God IS the Gospel

Hey all,

In my quiet times I've just started using a book by John Piper, entitled "Pierced By the Word: Thirty-one Meditations for Your Soul", which as the name suggests, is a selection of meditations by Piper on different Scriptures and themes. Today I read the second, "God is the Gospel", looking at why we desire salvation, and focussing specifically on John 17:3:

"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (ESV)

Piper's point was that many people want eternal life for many reasons that are not Scriptural; eg. they don't like the thought of Hell, they feel a bit guilty, or maybe they want to be in Heaven to be with loved ones. As this verse says, the only reason we should desire eternity is to know the Father and His Son. The reason forgiveness through Christ is so precious is because it opens up the freedom of fellowship with the Father God, which through our sin has become impossible. Piper suggests that wanting forgiveness for any other reason is tantamount to using God as "currency for the purchase of idols".

I have rarely thought deeply about this; and this came as a bit of a shock. As a fully paid-up evangelical, if anyone asks me why Jesus died, my instant answer is to be the sacrifice for our sin which thus makes us right with God. And I believe this is correct, and I trust this is what I proclaim. But it does raise the question of whether our Gospel preaching reflects the true aim of the Cross, that is to reconcile sinners to God. I have listened to a lot of evangelism that has almost presented Jesus as a kind of life guru, who will give you a great life if you only follow His principles, a sort of Dr. Gillian McKeith for your soul, if you will, and completely ignoring the issue of sin. On the other hand, I have heard evangelism of the hellfire and brimstone variety that is great on the reality of sin, but says next to nothing about the actual object of the Cross; not mere "fire-insurance", but to make us fit to be received as sons of the living God (Gal. 4:4-7). I reckon that this is a salutary warning for all Christians to ensure that they faithfully present the Word, in order that all might seek God for what He is, not what He does.

Something else I read this week, and which I submit in the hope that it may prove useful in your daily walk is this. It comes from Jerry Bridges' "The Pursuit of Holiness", available from Authentic Media "Authentic Classics" series, and excellent for anyone still looking for a short but profound Lenten devotional reading. This is from ch. 9 "Putting Sin to Death", and looks at a strategy for examining if something is in line with God's heart for us, and seeking to develop convictions about holiness. It's not something to get legalistic about, but as it is based on Scripture (all from 1 Corinthians), I think it can be powerful in developing a desire for holiness, and mortification of sin in our lives.

Knowing Right and Wrong


1. Is it helpful; spiritually, physically or mentally?
“"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful.” (1 Cor. 6:12a)

2. Does it bring me under its power?
“"All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything.” (1 Cor. 6:12b)

3. Does it hurt others?
“Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” (1 Cor. 8:13)

4. Does it glorify God?
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31)

Bridges suggests evaluating all areas of our daily life with these questions with the help of the Holy Spirit, and examining the areas which seem to be doubtful. I reckon this could be quite searching and painful, but ultimately very beneficial in seeking to live lives more conformed to God's will and glory. I've pasted these questions up on my wall, and already I can say that I am feeling challenged!

God bless as ever
Will