Jesus said that mere servants do not know their master’s business (John 15:15). God does not treat us as mere slaves, but he teaches us his plan and offers us his power (John 15:15). This is the gospel, the good news that God would treat men with such regard through Jesus Christ. It is as much gospel as any other thing that we call gospel.

He makes us his co-heirs and co-workers (Romans 8:17, 2 Corinthians 6:1) in his program of expansionism through truth (John 16:13), love (John 15:17), and power (John 14:12). These are the recurring themes that define the gospel agenda in the extended discourse of John 14-16. They are the three pillars of the gospel.

The power refers to the miracle power that enabled Jesus to do “what no one else did” (John 15:24). This same power would enable anyone who has faith in him to perform the same works and even greater works (John 14:12). Power co-exists with truth and love. If one rejects the power, then he also rejects the truth, because it is the truth that teaches him about the power. If one rejects the power, then he also rejects the love, because this is a love that reaches out with the power.

Therefore, anyone who rejects the same-and-greater works doctrine is a Christ-hater and gospel-denier. The cessationist comes under this condemnation. He preaches a different Christ than the one recorded in Scripture, and a different gospel than the one delivered by the apostles. He is not God’s friend. He is not even a good slave, because he opposes his master’s program. He is worse than worthless.