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Recovering the Gospel
El Poder & el Mensaje del Evangelio
Uno de los fracasos más grandes de esta generación de cristianos es haber descuidado la importancia del evangelio. Todos los males surgen de este descuido. Muy pocas iglesias predican sobre los temas esenciales del evangelio: la justicia de Dios, la depravación radical del ser humano y la expiación hecha con sangre.
En El Poder & el Mensaje del Evangelio, Paul Washer expone estos temas esenciales de las buenas noticias de Cristo y nos da una guía para recuperar el evangelio en todo su esplendor, escándalo y poder para salvar. ¡Que este redescubrimiento transforme tu vida, fortalezca tu proclamación y glorifique a Dios!
En El Poder & el Mensaje del Evangelio, Paul Washer expone estos temas esenciales de las buenas noticias de Cristo y nos da una guía para recuperar el evangelio en todo su esplendor, escándalo y poder para salvar. ¡Que este redescubrimiento transforme tu vida, fortalezca tu proclamación y glorifique a Dios!
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2012
242 people are currently reading
1078 people want to read
About the author
Paul Washer
71 books551 followersPaul David Washer became a believer while studying at the University of Texas. He completed his undergraduate studies and enrolled at Southwestern Theological Seminary, where he received his Master of Divinity degree. After graduating, he moved to Peru and served there as a missionary.
Paul ministered as a missionary in Peru for 10 years, during which time he founded the HeartCry Missionary Society to support Peruvian church planters. HeartCry's work now supports over 165 indigenous missionaries in over 26 countries throughout Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Paul now serves as one of the laborers with the HeartCry Missionary Society (www.heartcrymissionary.com). He and his wife Charo have three children: Ian, Evan, and Rowan.
Paul ministered as a missionary in Peru for 10 years, during which time he founded the HeartCry Missionary Society to support Peruvian church planters. HeartCry's work now supports over 165 indigenous missionaries in over 26 countries throughout Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Paul now serves as one of the laborers with the HeartCry Missionary Society (www.heartcrymissionary.com). He and his wife Charo have three children: Ian, Evan, and Rowan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 8, 2025
I love Paul Washer's teaching and writing. I have read all three of the books in this series (out of order mind you) and I have dog-eared, highlighted, underlined and annotated each and every one. These books have really changed my view of the Gospel and what it is all about. Of the three books in the Recovering the Gospel series this was my least favorite, but still it was better than pretty much any other book on the Gospel.
I love that 99% of Washer's footnotes are Bible passages and not scholars and theologians. His books are truly saturated in the Word. Much like the man and his ministry. I thank the Lord for teachers like Paul Washer.
I love that 99% of Washer's footnotes are Bible passages and not scholars and theologians. His books are truly saturated in the Word. Much like the man and his ministry. I thank the Lord for teachers like Paul Washer.
January 25, 2019
I have NEVER heard anything to approach this from a modern writer. I think it's safe to say he has had a heavy influence in writings from the Puritans and that's a fantastic thing. Of all the Puritans I read, I always have wondered when another person with the scope of knowledge and Holy Spirit anointing would come along and write edifying, upbraiding, & intellectually stimulating material. Paul Washer is that man.
July 20, 2023
Great, powerful read - true to hard hitting, no nonsense, truth espousing Paul Washer form.
May 13, 2020
this book makes it clear that the gospel is not just for unbelievers, it is for believers too. i appreciated how every page was SO saturated with scripture. it accurately and clearly explains the gospel, which is so watered down in today’s culture. it will surely deepen your love and knowledge of the King of kings.
September 25, 2021
Tout y est.
Le livre porte très bien son titre. Paul Washer décrit bien l'évangile sous différents angles.
Plusieurs sujets sont abordés afin d'afficher un portrait complet de la puissance salvatrice de la Bonne Nouvelle de Jésus; le péché, la justice, la grâce, etc.
Le livre est bien fait et présente les différentes informations sans gêne ni crainte, comme Paul Washer aime si bien le faire.
Un très bon livre!
Le livre porte très bien son titre. Paul Washer décrit bien l'évangile sous différents angles.
Plusieurs sujets sont abordés afin d'afficher un portrait complet de la puissance salvatrice de la Bonne Nouvelle de Jésus; le péché, la justice, la grâce, etc.
Le livre est bien fait et présente les différentes informations sans gêne ni crainte, comme Paul Washer aime si bien le faire.
Un très bon livre!
August 17, 2024
If you are a Christian, you will like this book. You will be drawn to the message of the Gospel and its importance. You will love the exposition of the Gospel throughout this book. Very needed in our generation. Practical for pastors, also.
March 3, 2023
Absolutely the best book I have ever read! It is a wonderful look at what Christ has done for us in a stunningly beautiful and clear way. It is simple, short, and easy to understand but the most profound book I have gone through.
On multiple occasions, “The Gospel’s Power and Message” brought me to tears because of the wonderful love of God displayed through the gospel.
I love Jesus much more thanks to this book!
A must-read for everyone.
On multiple occasions, “The Gospel’s Power and Message” brought me to tears because of the wonderful love of God displayed through the gospel.
I love Jesus much more thanks to this book!
A must-read for everyone.
May 14, 2022
Excellent
This was such an amazing book. The truth is presented in a very clear, readable way. Good affirmation of the faith, as well as explaining why. It's not going to be palatable for those who want to make the gospel a watered down "at peace with the world" style of evangelism but it is clarion clear for the truth it states based on God's word. Excellent grounding.
This was such an amazing book. The truth is presented in a very clear, readable way. Good affirmation of the faith, as well as explaining why. It's not going to be palatable for those who want to make the gospel a watered down "at peace with the world" style of evangelism but it is clarion clear for the truth it states based on God's word. Excellent grounding.
November 19, 2012
Paul Washer tells it like it is. He tells the whole truth of the Gospel, not just bits and pieces of it so as not to offend. No, he tells it all as God demands us to.
Please read this book immediately. Christians today need a clear understanding of the Gospel.
Please read this book immediately. Christians today need a clear understanding of the Gospel.
August 25, 2020
This is definitely a message the modern church needs to hear loud and clear: the gospel is not optional. It is not meant to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The gospel is powerful and absolutely essential and so deep we can never exhaust it as a topic. We neglect it to our destruction.
June 8, 2025
written with simple language (simple doesn’t mean it isn’t profound) drawn heavily from the Scriptures; great walkthrough of the gospel with sections diving into the sinfulness of man, the character of God, the death of Christ, His burial, His resurrection, and the powerful meaning of the ascension. nothing innovative or new, a clear, biblical presentation of the gospel with some extra focus given to the aspects of the gospel washer finds lacking in modern preaching (e.g., sinfulness of sin, depravity of man, wrath and judgement of God, the resurrection, and the meaning of the ascension of Christ to the right hand of the Father)
we all need a reminder of the gospel. all of us. “i don’t know why you’re clapping. i’m talking about you.”
we all need a reminder of the gospel. all of us. “i don’t know why you’re clapping. i’m talking about you.”
August 26, 2023
I’m so thankful for the opportunity to read this book as a strong reminder of the greatest gift that I have been given: salvation and redemption through the sovereign forgiveness and election granted to me by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me. How thankful I am that the Holy Judge is also the same One who died to rescue me from the wrath and Judgment to come. Therefore, we must pay close attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away. How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? (Hebrews 2:1,3)
July 22, 2020
I listened to the audio version of this book so I can't quote anything, but there was so much here! It just kept pointing back to Christ, as it should.
June 13, 2024
Aceasta este Evanghelia adevărată!
August 8, 2020
Al buen estilo del autor, claro mensaje de lo que es Evangelio y su belleza
August 22, 2013
Paul Washer's book, The Gospel's Power and Message reads like a collection of sermons and a book on doctrine. It is both. He covers the subject of every chapter with intensity, passion. His footnotes and references are thorough. I was challenged by his straightforward rebuke to the church for not understanding and preaching the Gospel to the lost that need it. We fail to do God's bidding and fail the generation around us when we don't understand and preach the Gospel clearly.
Washer makes the case that the Gospel, 'the greatest of all treasures to the church and to the individual', is not clearly preached by pastors. The essential themes which make up the core of the Gospel are absent from too many pulpits. Those themes are: - the justice of God, the radical depravity of man, the blood atonement, the nature of true conversion, the biblical basis of conversion.
The following verse is the basis of PART ONE: The Apostolic Introduction, chapters 1-5:
1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (ESV)15 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
In PART TWO, chapters 6-9,The Power of God for Salvation, he breaks down
Romans 1:16 (ESV)16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
In PART THREE, chapters 10-26, The Acropolis of the Christian Faith, Washer spends five chapters on
Romans 3:23–27 (ESV)23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.
He finishes up the book covering others themes of the Gospel,from his perspective: God is mad at the sin AND the sinner, He is at war with the unrepentant sinner, the Christian's justified standing before God. He covers, other themes: the cross of Christ, His death, resurrection and ascension.
I expect to read this book again. Even though I read it slowly there is more to capture from it another time through. Solid addition to my library as a teacher and lay-pastor.
Washer makes the case that the Gospel, 'the greatest of all treasures to the church and to the individual', is not clearly preached by pastors. The essential themes which make up the core of the Gospel are absent from too many pulpits. Those themes are: - the justice of God, the radical depravity of man, the blood atonement, the nature of true conversion, the biblical basis of conversion.
The following verse is the basis of PART ONE: The Apostolic Introduction, chapters 1-5:
1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (ESV)15 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
In PART TWO, chapters 6-9,The Power of God for Salvation, he breaks down
Romans 1:16 (ESV)16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
In PART THREE, chapters 10-26, The Acropolis of the Christian Faith, Washer spends five chapters on
Romans 3:23–27 (ESV)23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.
He finishes up the book covering others themes of the Gospel,from his perspective: God is mad at the sin AND the sinner, He is at war with the unrepentant sinner, the Christian's justified standing before God. He covers, other themes: the cross of Christ, His death, resurrection and ascension.
I expect to read this book again. Even though I read it slowly there is more to capture from it another time through. Solid addition to my library as a teacher and lay-pastor.
July 1, 2022
Recommend reading to all believers but especially to new believers. I listened to this on audio, but would like to go back over it with a hard copy.
March 28, 2023
I've got to say, when I got to the end of this book, I was pleased that it was over, and I feel as though one should never say such a thing about a gospel exposition. I am surprised to see that this book has such consistently high ratings! I am also aware that Paul Washer has quite a close-knit fan club, and that's fine - I think he is a terrific preacher, but I was not overly pleased with this book.
Firstly, and perhaps mainly, it is so repetitive. This book acts as part one of a three part series, but in reality, I should think all three books could have been cut together into one. He tells the same thing over and over again, phrased in a slightly different way. What he says is maximally important, and that made me feel guilty at points for being bored of it, but after 100 pages of being told how depraved and wretched I am, I was ready to move on.
Secondly, it's not just how often he said what he said, but also how he said it. If I'd told you this book were written by a Puritan in the 18th century, and you read it, you'd believe me. His writing style clearly emulates reformed thinkers from centuries past, which came across to me quite pretentious and sanctimonious. And even on a more practical level, the writing style just isn't all that accessible, and accessibility is obviously very important in a gospel exposition.
Nevertheless, there was a lot of gold in this book, and I have tagged a lot of pages. There are many quotes one might be inclined to borrow for sermons, and helpful ways of framing and phrasing certain theological ideas. The book certainly has its virtues. But for me, it really left something to be desired, and I am sure there are other works discussing the gospel that do it better than this.
Firstly, and perhaps mainly, it is so repetitive. This book acts as part one of a three part series, but in reality, I should think all three books could have been cut together into one. He tells the same thing over and over again, phrased in a slightly different way. What he says is maximally important, and that made me feel guilty at points for being bored of it, but after 100 pages of being told how depraved and wretched I am, I was ready to move on.
Secondly, it's not just how often he said what he said, but also how he said it. If I'd told you this book were written by a Puritan in the 18th century, and you read it, you'd believe me. His writing style clearly emulates reformed thinkers from centuries past, which came across to me quite pretentious and sanctimonious. And even on a more practical level, the writing style just isn't all that accessible, and accessibility is obviously very important in a gospel exposition.
Nevertheless, there was a lot of gold in this book, and I have tagged a lot of pages. There are many quotes one might be inclined to borrow for sermons, and helpful ways of framing and phrasing certain theological ideas. The book certainly has its virtues. But for me, it really left something to be desired, and I am sure there are other works discussing the gospel that do it better than this.
January 20, 2021
This is probably the best book (apart from the Bible) that I’ve ever read. I’ve already read through it twice, because I was so stunned by it the first time. The same thing happened when I read it for the second time. Paul Washer explains the cross, the resurrection and their implications so beautifully! Couldn’t recommend this book enough!
March 11, 2017
This is a clear, doctrinally sound presentation of the Gospel, followed by several chapters correcting dangerous misunderstandings. I highly recommend it, especially for those who are new to the faith or whose Christianity is of the standard, mainstream, Evangelical variety.
September 18, 2025
Paul Washer reliably provides the conventional systematic theological perspectives on the gospel elements, from the total depravity of man, to the wrath of God, all the way to the importance of the resurrection. He spends reasonable time on each subject, always providing ample biblical references, and is fairly approachable in his language, often taking time to explain the common terminology common within systematic theology.
Washer is clear in regard to his target audience, and the majority of the book is framed for that audience, i.e. pastors interested in understanding Jesus better in an effort to better educate their flocks. Under this pretense, Washer's dialogue can really become quite focused by topic, and rarely does he waste time engaging much with his not infrequent generalizations.
Honest to the reformed perspective, Washer is quite committed to the biblical interpretations he presents and spends plenty of time pointing out the shortcomings of alternative perspectives. His beliefs are strong, and he employs logical techniques to convince his audience of the legitimacy of the presented ideas. These techniques, combined with Washer's biblical fluency and suffusion of literature on biblical commentary, make The Gospel's Power & Message a veritable resource on the systematic theology surrounding the resurrection and justification of Christ.
Washer is clear in regard to his target audience, and the majority of the book is framed for that audience, i.e. pastors interested in understanding Jesus better in an effort to better educate their flocks. Under this pretense, Washer's dialogue can really become quite focused by topic, and rarely does he waste time engaging much with his not infrequent generalizations.
Honest to the reformed perspective, Washer is quite committed to the biblical interpretations he presents and spends plenty of time pointing out the shortcomings of alternative perspectives. His beliefs are strong, and he employs logical techniques to convince his audience of the legitimacy of the presented ideas. These techniques, combined with Washer's biblical fluency and suffusion of literature on biblical commentary, make The Gospel's Power & Message a veritable resource on the systematic theology surrounding the resurrection and justification of Christ.
December 6, 2018
5/5 - This book should be read by all professing Christians
What I liked:
I would characterize this book as a systematic theological breakdown of the gospel as it takes an abundance of Scripture to walk through the gospel. The author starts with an aerial view of the gospel: its importance, its "scandalousness" and its power. He then delves into a point by point exposition of the gospel starting with sin and covering Christ's life, death, resurrection and ascension. The book is fairly easy to read and the author clearly has a passion for God that fills the pages with not only clear Truth, but also with his zeal for the Lord.
What I did not like:
Sometimes repetitive given the sections have overlapping themes.
What I liked:
I would characterize this book as a systematic theological breakdown of the gospel as it takes an abundance of Scripture to walk through the gospel. The author starts with an aerial view of the gospel: its importance, its "scandalousness" and its power. He then delves into a point by point exposition of the gospel starting with sin and covering Christ's life, death, resurrection and ascension. The book is fairly easy to read and the author clearly has a passion for God that fills the pages with not only clear Truth, but also with his zeal for the Lord.
What I did not like:
Sometimes repetitive given the sections have overlapping themes.
June 13, 2025
Ooit in een ‘tiener’ boek gaf Paul Washer een preek over - radicaal zijn en niet op 2 walletjes te blijven zitten. Ik was benieuwd naar een boek van hem en of hij daadwerkelijk zo ‘radicaal’ was/is.
Op bijzondere wijze vond ik dit boek van Paul Washer en hij is echt duidelijk en radicaal op een goede manier.
Paul is straight to the point en is niet bang om je te wijzen op het evangelie.
Wat is het evangelie? Wat doet het werkelijk met je? Besef je eigenlijk wel wat het evangelie is?
Het boek is opgedeeld in 3 gedeeltes en bouwt mooi op.
Hij heeft zich er goed in verdiept en helpt je om te kijken naar hoe ‘schrijf & spreek je een preek’ waarin het Evangelie duidelijk naar voren komt.
Goede dingen om over na te denken. :)
Op bijzondere wijze vond ik dit boek van Paul Washer en hij is echt duidelijk en radicaal op een goede manier.
Paul is straight to the point en is niet bang om je te wijzen op het evangelie.
Wat is het evangelie? Wat doet het werkelijk met je? Besef je eigenlijk wel wat het evangelie is?
Het boek is opgedeeld in 3 gedeeltes en bouwt mooi op.
Hij heeft zich er goed in verdiept en helpt je om te kijken naar hoe ‘schrijf & spreek je een preek’ waarin het Evangelie duidelijk naar voren komt.
Goede dingen om over na te denken. :)
September 22, 2018
Passionate, fiery, heart-stirring, and equipping. It can be repetitive but no way you walk away from this book not impacted and feeling like you’ve taken a big breath of fresh air. Washer does what he does best, present the gospel with the zealousness it deserves. I was 3 chapters in before I bought 15 more copies. As a pastor this book has shaped my understanding of the gospel more than 4 years of Bible college or any other book and I use it more than any other book in my sermons. I continuously review this book and wish it was required reading in Bible colleges and seminaries. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who wants to be equipped to know and share the gospel.
November 23, 2024
La Puissance et le Message de l'Évangile de Paul Washer est une oeuvre essentielle pour tous ceux qui s'engagent dans la prédication de la Parole. Avec une profondeur théologique et une clarté biblique, Washer souligne l'importance cruciale d'exposer tous les aspects de l'Évangile dans la prédication. Il démontre que l'Évangile ne se limite pas à un simple message de salut, mais qu'il est la puissance même de Dieu pour transformer les cœurs et glorifier son nom. Ce livre rappelle aux prédicateurs leur responsabilité de proclamer fidèlement l'Évangile dans toute sa richesse, sans compromis ni omission, pour toucher les âmes et édifier l'Église.
July 25, 2025
Very good book! Paul Washer doesn’t try to impress, he tries to wake you up. This is not a light devotional stroll. It’s a slow, deliberate walk through the depths of man’s sinfulness and the staggering beauty of Christ’s cross.
Yes, at times it feels repetitive, but maybe that’s the point. Washer hammers the same nails again and again. God is holy, man is fallen, and the Gospel is not just helpful, but it is our only hope. His clarity on depravity, wrath, and grace is a needed rebuke to the shallow, sentimental Gospel so common today. It’s not flashy. It’s not fast. But it’s faithful. And sometimes, faithful is exactly what we need.
Yes, at times it feels repetitive, but maybe that’s the point. Washer hammers the same nails again and again. God is holy, man is fallen, and the Gospel is not just helpful, but it is our only hope. His clarity on depravity, wrath, and grace is a needed rebuke to the shallow, sentimental Gospel so common today. It’s not flashy. It’s not fast. But it’s faithful. And sometimes, faithful is exactly what we need.
March 29, 2018
Excelente exposición de lo que es el verdadero Evangelio. Desde las consecuencias de no predicarlo y vivirlo responsablemente ; hasta la necesidad como pecadores de vivirlo día a día y las consecuencias que tiene el rechazarlo. Un buen recurso de referencia para exponer y enseñar el evangelio puro, pues cada tema está basado en citas bíblicas.
Con su estilo directo y sin temor de ofender ( el evangelio ha de confrontar y herir al pecador )..el Pastor Washer nos presenta la buena noticia de salvación, no sin antes dejarnos saber de qué estamos siendo salvados..
Con su estilo directo y sin temor de ofender ( el evangelio ha de confrontar y herir al pecador )..el Pastor Washer nos presenta la buena noticia de salvación, no sin antes dejarnos saber de qué estamos siendo salvados..
May 19, 2020
In one word Clarifying. This book was so helpful to me. From the introduction to the very last page, I found so much clarification on why the American church is often missing the mark in the area of sharing the gospel. I discovered all this and yet the author is so careful and loving in how he addresses and handles the bride of Christ. I did not realize I needed this book until I read it. I am so thankful for a true servant of God taking the time to expound and teach upon this matter in a thorough and clear manner.
August 10, 2020
Paul Washer is now a household name within reformed circles. No man living has had more impact on my spiritual life, save Joel Beeke who opened to me the world of the puritans, but without Washer I would never have heard of Dr. Beeke. This volume is pure gold. It is part of a 3 volume series on the gospel. This first volume clearly lays out the Bible's teaching on the depravity of man, the necessity of salvation and the work of Jesus Christ on behalf of wretched rebels. It stresses the need for faith and gratitude based repentance in true believers. Take up and read.
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October 7, 2021«El poder y el mensaje del evangelio» posee un lenguaje sencillo y práctico, presenta citas bíblicas para profundizar en cada tema desarrollado, y es útil para todo aquel que «siempre quiera estar creciendo en el evangelio y en su conocimiento del mismo. [El evangelio] no es la introducción al cristianismo, sino que es cristianismo de la A a la Z» (p. 30).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews