word of God. Make the Bible your foundation, not opinions or emotions.
Pray daily. Stay connected to Jesus. He is our strength.
Resist temptation. Do not give the enemy even a small foothold in your life.
Surround yourself with believers. Fellowship with others who encourage you in faith.
Depend on the Holy Spirit. He is your guide and will help you stay faithful.

How to Hold Fast to the Gospel

Today, Jesus is calling you not to a temporary belief, but to real, lasting faith. A faith that:

Endures trials.
Rejects sin.
Remains until the end.

This is not something you can do alone—but the Holy Spirit is here to help you. Call on Him.

Are you ready to truly believe?

If you have never given your life to Christ, or if you have fallen away, this is your moment to return.

A Prayer of Commitment

If you want to truly believe the Gospel and hold fast until the end, ask the LORD this:

“Lord Jesus, I believe that You died for my sins, that You were buried, and that You rose again. I confess that I need You. I repent of my sins and turn my heart fully to You. Help me to hold fast to my faith, to follow You all the days of my life, and to resist the temptations that try to pull me away. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and strengthen me to endure until the end. I put my trust in You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Final Encouragement

If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God! Hold on to your faith, stay close to Jesus, and do not let anything pull you away from Him.

This is the last month of the year. If you have not fully committed your life to Christ, do not let this year end without surrendering to Him.

Jesus is calling you to believe for real—not just for a season, but for eternity.

Will you answer?

You can Reach Out to us

If you have just prayed this prayer or if you are struggling to pray this prayer, please reach out.

We’re here to support you on this journey, walking with Jesus, the One who loves us beyond measure.

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