I Am Not Ashamed of The Gospel

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most powerful, transformative message ever proclaimed, yet it is also the most misunderstood and rejected. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, boldly declares, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). This verse reveals a profound spiritual divide: the Gospel declares that our sin is not a minor flaw but a fatal condition. It insists that we cannot save ourselves through good deeds, religious rituals, or intellectual enlightenment. The cross stands as a stark reminder that salvation required a sacrifice so immense, so costly, that only the Son of God could pay it. This message shatters the illusion of self-sufficiency and exposes the bankruptcy of human pride. It is no wonder that many recoil from it. The Gospel demands humility, repentance, and surrender—three things the world resists with all its might. 

Yet, in this very message that the world rejects, there is unparalleled power. The cross represents victory, it is not a sign of defeat. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, sin is conquered, death is defeated, and eternal life is made available to all who believe. The foolishness of the cross is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength (1 Corinthians 1:25). The Gospel is not a human invention—it is divine revelation. It does not conform to the expectations of culture or philosophy; it transcends them. It is the power of God unto salvation, a supernatural work that transforms hearts, renews minds, and restores lives. 

What does it mean to be ‘ashamed’ of the Gospel? 

To be ashamed of the Gospel means to feel embarrassed, hesitant, or fearful about identifying with or proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ—especially in the face of opposition, ridicule, or cultural pressure. It reflects a reluctance to fully embrace the Gospel’s truth and power because of how others might perceive it. 

A few essential aspects of being ashamed of the gospel are as follows: 

1. Fear of Rejection or Ridicule 

The Gospel confronts sin, calls for repentance, and proclaims that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ. In a world that values tolerance, self-reliance, and moral relativism, this message can be unpopular. Being ashamed may manifest as silence when opportunities arise to share one’s faith, or as compromise when biblical truth conflicts with societal norms. 

2. Desire for Social Acceptance 

Many people feel pressure to conform to the values of their peers, workplace, or culture. The Gospel, however, often runs counter to those values. Being ashamed might mean downplaying one’s beliefs to avoid being labeled as narrow-minded, judgmental, or outdated. 

3. Intellectual Embarrassment 

Some view the Gospel as intellectually unsophisticated or irrational—especially the idea of a crucified Savior. Paul acknowledged this in 1 Corinthians 1:23: “We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” Being ashamed might involve avoiding theological conversations or apologizing for the supernatural elements of the Christian faith. 

4. Spiritual Weakness or Doubt 

Sometimes, shame stems from a lack of confidence in the Gospel’s power or relevance. This can lead to a diluted faith that avoids bold witness or deep conviction. But Paul counters this in Romans 1:16: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Paul’s boldness wasn’t rooted in cultural acceptance or intellectual approval—it was grounded in the reality that the Gospel is the very power of God to rescue and redeem. 

5. Neglecting the Cross in Daily Life 

Being ashamed of the Gospel isn’t limited to public proclamation—it can also show up in how we live. When believers prioritize comfort over conviction, or when they avoid sacrificial love, forgiveness, and holiness, they may be subtly denying the transformative power of the cross. The Gospel calls us to die to ourselves daily, to live in the light of grace, and to reflect Christ in every area of life. To be ashamed is to hide that light under a basket, rather than letting it shine boldly. 

The Call to Courageous Faith 

In contrast to shame, Scripture calls believers to fearless proclamation. Paul’s words, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel,” are not just a personal declaration—they are a rallying cry for every follower of Christ. It is a call to stand firm in truth, even when it’s unpopular. It is an exhortation to speak up for what is right, even when everyone else would rather keep quiet. It is a call to love boldly, even when love is misunderstood. 

Jesus Himself warned that being ashamed of Him and His words would have eternal consequences: “If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38). This sobering truth reminds us that allegiance to Christ must be wholehearted and public. The Gospel is not a private preference—it is a divine commission. 

Why We Must Not Be Ashamed 

We must not be ashamed of the Gospel because it is the only hope for a broken world. No philosophy, political system, or self-help strategy can cleanse sin or reconcile humanity to God. Only the cross can do that. Only Jesus can do that. The Gospel is not just good advice—it is good news. It is the announcement that the kingdom of God has come, that grace is available, and that eternal life is offered freely to all who believe. 

Moreover, the Gospel is beautiful. Although it begins with the horror of sin and the agony of the cross, it culminates in resurrection, redemption, and glory. It tells the story of a God who loved us so much that He entered into our suffering, bore our guilt, and triumphed over death. To be ashamed of such love is to misunderstand its depth. To hide such light is to deny its brilliance. 

Living Unashamed 

To live unashamed of the Gospel means to speak it, live it, and embody it. It means sharing the message of Jesus with gentleness and boldness, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. It means standing firm in truth, even when culture shifts. It means loving sacrificially, forgiving freely, and serving humbly—because that’s what Jesus did. 

It also means trusting in the power of the Gospel to change lives. We don’t need to dress it up or water it down. The Gospel is powerful because God is powerful. When we proclaim it faithfully, the Holy Spirit works through it to convict hearts, heal wounds, and bring people to salvation. 

A Fearless Cry 

May “I am not ashamed of the Gospel” be the fearless cry of the hearts of our ELI Asia students. In a world that mocks, misunderstands, and marginalizes the message of Christ, may we stand firm. May we love boldly, speak truthfully, and live faithfully. The Gospel is not foolishness—it is the wisdom of God. It is not weakness—it is divine strength. It is not shameful—it is glorious.