Shaped by the Gospel
“...the gospel...of first importance...”
(1 Corinthians 15:1,3)
“The gospel isn’t one class among many that you’ll attend during your life as a Christian – the gospel is the whole building that all the classes take place in! Rightly approached, all the topics you’ll study and focus on as a believer will be offered to you ‘within the walls’ of the glorious gospel.”
- CJ Mahaney
“The gospel is not just the ABCs but the A to Z of the Christian life. It is inaccurate to think the gospel is what saves non-Christians, and then Christians mature by trying hard to live according to biblical principles. It is more accurate to say that we are saved by believing the gospel, and then we are transformed in every part of our minds, hearts, and lives by believing the gospel more and more deeply as life goes on (see Rom 12:1 – 2; Phil 1:6; 3:13–14).”
- Tim Keller
The Centrality of the Gospel to everything!
The gospel - simply "the good news of Jesus" - isn't just the thing that saves you (although it does!), it's the thing that shapes every aspect of your life. As a Christian, you never outgrow the gospel and move on from it, you simply grow deeper into it.
God saves us and grows us through the gospel.
Growing in the Gospel
More resources and ideas;
- Read Milton Vincent's A Gospel Primer to help drive the truth of the gospel deep into your heart (purchase the book here)
- Take a look at Tim Keller's The Centrality of the Gospel for how the gospel impacts every area of our lives
- See Desiring God's topical survey on The Gospel
Photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash
