Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Confessions of a Small Gospel

Many are writing today about the smallness of the Gospel that many evangelicals are preaching. For example, Scot McKnight wrote an excellent article in Christianity Today this month on the need for "A More Robust Gospel."

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/march/13.36.html

One of the weaknesses of the gospel many are preaching today is that the Church is no where to be found. All too often it is never mentioned that a commitment to Christ also includes a commitment to his people. The Apostle Paul did not separate these two commitments. Rather he saw them as one and the same.

"... while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what it good" (Titus 2.14, NIV).

The Anglican theologian, John Stott, agrees. "From the Day of Pentecost onward it has been clear that conversion to Christ means also conversion to the community of Christ, as people turn from themselves to him, and from 'this corrupt generation' to the alternative society which he is gathering around himself. These two transfers--of personal allegiance and social membership--cannot be separated" (The Cross of Christ, pg. 249).

Therefore, brothers and sisters, let us love and proclaim the gospel that is as large as the one proclaimed by the Apostles!

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