The Gospel Fundamentals
When I first became a believer I made the mistake of including every theological conviction in my “gospel,” but as Paul says clearly to the Galatians: “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ” (Gal 1:6–7). It was clear to Paul that the Gospel was simple, and if anyone’even an angel’preached something contrary to Paul’s gospel then he is accursed (Gal 1:8)!
As I continued to dialog with those outside (and inside) the faith I realized how simple the Gospel is. I made it more complicated then what it truly is, and I think that’s a point that separates Christianity from the other world religions. The most important message in the world is the simplest.
The Gospel Fundamentals
What then are the “fundamentals” that we cannot argue on? What really makes the Gospel the Gospel? I’ve written recently on essential Christian beliefs, but this is more foundational then even those. It is the entry way into the Kingdom of God, and Paul says “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom 1:16). It breaks through depravity, sin, and darkness to give life and everlasting joy.
Here is a list of things, I believe, are non-negotiable and clearly delineate the Christian Gospel from all other “Gospels.”
- All humans have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
- Unless our sin is answered for then we will spend an eternity apart from God in relentless punishment.
- Jesus Christ, the God-man, came to earth and satiated God’s wrath upon the cross by bearing the sins of his people.
- Jesus not only takes away our sin, but he also positively makes us righteous in God’s sight.
- After the work of redemption, it was completed when he rose on the third day in his victorious resurrection.
- All of those that believe, in faith, these truths as told in God’s word will be saved.
- Evidence of this salvation comes through the individual’s repentance.
Conclusion
That’s a short overview, but I feel it necessary to think it out. To often the Gospel is presented as God as a loving God without his wrath or mention the necessity of atonement. God is love, and that is a glorious truth deduced from the Gospel, but we must be clear to outline the Gospel in its entirety so that no one will have to hear: “I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS” (Mat 7:23).
I would not mention God’s triune nature in a “gospel presentation” but do you think it is a fundamental doctrine which must be adhered to in order to seperate legitimate doctrine from the doctrine of the occult.
Hey, I appreciate your emphasis on simplicity. I’ve had the same thoughts for a while — what exactly composes the things necessary to believe that provides salvation? And also, why isn’t the Scripture clearer? Those are probably two seperate thoughts. Anyway, the more I think about it, the more it seems quite smart/intelligent for the scriptures to communicate the gospel as it does. If we’re provided steps to salvation, then we do it mechanically. If we’re provided a formula, we will love and trust the formula. But salvation, as far as I can tell, is very unformulaic. It’s “belief.” People like me go, “ok, define belief.” But the scripture, as far as I can tell, makes no effort to do that. Also, people like me go, “ok, belief in what, exactly?” Anyway, all that to say, we can easily make it overly complicated. In doing so we 1) do what scriputre doesn’t, 2) bar entry to those who don’t think in such a complicated manner, and 3) greatly increase the liklihood that we will trust our self-made formula, instead of the author of our faith, for salvation. I’m personally still not completely clear on what I think about salvation, but, an emphasis on simplicity and lack of formula seems absolutely necessary. So, I appreciated your post! (I hope that wasn’t too off topic — I was just responding with the thoughts I’ve been having on this topic.)
How would you draw a distinction between gospel essentials and orthodox essentials? For example, would you say God’s triune nature is an orthodox essential but not a gospel essential?
At the end of the day, I am so thankful for the simplicity of the gospel.
The only thing I would think to add is: 6. All of those that repent of their sins and believe, in faith, these truths as told in God’s word will be saved. I would add it simply to complete the understanding of what the relationship with man and his sin is after salvation. Peter is asked, “What must we do to be saved” and the first word of his reply is “Repent.” In my view, belief and repentance must go together. Belief is not belief without repentance with it.
Fantastic point Jim! I’m adding that.
Excellent list — I love it!
@Perry: I was just about the Christian Gospel. Would you say that the trinity is part of the Christian Gospel?
I would say that God is not only part of the Gospel but He is the Gospel (thanks Piper!). God’s true nature is triune. Therefore, if God is “part” of the Gospel and God is triune, then the Trinity is part of the Trinity; albeit, by default to a degree. Now, with that being said, I have never brought up the Trinity when sharing my faith with someone. I would still maintain though that the truth of God cannot be divorced from the Gospel.