The gospel — the good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead (1 Cor 15:1-5) — is absolutely central to everything we do at Gospel Life Church. Why?
Sadly, many Christians think the gospel is like a ticket to a NASCAR race. It’s necessary to get us into the venue, but once we’re in, the ticket goes in the trash.
However, according to Scripture, the gospel is not like a NASCAR ticket, it's more like a NASCAR engine. It not only gets your car in the race, it keeps your car in the race! All the way to the end.
Christians need the gospel just as much as non-Christians do. Renowned theologian William Lane Craig states: "The New Testament is dominated by the gospel." Well, who was the New Testament written to? Christians!
Dr. Yancey Arrington says this about Paul's message: “Paul frames his ministry and preaching as being centered on Jesus. And not just any perspective on Jesus — he hones in on the cross. In other words, Paul preached on various ‘real-life’ topics, but he did so in such a way that Jesus wasn’t seen as just another life coach, self-help expert, Mr. Fix It, or success guru. In Paul’s preaching, Jesus is the crucified and risen Lord. There is no other option, because there is no other Jesus.”
Paul puts it succinctly to the Christians in Colossae: "Do not move from the hope held out in the gospel" (Col 1:23).
Paul tells the Christians in Corinth: "I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor 2:2).
Professor Gordon T. Smith writes: "What the New Testament portrays from beginning to end is that the revelation of God––the disclosure of the will and purposes of God––is centered in Christ Jesus."
But the gospel is not just the message of the New Testament, it's the message of the whole Bible. Jesus taught His disciples that every page of Scripture is about Him and His work (Lk 24:25-27, 44-47; Jn 5:39, 46-47). Professor Dean Deppe writes: "Paul teaches us to read the Old Testament through the lens of Jesus' cross and resurrection."
Three real-life examples of why Christians need the gospel:
1. The Gospel Provides Balance
The gospel gives me balance between two extremes. On one hand, while my sins make me insecure and crush my spirit, the gospel reminds me that I’m loved and forgiven (Rom 5:8). On the other hand, while my "successes" and good works inflate my ego, the gospel reminds me that I’m loved and accepted by grace, not my works (Eph 2:8-9). The gospel takes my heart out of the gutter and my head out of the clouds.
2. The Gospel Provides Confidence
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1). Notice, Paul is not presenting the gospel itself but something that is true “now” because of the gospel. He's explaining one of the gospel's benefits, and it is stunning! Because Jesus took away all my sins on the cross, I am forever free from the guilt and shame that sin brings. Therefore, I can always confidently approach God in worship and prayer, knowing that even though I still sin, He forever loves and accepts me in Christ.
"In Christ and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence" (Eph 3:12).
3. The Gospel Provides Rest
So many Christians and preachers are saying I'm not doing enough. I'm not reading my Bible enough, I'm not serving enough, I'm not praying enough, I'm not giving enough, etc. But when is "enough" enough? And whose standard of "enough" am I supposed to use? It's confusing and stressful.
But the gospel floods my anxious soul with rest because I'm reminded that Jesus' message to me is not "Do better! Try harder!" but "It is finished!"
"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Mt 11:28).