The Good News

 Why does the devil, the enemy of our souls, want to keep us from obeying the gospel? 

Because when we obey the gospel, we have forgiveness of sins so the devil no longer has the power of death over us.

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15 

By Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection - the gospel, Jesus destroyed the devil and his power of death. (2Tim.1:10-11) 

"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles." - 2 Timothy 1:10-11 

How do we obey the gospel? By faith in Jesus we repent, becoming dead to sin. We are buried in water baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins. We receive the gift of God’s Spirit, the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance, to live a new, holy life. (1Cor.15:1-4, Rom.6:1-4, 1Pet.4:17, 2Th.1:3-10).

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 

When we are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins we become justified [made righteous in God’s eyes] by the blood of Jesus through His name. We are redeemed [set free from wrath]. Our sins are forgiven. 

We are sanctified [made holy, separated unto God] by His Spirit when we receive the gift of His Holy Ghost. (1Cor.6:9-11, Col.1:14).

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 

After we have obeyed the gospel, the devil can no longer accuse us of the sins we have repented of - we are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1Corinthians 6:11, Acts 2:38).