Monday, August 11, 2008

Of First Importance

Ive been a Christian now for about four and a half years and somehow during this time I have never been able to nail down a good definition of the gospel.

Uh...you know Curt this is like the most essential part of being Christian?

Really? You wouldn't know this by going to most churches, watching Christian TV or listening to Christian music.

Good Point.

The Gospel has been defined by many people in many ways. But I like what Paul says best:

"That Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day"


In your own words please Curt.

Ive never had an original thought but here goes:

The Good News is that my sins are not counted against me. Because God is Just, He must hold me accountable. Fortunately, God himself paid the necessary and due penalty for my sin when He came to Earth. God, in Jesus, was wrongly accused, beaten to a pulp and nailed to a tree by those for whom He came to save. The last part of Paul's definition is the evidence of God the Father accepting God the Son's sacrifice. The resurrection.


Common man lets not talk about sin, blood and guts its offensive and gross

If its not offensive and gross its not the gospel.

Fine then, what else is the gospel NOT?

Despite what I may try to make them the gospel is not:

Bible study, prayer or fasting
Calvinism, Armenianism or anything in between
Health, Wealth and Prosperity
Politics or Religion
Anything I can work for, earn or think I might deserve.

More recently, its not moving to the Inner City or serving the poor, hungry and destitute.

The gospel is also not:
My son Andrew or My Marriage or me being liked.

All of these things may be well and good but they are not the gospel.

Sheesh, Why dont you just go back to worrying about your fantasy baseball team?

Ok.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Curt,

A lot of people confuse the fruit of the gospel with the gospel.

Brilliant!

Jason and Vanessa said...

well put, now may the knowledge of the gospel cause us to bear good fruit and change us. the distinction is important and can be confusing for many who do not know better.

Soli Deo Gloria!

jason d.

The Sappingtons said...

Curt,
I like the conversations you have with yourself! :)

Very thought-provoking!