But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
The gospel isn’t complex and it is not difficult to understand. We do not need to enhance the simple message of our sin, Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection etc. We do not need a “bait-n-switch” of offering one thing only to change it to another once we “get ‘em.” Following Jesus means giving-up your life, everything you are, into the hands of your new Lord… but it’s totally worth it! We are not asking people to add a little Jesus to their life, to change their behavior, or anything else we might try to feed people in order to soften the truth… following Jesus demands personal death to yourself so that He might live through you. It’s not difficult, we sin, that keeps us from God. God sent Jesus to pay for our sins, He did, now you can exchange your messed-up sinful life for His perfect sacrifice… but you can’t keep both. That’s the gospel, and it truly is “good news,” and it’s our story to tell. If someone doesn’t understand, let it be a spiritual issue, not because we didn’t communicate it clearly.
