Part 2 of Quotes from Greg Gilbert’s book – What is the Gospel
I apologize for the delay in bringing part two of these wonderful and well crafted nuggets of truths that Greg shares in his book. The purpose of this post is to provoke you to some critical thinking about what you have come to understand the gospel to be. So without further a due, I would like to give you five more quotes from the book – What is the Gospel?
Take another 5
To talk about salvation being from meaninglessness or purposelessness without tracing those things down to their root in sin may make the medicine go down easier, but it is the wrong medicine.
The Bible teaches that a big part of our problem is that we think too highly of ourselves, not too lowly.
You are a sinner destined to be condemned. But God has acted to save sinners just like you!
Children believe in Santa Claus and the Easter bunny. Mystics believe in the power of stones and crystals. Crazy people believe in fairies. And Christians, well, they believe in Jesus.
Faith is not believing in something you cannot prove, as so many people define it. It is, biblically speaking reliance. A rock-solid, truth-grounded, promise-founded trust in the risen Jesus to save you from sin.
Conclusion
What is you definition of the gospel?
Do you think you still hear it in your church?
What is your church’s definition of it?
Do you see it at work and alive in you or your community?
Walter Bright 
I like the one about faith…so true!
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hey brian, thanks for the comment…
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Great points, Walter. I haven’t had the chance to pick up this latest of the 9Marks books yet, but I intend to. I plan to have the entire series in my library.
My take, in its simplest form, is that the gospel can be defined by Paul’s words to the church at Corinth (1 Cor. 15:3-4). But the gospel can also be described as so profound that studies by the wisest theologians will never exhaust its riches (Charles Hodge).
The greatest issue facing the church today, regarding the gospel, is the proper response to the gospel and the provisions of the gospel. Too many are being taught that the primary work of the gospel is to get lost people into heaven. While it does accomplish that, the greater work of the gospel is that it gives men a new position. By the saving power of the gospel, men are redeemed and forgiven. Their new position is in Christ. Jesus is the treasure of the gospel! We get Jesus!… not just His stuff.
The other issue is of course the response. People are being taught that the gospel is something elective. In other words, we hear stuff like, “just invite Jesus into your heart.” The gospel is never presented this way in Scripture. Men are commanded to repent and receive the good news. It’s not optional, like something to simply attach to your already good life to make it a little better.
To those who respond to the gospel, the Bible declares two things will always happen. They will bear fruit, and they will persevere. Sorry for going so long with my response, but as I shared, we are beginning a study of the authentic gospel on Wednesday nights… and hey, a little warm up always helps. Thanks friend and God bless.
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I love it! very good points. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. blessings on your Bible Study.
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