What is the Gospel?
I was recently challenged by N.T. Wright as I listened to him discussing Romans, specifically, but from a larger perspective he highlighted Paul's view and interpretation of the Gospel. (At least as N.T. Wright sees it throughout his studies of the NT). I was struck by something he said, "Paul's gospel is not 'justification by faith', but rather 'Jesus is Lord.'"
Even though I would have always agreed with the fact that Jesus is Lord, I think I have viewed the Gospel primarily as the good news that Jesus died and rose again so that I could be saved through faith. And please understand me that while I do still agree with that statement... I wonder how christians might live radically different lives if we believed that the good news really is not that WE are saved..but rather that JESUS is Lord. Might we focus less on praying the prayer to secure our salvation and focus more on how our Lord lived and commanded us to live?
1 Comments:
Yes, yes, yes. I too was struck by this in N.T. Wright's discussion on Romans. (and it is still striking me on a daily basis!) I really like how you said it - that we might live differently if we believe the good news is not about US getting saved but rather that Jesus is Lord. What a shift in focus! My whole life needs to be reworked and re-imagined after a statement like that! (and it is in that process!)
I love your heart, my friend. I show up at a birthday party tired and worn out from the day and leave energized because my friend wants to tell me what God is doing in her life! Thank you. You have no idea how much our conversation meant!
6:36 AM
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