Throughout the past few weeks a theme of misunderstanding God’s gospel has emerged in session. This theme may seem simple and fundamental, yet at times that is exactly what we need to hear, learn, and trust—the basic TRUTH.
The gospel is simple, yet so profoundly deep and infinitely wonderful. So many times we lose sight of the basic truth and we focus on the details which blur our understanding. We add to the gospel to make our limited human minds comprehend more or we avoid meeting with Jesus to meditate on truth because it is hard to step outside of ourselves. When Christians trust in “self” rather than renewing their minds with Scripture, the well-intended person becomes confused and frustrated with the gospel.
“The gospel” is a word Christians use interchangeably throughout their lives, yet many times not fully understanding its significance and meaning. We speak in terms of the gospel, but rarely apply it to everyday life. Unfortunately applying the gospel to our lives is exactly what God wants for us. I once heard that the gospel is nothing less than “the power of God” (Rom1:16). Trying to live without understanding at least a portion of what the gospel truly means is living without understanding what your Father has purposed for you on this earth.
Many believing Christians have a misleading view of the gospel. We sometimes see it as the “bridge”, “entrance”, or “way” to God’s kingdom. In all reality it is so much more! The gospel is not just the “door” or what we are supposed to believe; rather it is a way of life. It is meant for our salvation and our transformation. We are delivered from the penalty of sin and released from the power of sin. The gospel makes us right with God and frees us to continue in relationship with God. The point is—the gospel changes EVERYTHING.
At the point of salvation, we have a limited idea of God’s holiness and our sinfulness. As we grow and learn (sanctification) our awareness of God’s love, grace, holiness, and glory will grow (Isa 55:8-9) in accordance with the awareness of our own depravity and sinfulness (Jer 17:9-10). As a response to this our appreciation and love for Jesus grows. The cross, becomes more central to our everyday life and we are transformed daily.
Many times Christians will get stuck in one of these two extremes. We will focus on God’s holiness and believe we have the right to be treated as holy, the authority to judge others as unholy, or the power to control our fate. OR we will focus on how terrible, worthless, and insignificant humans are apart from Christ. Each extreme minimizes “the cross” and the result is PRIDE. The gospel should not be used to dictate how a Christian “should” live (legalism); rather we view it as “why” Christians live, work, and believe. Rest in the gospel. Rest in Jesus as our perfect Redeemer—the One who is our righteousness, holiness, and our redemption (1 Cor 1:30).
Casey West