The Gospel for Life

When you hear the word “gospel,” do you think of the good news of Jesus that people who don’t know God can be saved?  If so, that’s great, it’s true—and yet, the gospel still applies after conversion.

Much harm has come upon the church through the careless assump­tion that the gospel is only relevant to the non-believer:  Once you get saved, the gospel is behind you; now it’s time to get on with growing and serving and working for God—except, of course, as you look to share the gospel invitation with others who are lost.

But, in fact, Christians need the gospel every day.  The truth of Jesus’ good news is the path for becoming God’s child AND for living as a member of his family.  The gospel is foundational for all of life.

In his teaching series, The Gospel in Life, Tim Keller gives an example of how the gospel guides our spiritual formation and walk of faith.  In 2 Corinthians 8-9, Paul encourages the people to give generously to help impoverished believers in Judea.  But he motivates them NOT by guilt or duty, but by pointing to Jesus’ lavish, self-giving love (8:9).  “Paul is saying, ‘Think of Jesus’ costly grace until you are changed into generous people by the gospel in your hearts.’  So the solution to stinginess is a reorientation to the generosity of Christ in the gospel, where he poured out his wealth for you” (pp. 25-26).

The late Jerry Bridges, long-time leader with the Navigators, taught that every Christian needs a daily appropriation of the gospel.  Most believers mistakenly see their post-conversion life as a performance relationship with the Lord.  Due to indwelling sin in our hearts and the Enemy’s temptations, we tend to drift back into a works mindset.  So we need a daily dose of gospel medicine—as Christians (see his “Four Essentials to Finishing Well” at desiringgod.org).

So, to all my brothers and sisters in Jesus:  Check your spiritual radar settings and see if you’re tuning out any mention of the gospel as though it were relevant only to non-Christians.  Many believers make this terrible mistake.  Bottom line—we need the gospel message for getting saved and being saved; we need it for coming to Christ in the first place and following Christ in life-long discipleship.