Curtis Cates, Sr., told of hearing Charlie Wheeler preach when brother Cates was but a boy. He said that Wheeler’s sermon was so simple that, though but a lad, he thought to himself: “I believe I could preach like that; it is so simple!”
Wheeler’s simplicity in preaching stirred the idea of preaching in a young man’s heart. That simple style later characterized Cates’ preaching also. True gospel preaching is simple because the gospel is simple.
To say that the gospel is “simple” does not mean that it is not rich and deep. It means the gospel is free from complexity; it is not complicated. It is not hard to understand; it is unaffected, natural, and plain.
The gospel comes to the point. It declares plainly that man is a sinner who cannot save himself. It speaks in clear and tragic tones of the consequences of a life of sin. The gospel makes no attempt to classify sinners into categories, such as rich and poor, black and white, young and old. It starkly declares: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
The gospel does not complicate the means by which sinners are saved. It states plainly that there is but one way, through Christ (John 14:6). In coming to God, the sinner has simple facts to believe—the death of Jesus “for our sins,” His burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). He has simple commands to obey—believe, repent, confess, and be baptized (Mark 16:16; Romans 10:10; Acts 2:38). Belief of those facts and obedience to those commands secures the simple but sublime promises: forgiveness of sins, all spiritual blessings, and hope of life eternal! The gospel teaches that the way of life is plain and narrow, but lighted by the lamp of eternal day.
The gospel is declared to be “the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16). It draws its power from a rugged and bloodstained cross. The cross at its core gives the gospel the simple, rational appeal to reach the intellect; it paints the story of divine love in vivid colors to move the emotions; it storms the ramparts of the stubborn soul to change the will.
The gospel story tells of the Son of God as a man moving among the common people, who heard Him gladly (Mark 12:37). It speaks of love that came down (John 1:14). It pictures Christ concerned about the problems of life: the plight of the poor (Matthew 25:40); the fever of Peter’s mother-in-law (8:14–15); the fear of the disciples (17:6); and the sorrow of Mary and Martha (John 11:35). It shows Him moved with compassion for the ignorant, the straying, and the lost (Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 20:34; Mark 1:41; Luke 7:13).
God made the gospel simple so we could all learn and follow it. Have you?
