To many, the tile of this piece may seem obvious. Of course the gospel is everything – it is the message of salvation – the good news that tells us of what Christ has done for us and how we can be reconciled to God. Without the gospel, we don’t learn of this truth.
For some Christians, I fear that this is the limit of how the gospel has been applied. It is viewed as the means by which we are saved – a historical summary that is the beginning step of the Christian walk, which is soon departed in favour of more weighty and mature truths.
Many teachers lament how new Christians seem to be “on fire” for God upon being saved, but this passion soon dies out as Christians settle into their walk for the long-run. They go from being excited, grateful, evangelistic and passionate to developing a patient concern for other elements of the Christian walk – the church, serving in ministry, giving, studying scripture and so on. It seems that these things (which are tremendously important) are viewed as “advanced” or “beyond” the gospel – that the gospel is really a gateway to Christian life, rather than the Christian life itself.
Neglecting the Gospel
At times, I believe my Christian walk has been neglectful of the gospel. What do I mean by this? Was I not saved? What I not evangelising? Was I in idolatry? Not exactly. But I believe that the focus of my walk has sometimes drifted into a pursuit of the benefits of the gospel – a relationship with God, study of the word, fellowship, ministry, evangelism and spiritual gifts – rather than a consistent and steadfast application the gospel.
Applying the gospel is not merely an essential element of Christianity – one thing among others to enrich our relationship with Christ – it is Christianity. The gospel defines everything about God and his nature. It defines everything about man and his nature. It explains the purpose of all things: past, present and future. The gospel is the cornerstone of truth – from which all other truths are derived. Biblical truths do not compliment, define or shape the gospel – rather, the gospel is the genesis from which these truths spring.
Anger: A Practical Example
Let me speak about this practically. Imagine the problem of wrath and anger. The bible has a lot to say about wrath, and provides us practical steps, methods and warnings about anger. Proverbs 27:4 tells us that “Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy?” In Colossians 3:8 , Paul tells us to “put off” anger. Many more examples and stories could be taken from the bible to help us deal with anger. There is no question that these truths are helpful.
However, without the gospel, these truths basically become biblical therapy, guidelines and can even become rules. They are correct and valid, but they lack the power of the gospel.
How does the gospel apply here? In many ways. For example, we know that God’s wrath and anger are completely just and fair. Yet he has suspended his anger, delivering us from his wrath by the death of Christ. God has shown that his mercy triumphs over wrath, even just and righteous wrath, for the sake of his glory and his purposes. If God has suspended his wrath against us sinners, who have been at war with God, then how much more so should we be quick to forgive and embrace patience and self-control?
I hope the difference here is clear. One set of truths (minus the gospel) provides means, mechanisms and guidelines for dealing with sin. But the gospel provides the power because it is rooted in the essence of God’s greatest and perfect act. By applying the gospel to our lives, we remove ourselves from the disappointing, often futile struggle against sin which results from using our own effort to to seek power to obey truth. How can sinful man, totally depraved, somehow find the power to change within himself? This is not possible. So why continue to struggle?
Perspective and Power
The gospel gives us comprehension of the “big picture.” It puts everything in perspective. It enables the church to serve one another more effectively. It minimizes us trying to be little psychologists, judges and police of one another and instead helps us to “stir up love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). We can minister, encourage, admonish, serve and pray for one another in the power and perspective of the gospel.
The gospel is not merely to convince people they are saved, it is for Christians to embrace their entire lives. When we praise God in heaven, we are not thanking him for teaching us about how to deal with lust, anger or to do our devotions more regularly. We are entirely focussed on praising him for the gospel – for redeeming us (Revelation 5:9). If this is our focus in heaven, should it not be our focus here on earth?
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You might be interested in Mark Driscoll’s book, Death by Love. He ties all of the chapters (letters to struggling sinners and saints) to the cross. Really amazing book, everyone should read it.
The Gospel is everything? Here I thought economics was everything.
Economics can explain everything.
The Gospel is everything.
The Gospel can be explained by economics.
Very well said. I think most Christians (including myself) could relate to this. Particularly telling is this part:
“But I believe that the focus of my walk has sometimes drifted into a pursuit of the benefits of the gospel – a relationship with God, study of the word, fellowship, ministry, evangelism and spiritual gifts – rather than a consistent and steadfast application the gospel.”
This reminds me of how Jesus addressed the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
I think this points out one of the major tendencies of religion. Jesus basically said, “Yeah, you should have paid your tithes, but you have become hyper-legalistic and have forgotten the legitimate motivation for your actions. Rather you have made a religion of the duties themselves.”
Excellent article. I’m seriously considering printing it up to re-read when I’m not at a computer.
Colin said, “The Gospel can be explained by economics.”
Somehow I thought you were going to say that.
I guess King James would agree with you: “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” We need the gospel because of the love of money.
No, we need the gospel because mankind cannot obtain righteousness on his own. It has nothing to do with money. And economics is not primarily concerned with money either – so I’m not sure what this passage has to do with my point anyway.
And the King James translation obliterates that verse anyway. The NKJV makes it much clearer:
Colin, I’m yanking your chain. It worked.
OK, I’ll shut up now.
Colin, Thainamu is a professional Bible translator. I’m sure that she is more than aware of the misstatement made by the KJV here. Its a common enough example of interpreter misstatement. She was clearly just baiting you.
Would that I never took myself seriously…