Stephen Altrogge
The Gospel is the good news the way
to God has been opened for all who believe in Christ.
Okay, put your pitchforks and effigies down for just a second. Before you burn me at the stake as a heretic, let me explain myself.
Lately I’ve noticed that Christians in general (and I include myself in that number) have been equating the Father, Son and Spirit with the Gospel.
For example, in a semi-popular book I was recently reading, the author kept talking about "the Gospel at work in your life."
As the Gospel works in our life, we become more like Christ. As the Gospel works in our life, we love others more. As the Gospel works in our life, we value the chuch more. You get the point.
Now, why does this bother me? Is this just another example of me being a nitpicky jerk who doesn’t have enough to do? Quite possibly. But I don’t think so.
The reason this phenomenon bothers me is because it seems to rob the Trinity of some of their glory.
The Gospel is the incredible, astounding message of salvation.
It is the message that Jesus Christ has come, atoned for our sins, risen from the dead, ascended to heaven and will return again. When we believe the Gospel, all of our sins are forgiven, we are filled with the Holy Spirit, and we are united to Christ Jesus. The Gospel is the good news the way to God has been opened for all who believe in Christ.
BUT, once we believe the Gospel, Christ himself comes to dwell in us.
As it says in Colossians 1:27, the glorious mystery hidden for ages but now revealed is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” When it comes to living out the Christian life, we have fellowship with the Father, are united to the Son and walk by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Gospel does not make us more like Christ, the Holy Spirit makes us like Christ. The Gospel does not give us power over sin, Jesus himself, dwelling in us, makes us more than conquerors. The Gospel doesn’t give us power to love one another, the Holy Spirit binds us together.
The Gospel connects us to God. It brings us into intimate fellowship with God. It enables us to be united to Christ. It allows us to be filled with the Spirit.
But the Gospel itself is a message. It is news. Good news. Wonderful news.
But the news doesn’t change us. The Gospel message is not what empowers us to live holy lives. The Father, Son and Spirit do that.
We need to preach the Gospel to ourselves every day. We need to remind ourselves our acceptance is based on Christ alone.
Then we need to rejoice that because of the Gospel, the Spirit is at work in us! We are joined to Jesus! We call God “Abba, Father.” That is some dang good news!
OK, now I’ll go back to being a nitpicky jerk with not enough to do.
Stephen Altrogge works as a pastor at Sovereign Grace Church of Indiana, PA, where his main duties include leading worship, working with college students, and shining his dad’s shoes. He also has written a number of worship songs that have been included on Sovereign Grace Music albums. Stephen is the author of the book Game Day For the Glory of God: A Guide For Athletes, Fans, and Wanabes, which was published by Crossway Books in September 2008, and The Greener Grass Conspiracy: Finding Contentment on Your Side of the Fence, which will be published by Crossway Books in April 2011. When not shining his dad’s shoes, you can find Stephen drinking coffee or playing video games.
More from Stephen Altrogge or visit Stephen at www.theblazingcenter.com
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