Question: I have heard people talk about “obeying the gospel.” Is it possible to obey the gospel, and if so, how does one do it?

Answer: Not only is it possible, it is essential. Everlasting punishment is the fate of all who do not know God and do not obey the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8, 9; cf. 1 Peter 4:17). The gospel is the good news of the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). It is easy to think of how one could believe that news, but how does one obey it? The New Testament tells of God’s appointed way for people (by faith) to participate in, and be united with Christ in, his death, burial, and resurrection: baptism (Romans 6:1-4). Those believers who have submitted to baptism are said to have “obeyed that form of doctrine which was delivered” (Romans 6:18). This is why whenever the gospel was preached in the New Testament, believers were commanded to be baptized in the name of Christ for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38). While salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8, 9), it becomes clear that the response of genuine faith includes baptism.