What is the gospel?
We claim to preach it. We want to live according to it. We have been commissioned to spread it.
I am currently collecting “Gospel Definitions” from a wide variety of scholars, pastors, teachers and authors. Expect to see a “Gospel Definition” appear once every few days on this blog.
The fact that I quote someone’s “Gospel Definition” does not necessarily indicate my approval of the definition.
I hope that as our generation wrestles with the important issue of clearly defining “the gospel,” this series will be of some help.
This question is probably the most important we discuss with our young missionaries as we orient them to serving on the field. I’m looking forward to this series.
Comment by Af. West — February 19, 2008 @ 4:46 am
Trevin, you have already said something that raises some questions. If we say we preach the gospel and want to live the gospel, are we using “gospel” in the same way in both cases?
Comment by Warren Dodson — February 19, 2008 @ 5:07 am
Trevin,
Sounds like a great series.
Comment by Tony Kummer — February 19, 2008 @ 6:10 am
“Jesus is Lord over all.”
Comment by Chuck — February 19, 2008 @ 9:58 am
Trevin,
I am looking forward to seeing this series of post. If it is as edifying and informative as the Luther-Zwingli series, you will have contributed to the discussion in a tremendous way. I will be praying for you as you develop and post each article.
Comment by Martin Pitcher — February 19, 2008 @ 10:27 am
I like Rob Bell’s definition (though he’s probably got a few) from the Nooma “You”. He says something like “the gospel is the good news that God hasn’t given up on the world.”
Comment by Wes Ellis — February 19, 2008 @ 11:31 am
This is probably overly simplistic, and I would never use it as my ONLY gospel definition. But I really like what John Newton said towards the end of his life. I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great Savior. Certainly, we would need to expound upon these points…but I have found it a very helpful statement.
Comment by Mike Leake — February 19, 2008 @ 12:34 pm
an excellent and most important question, one I have been pondering a lot lately.
Paul says the gospel is that “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that He rose again the third day…” 1 Cor 15:3
Comment by Curt Chadwick — February 24, 2008 @ 5:27 pm
great help…thanks for doing this!
Comment by FellowPilgrim — April 1, 2008 @ 11:36 am