The transformative power of the Gospel is a central theme in Christian doctrine, emphasizing not only the salvation of the soul but also the transformation of one's life and conduct. The New Testament provides numerous exhortations for believers to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel they have received. This entry explores the biblical basis for the expectation that those who receive the Gospel should have their conversation, or conduct, becoming of their faith.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently addresses the conduct of believers, urging them to live in a way that reflects the Gospel's transformative power. In Philippians 1:27 , Paul writes, "Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel." Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of unity and steadfastness in faith, which should be evident in the believers' conduct.

Similarly, in Ephesians 4:1 , Paul exhorts, "As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received." This calling refers to the believers' new identity in Christ, which should be reflected in their daily lives. The call to a worthy walk is a call to holiness, humility, and love, as further elaborated in the subsequent verses.

Transformation and Renewal

The expectation of a becoming conversation is rooted in the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. In Romans 12:2 , Paul instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation involves a renewal of the mind, leading to a life that aligns with God's will and purposes.

The concept of transformation is also evident in 2 Corinthians 5:17 , where Paul declares, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This new creation is expected to manifest in a life that reflects the character and teachings of Christ.

Practical Outworking

The practical outworking of a becoming conversation is seen in the ethical instructions given to believers. In Colossians 3:12-14 , Paul writes, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity."

These virtues are not merely moral imperatives but are the natural fruit of a life transformed by the Gospel. The believer's conduct should be characterized by love, forgiveness, and unity, reflecting the nature of Christ.

Witness to the World

A becoming conversation serves as a powerful witness to the world. In Matthew 5:16 , Jesus instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." The conduct of believers is meant to be a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel, drawing others to the truth of Christ.

Peter echoes this sentiment in 1 Peter 2:12 , "Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." The honorable conduct of believers serves as a testament to the Gospel, even in the face of opposition and slander.

Conclusion

The expectation that those who receive the Gospel should have their conversation becoming is deeply rooted in the New Testament. It reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the believer's new identity in Christ. Through a life characterized by holiness, love, and unity, believers are called to be a living testimony to the world, glorifying God through their conduct.Philippians 1:27
Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Letter ii. --For 330. Easter-Day xxiv Pharmuthi; xiii Kal. Mai ...
... not only should we bear His image, but should receive from Him ... For those who are
thus disposed, and fashion themselves according to the Gospel, will be ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter ii for 330 easter-day xxiv.htm

Gifts Received for the Rebellious
... form or another, suffer persecution , from those who will ... ascended on high, that
He might receive gifts for ... for that service; and that the Gospel, when preached ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxix gifts received for.htm

Compassion for Souls
... Surely those who receive mercy should show mercy; those who ... You shall find everywhere
throughout the gospel that it ... your spirit to compassion for those who are ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/compassion for souls.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke x. 2, "The Harvest Truly is ...
... thing, but who in genuine charity preach the Gospel, let them ... They are not as those
of whom it was said ... But yet do thou receive the peace, "whether by occasion ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon li on the words.htm

Texts Explained; Ninthly...
... For this is written in the Gospel according to John ... should be vouchsafed through
Him to those who believe ... the Word, He wills that we should receive the Spirit ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter xxv texts explained ninthly.htm

The Third Continental Journey.
... increased, and they found it difficult to receive all who ... is kindled into light by
the torch of the gospel. ... of much pleasure and profit to those who attended. ...
/.../chapter xiii the third continental.htm

Epistle Lxxiv. Firmilian, Bishop of C??sarea in Cappadocia, to ...
... loosed in heaven." [2943] And again, in the Gospel, when Christ ... they are reckoned
in the number of those who have ... is theirs on the one hand who receive, or on ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxxiv firmilian bishop of.htm

Report of Mr. Geo. Borrow's Late Proceedings in Spain
... obstacle to the diffusion of the Gospel light amongst ... Lord to vouchsafe peace unto
Spain they will receive all the ... ought to be lost in supplying those with the ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/report of mr geo borrows.htm

The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ...
... "In those days came ... These would, of course, receive no small share of the donations,
but as ... continued so long and so efficiently to proclaim the gospel in the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the progress of.htm

Sermon.
... high and holy calling, with a conversation becoming the gospel of Christ ... Be faithful
to the death and you shall receive a crown of life:" Those that have ...
/.../penn/a sermon preached at the quakers meeting house/sermon.htm

What is the Gospel of Peter? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be gospel-centered? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Gospel of Judas? | GotQuestions.org

Gospel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus