The gospel is much more than just an exposition of the wonderful decrees and counsels of God with no practical application.  If that had been all it consisted of then it would have been improper for the apostles to speak of obeying the truth (Rom. 2:8, Gal. 3:1—5:7—I Peter 1:22) and obeying, or not obeying, the gospel, the word, etc. (II Thes. 1:8—I Peter 3:1, 4:17).  The apostle Paul also spoke of it as "obedience to the faith (Rom. 1:5).  However, he based his exhortations to duty upon "the mercies of God" (Rom. 12:1).  The fundamental truths of the gospel are the basis and support for practical godliness.  It is those who, by grace, have "believed in God" who are exhorted to "be careful to maintain good works" (Titus 3:8).  And it is by virtue of our obedience to gospel precepts that we honor God and adorn His doctrine (Titus 2:10).  It is the grace of God that teaches us that we should deny worldly lusts and live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (verse. 11-12).  Grace has never taught anyone to follow a path of licentiousness, even though many have charged us, just as they did the apostle Paul, of preaching, "Let us do evil, that good may come" (Rom. 3:8).  Paul declared that there is a just condemnation awaiting those who thus accuse us. ---Elder Ralph Harris