1.How does our understanding of the gospel affect the ways we tell
people and affect the way they respond?
Think in terms of “plan of salvation” approach vs. discipleship
approach.
c. Our understanding of the gospel can affect the way we tell people because it can challenge our motives. If our motive is purely out of obligation, to fulfil a requirement for our own salvation (extraction) then we are likely to be uncaring toward others and give a poor representation of our master. If seeking ‘extraction’ out of genuine concern for others we are likely to become obsessed with ‘selling’ techniques and come across as non-genuine. Yet if our understanding of Jesus’ Lordship has a present and ongoing aspect, for the salvation of all things (earthly and heavenly Col.1:13-23), we have a common, genuine, and understandable connection with people which no longer needs to forced since everybody has both an immediate and future vested interest in the earth, even if they don’t believe in heaven. Our mission (kingdom advancement) allows us to genuinely display Godly concern for those we seek to help because we also have a vested common connection to them in partial purpose; Peace and parity for mankind on earth, not just heaven. Then we can point them to Christ with our commitment to His complete cause: The restoration of the Kingdom, both in heaven and on earth.
I like your explanation Peter. Its true if the understanding of the gospel isn't as it should be we may find ourselves feeling obligated or like were selling something. I want to be able to share the gospel out of a pure motive to enhance the Kingdom. Which I know takes the power of Christ working through me. Peace on earth sounds like a wonderful thing, and just recently has that been connected to the Gospel for me.
Peter, regarding your statement, “Our understanding of the gospel can affect the way we tell people because it can challenge our motives.” For me whether the motive is to fulfill a requirement for our own “extraction” or seeking “extraction” out of genuine concern is not an issue. Yes, it’s ideal that we understand and teach what really the gospel is and that we have good motives in telling people about the gospel but I if not, I will still be OK with it. Paul said, “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice” (Phil. 1:18). I have seen the lives of those whose understanding of the gospel is the plan of salvation. They also acknowledged Jesus as Lord and are true disciples who make disciples. I have yet to see though those who understand well the gospel that Jesus is Lord and how they go about telling it to others and winning souls whose allegiance is with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Yes, isn't a biblical understanding of the gospel and what Jesus really achieved worth getting excited about? I'm not saying that "heaven" isn't an exciting place to go but the NT describes our future hope as a redeemed cosmos where we will experience whole relationships with God, others and the cosmos taking up our role as partners with him in having dominion over the redeemed creation. No more powers of darkness and death to bring chaos to our lives and to the world. Hallelujah!
Yes, i agree with Peter's view " Our understanding of the gospel can affect the way we tell people because it can challenge our motives". Even though most christians' motive is right, but in a wrong aproach. All of us understanding the gospel's meaning: "that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried , that he was raised on the third day...but the grace of God that was with me" (1Corinthians 15). Most people just tell others about the stories or the words of the gospel, but which is not enough and could be confused the listeners. In personally, I think the best way to share and send the gospel not just by words, it also need our actions "who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins" (James 3:17). Just like Jesus died for our sins and raised up on the third day, He used His own body to teach people about the gospel. The terms of “plan of salvation” is a dialectical approach that is about God's revelation of himself to humanity ( Lindars B.1991:129)
Hey Bonnie, I’m not sure that “all of us,” I am assuming that you mean all Christians, understand the gospel to be what is stated in 1 Corinthian’s 15. I suspect that they would see the entire “Plan of Salvation” as the gospel – therefore, all the stories of the bible and how God has rescued us from our sins (to be concluded at a later date). Whilst the plan is true, the way many people respond to God’s plan of salvation is often with great complacency or apathy. They realize they need it, but once they have it, think there is nothing else required. If people recognized that “Jesus is Lord,” God is king NOW (not to be enthroned in His new kingdom at a later date) and that His kingdom is breaking in daily as a result of our responsive behaviour to that “good news” (in other words ours, and the world’s salvation/rescuing is still occurring), then we might have greater commitment to passages like James 3:17. Because we would realize we are slowing the plan of salvation when we sin.
It is important for me to be aware that sharing the Gospel is not the same as presenting the plan of salvation. When we share the Gospel, we speak about Jesus –His death burial and resurrection. When we share the Gospel we speak of His present victorious position as our King, our Lord and our Savior. On the other hand, the plan of salvation is an explanation of how a person can be saved. We used various methods of persuasion (not sure if I am using the right word) to explain it. Here, we speak about sin and our broken relationship with God; we speak of forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation with God; we speak about His love and His grace to others. Part of this includes the human need to RESPOND to the Gospel - what the person must do after hearing the Word (that is repent, confess, be baptized, etc.)
I think this is a correct understanding Dea. Many Christians I feel become nervous, anxious and inadequate about sharing The Gospel (what they understand to be the Plan of Salvation), because they feel they need to cover every story, aspect and detail – something which not too many of us would be adept at – so you can understand their feelings of inadequacy. But when we understand that Jesus is Lord, and we live our lives’ in His way (serving others), when people question why, we already have at hand an appropriate response: “I know Jesus is Lord of all and it is my pleasure to serve Him to my and hopefully His, heart’s content. I want to see the Kingdom He promised fully present in this world one day and I want to be a part of that.” “I know only following His way will bring about that goal, so that is what I choose to do.” Hopefully then they will want to know the Plan of Salvation and our teacher’s will be ready to share it with them.
Hey Dea, I really liked how you explained the difference between the Gospel and the plan of salvation. In a way they go hand in hand because the plan of salvation is what the response to the Gospel is. When I was younger I knew that the death burial and resurrection of Jesus was the Gospel but I failed to understand that the other major factor is that Jesus was and is the king of the world! Otherwise he'd just be some weird guy who raise from the dead haha :P
Dea, I believe you are correct in pointing out that "sharing the gospel" isn't the same as the "plan of salvation." This is something that many are confused about. As Tim Keel says in his article, "For many, the word gospel has become a shorthand way of describing God's action to save human beings from their sin through the atoning death of Jesus Christ on the cross. When people accept by faith Christ's death as the payment for their personal sin(s), then they are assured eternal life." This is what most in the evangelical world (including us in the Churches of Christ) have called "the gospel." But this is the plan of salvation. The gospel is the announcement that God has become king in Jesus or, in other words, that Jesus is king (lord). He has become Lord because he defeated the real enemy - sin and death - through his own suffering and death and resurrection. Thanks.
I think it is very important when sharing the gospel to understand what it truly means to oneself. How we understand will indeed affect the way we share or if we share at all. Understanding that Jesus is King and recognizing what that means will determine if you feel like you're sharing out of obligation or if you genuinely love people and want them to know who their king is. If we are excited and passionate it is more apt to get others excited as well. As opposed to if we are sharing without emotion. The Gospel will tell of the life of Jesus and how he rose from the dead after his crucifixion and how he continues to reign. Salvation is what comes after the knowledge of Jesus and what He did for the world.
Nicely said, Telah. There's a song that goes like this: "I said get all exited, go tell everybody that Jesus Christ is king. I said get all exited, go tell everybody that Jesus Christ is king. I said get all exited, go tell everybody that Jesus Christ is king. Jesus Christ is still the king of kings."
I agree, Telah, that understanding will determine our sharing. This understanding of the Gospel also needs to motivate us and drive us to live our belief in the Gospel out in ways that shout louder than words. It is easier to say that Jesus Christ is Lord than going out and getting involved in other people's lives. But when Jesus was here, everyone got excited because Jesus went somewhere and did something as a way to proclaim the Good News. This is a way we should live too.
Our understanding of the gospel’s etymology, context, specific content, message and what it is all about (creation, sin, solution, and restoration) will affect the scope of what we understand God’s kingdom to include: how we preach, practice justice, do spiritual formation, read Scriptures, interact with children, and have spiritual conversations with our friends and neighbors. By teaching salvation not only through the Priestly lens or story (unholy people becoming holy by brokering a sacrifice), but also teaching salvation through the Creation or Exodus or Exile stories to particular people it relates to, people will feel invited to join and will want to participate and to live in God’s story with Christ’s call to join Him as agents in His work of mediating peace in His good creation. (Reference: Keel, Tim. Reframing the Gospel.).
The Gospel has such huge implications for us and what God is doing in the world. It's so much bigger and richer and meaningful than "managing our personal sin so that we get chance to go to heaven when we die." The Gospel invites us into God's new world, inaugurated through Jesus' life, death and resurrection. The gospel compels us tell the story to others. Thanks.
Initially, when I first heard that the Gospel is Jesus Christ is Lord, I was shocked. I think it was when I first started taking classes here. I got so confused because I had known that the plan of salvation (the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus) was the Gospel. But as everyone here had pointed out, this approach to the Gospel only provides a certain set of belief, a doctrine - but not a lifestyle. Many Christians go out and preach the message of heaven, fire, and brimstone to those who may not even have a slightest care about where they are going to end up after life. The Gospel that Jesus preaches is relevant to people in all generations because it addresses the here and now; the needs that He can fulfill; and the direction that He alone can guide.
This actually reminded me of my attempt to reach out to a Thai girl. I was so on fire about sharing Jesus to her that whenever she hinted at something related to the afterlife or Buddhism, I took the opportunity to share the Gospel. But because of my ignorance, I abused her trust by condemning her father to hell because he didn't believe in Jesus. Thankfully, God with His grace, gave me another chance to get to know her as a friend and not as an enthusiast in converting people. I am not saying that I fully understand what the Gospel is; but the discipleship approach and the realization that the Lord still reigns over heaven and earth, over every heart in every nation help me to reach out to other people as friends, as sisters, as human beings. It prevents me from labeling people as "potential converts".
I, too, was shocked when I first heard that the Gospel was "Jesus is Lord - through his life, death and resurrection." I always thought that the gospel was focused on "sin management - you are a sinner and God is a holy God so you are destined for hell unless you repent and believe in Jesus' work on the cross. If you do, when you die you go to heaven." While that may not be totally wrong, it's not the Gospel as taught in the New Testament.
You are not alone in "abusing" (your word) your friend's trust in sharing "the Gospel" (or plan of salvation). I've put many on guilt-trips (but guilt isn't a bad thing). I'm learning that proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus and what he achieved in his death/resurrection and his call for others to follow him is a more winsome approach. Thanks.
To David: Yes sir, what Jesus really achieved is worth getting excited about. I like your interpretation about the description of our future hope that “as a redeemed cosmos where we will experience whole relationship with God, others and the cosmos taking up our role as partners with him in having dominion over the redeemed creation. No more powers of darkness and death to bring chaos to our lives and to the world.” But as for me whether our place be in heaven or after the restored, or redeemed, or renewed, or burned creation, it doesn’t matter to me. I will be happy with wherever my Lord will put me. This after “Second Coming” life discussion is still vague to me. I will be much interested and more focus on telling the gospel that Jesus is Lord than to argue/debate with anyone about life after “end of the world.” And I will share the gospel in season and out of season with gusto because my Lord Jesus said so. I am His servant. Servant just obeys and never complains and makes excuses.
c. Our understanding of the gospel can affect the way we tell people because it can challenge our motives. If our motive is purely out of obligation, to fulfil a requirement for our own salvation (extraction) then we are likely to be uncaring toward others and give a poor representation of our master. If seeking ‘extraction’ out of genuine concern for others we are likely to become obsessed with ‘selling’ techniques and come across as non-genuine. Yet if our understanding of Jesus’ Lordship has a present and ongoing aspect, for the salvation of all things (earthly and heavenly Col.1:13-23), we have a common, genuine, and understandable connection with people which no longer needs to forced since everybody has both an immediate and future vested interest in the earth, even if they don’t believe in heaven. Our mission (kingdom advancement) allows us to genuinely display Godly concern for those we seek to help because we also have a vested common connection to them in partial purpose; Peace and parity for mankind on earth, not just heaven. Then we can point them to Christ with our commitment to His complete cause: The restoration of the Kingdom, both in heaven and on earth.
ReplyDeleteI like your explanation Peter. Its true if the understanding of the gospel isn't as it should be we may find ourselves feeling obligated or like were selling something. I want to be able to share the gospel out of a pure motive to enhance the Kingdom. Which I know takes the power of Christ working through me. Peace on earth sounds like a wonderful thing, and just recently has that been connected to the Gospel for me.
DeletePeter, regarding your statement, “Our understanding of the gospel can affect the way we tell people because it can challenge our motives.” For me whether the motive is to fulfill a requirement for our own “extraction” or seeking “extraction” out of genuine concern is not an issue. Yes, it’s ideal that we understand and teach what really the gospel is and that we have good motives in telling people about the gospel but I if not, I will still be OK with it. Paul said, “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice” (Phil. 1:18). I have seen the lives of those whose understanding of the gospel is the plan of salvation. They also acknowledged Jesus as Lord and are true disciples who make disciples. I have yet to see though those who understand well the gospel that Jesus is Lord and how they go about telling it to others and winning souls whose allegiance is with the Lord Jesus Christ.
DeleteYes, isn't a biblical understanding of the gospel and what Jesus really achieved worth getting excited about? I'm not saying that "heaven" isn't an exciting place to go but the NT describes our future hope as a redeemed cosmos where we will experience whole relationships with God, others and the cosmos taking up our role as partners with him in having dominion over the redeemed creation. No more powers of darkness and death to bring chaos to our lives and to the world. Hallelujah!
ReplyDeleteYes, i agree with Peter's view " Our understanding of the gospel can affect the way we tell people because it can challenge our motives". Even though most christians' motive is right, but in a wrong aproach. All of us understanding the gospel's meaning: "that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried , that he was raised on the third day...but the grace of God that was with me" (1Corinthians 15). Most people just tell others about the stories or the words of the gospel, but which is not enough and could be confused the listeners. In personally, I think the best way to share and send the gospel not just by words, it also need our actions "who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins" (James 3:17). Just like Jesus died for our sins and raised up on the third day, He used His own body to teach people about the gospel. The terms of “plan of salvation” is a dialectical approach that is about God's revelation of himself to humanity ( Lindars B.1991:129)
ReplyDeleteHey Bonnie, I’m not sure that “all of us,” I am assuming that you mean all Christians, understand the gospel to be what is stated in 1 Corinthian’s 15. I suspect that they would see the entire “Plan of Salvation” as the gospel – therefore, all the stories of the bible and how God has rescued us from our sins (to be concluded at a later date). Whilst the plan is true, the way many people respond to God’s plan of salvation is often with great complacency or apathy. They realize they need it, but once they have it, think there is nothing else required. If people recognized that “Jesus is Lord,” God is king NOW (not to be enthroned in His new kingdom at a later date) and that His kingdom is breaking in daily as a result of our responsive behaviour to that “good news” (in other words ours, and the world’s salvation/rescuing is still occurring), then we might have greater commitment to passages like James 3:17. Because we would realize we are slowing the plan of salvation when we sin.
ReplyDeleteIt is important for me to be aware that sharing the Gospel is not the same as presenting the plan of salvation. When we share the Gospel, we speak about Jesus –His death burial and resurrection. When we share the Gospel we speak of His present victorious position as our King, our Lord and our Savior.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, the plan of salvation is an explanation of how a person can be saved. We used various methods of persuasion (not sure if I am using the right word) to explain it. Here, we speak about sin and our broken relationship with God; we speak of forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation with God; we speak about His love and His grace to others. Part of this includes the human need to RESPOND to the Gospel - what the person must do after hearing the Word (that is repent, confess, be baptized, etc.)
I think this is a correct understanding Dea. Many Christians I feel become nervous, anxious and inadequate about sharing The Gospel (what they understand to be the Plan of Salvation), because they feel they need to cover every story, aspect and detail – something which not too many of us would be adept at – so you can understand their feelings of inadequacy. But when we understand that Jesus is Lord, and we live our lives’ in His way (serving others), when people question why, we already have at hand an appropriate response: “I know Jesus is Lord of all and it is my pleasure to serve Him to my and hopefully His, heart’s content. I want to see the Kingdom He promised fully present in this world one day and I want to be a part of that.” “I know only following His way will bring about that goal, so that is what I choose to do.” Hopefully then they will want to know the Plan of Salvation and our teacher’s will be ready to share it with them.
DeleteHey Dea, I really liked how you explained the difference between the Gospel and the plan of salvation. In a way they go hand in hand because the plan of salvation is what the response to the Gospel is. When I was younger I knew that the death burial and resurrection of Jesus was the Gospel but I failed to understand that the other major factor is that Jesus was and is the king of the world! Otherwise he'd just be some weird guy who raise from the dead haha :P
DeleteDea,
DeleteI believe you are correct in pointing out that "sharing the gospel" isn't the same as the "plan of salvation." This is something that many are confused about. As Tim Keel says in his article, "For many, the word gospel has become a shorthand way of describing God's action to save human beings from their sin through the atoning death of Jesus Christ on the cross. When people accept by faith Christ's death as the payment for their personal sin(s), then they are assured eternal life." This is what most in the evangelical world (including us in the Churches of Christ) have called "the gospel." But this is the plan of salvation. The gospel is the announcement that God has become king in Jesus or, in other words, that Jesus is king (lord). He has become Lord because he defeated the real enemy - sin and death - through his own suffering and death and resurrection. Thanks.
I think it is very important when sharing the gospel to understand what it truly means to oneself. How we understand will indeed affect the way we share or if we share at all. Understanding that Jesus is King and recognizing what that means will determine if you feel like you're sharing out of obligation or if you genuinely love people and want them to know who their king is. If we are excited and passionate it is more apt to get others excited as well. As opposed to if we are sharing without emotion. The Gospel will tell of the life of Jesus and how he rose from the dead after his crucifixion and how he continues to reign. Salvation is what comes after the knowledge of Jesus and what He did for the world.
ReplyDeleteNicely said, Telah. There's a song that goes like this: "I said get all exited, go tell everybody that Jesus Christ is king. I said get all exited, go tell everybody that Jesus Christ is king. I said get all exited, go tell everybody that Jesus Christ is king. Jesus Christ is still the king of kings."
DeleteI agree, Telah, that understanding will determine our sharing. This understanding of the Gospel also needs to motivate us and drive us to live our belief in the Gospel out in ways that shout louder than words. It is easier to say that Jesus Christ is Lord than going out and getting involved in other people's lives. But when Jesus was here, everyone got excited because Jesus went somewhere and did something as a way to proclaim the Good News. This is a way we should live too.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOur understanding of the gospel’s etymology, context, specific content, message and what it is all about (creation, sin, solution, and restoration) will affect the scope of what we understand God’s kingdom to include: how we preach, practice justice, do spiritual formation, read Scriptures, interact with children, and have spiritual conversations with our friends and neighbors. By teaching salvation not only through the Priestly lens or story (unholy people becoming holy by brokering a sacrifice), but also teaching salvation through the Creation or Exodus or Exile stories to particular people it relates to, people will feel invited to join and will want to participate and to live in God’s story with Christ’s call to join Him as agents in His work of mediating peace in His good creation. (Reference: Keel, Tim. Reframing the Gospel.).
ReplyDeleteThe Gospel has such huge implications for us and what God is doing in the world. It's so much bigger and richer and meaningful than "managing our personal sin so that we get chance to go to heaven when we die." The Gospel invites us into God's new world, inaugurated through Jesus' life, death and resurrection. The gospel compels us tell the story to others. Thanks.
DeleteInitially, when I first heard that the Gospel is Jesus Christ is Lord, I was shocked. I think it was when I first started taking classes here. I got so confused because I had known that the plan of salvation (the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus) was the Gospel. But as everyone here had pointed out, this approach to the Gospel only provides a certain set of belief, a doctrine - but not a lifestyle. Many Christians go out and preach the message of heaven, fire, and brimstone to those who may not even have a slightest care about where they are going to end up after life. The Gospel that Jesus preaches is relevant to people in all generations because it addresses the here and now; the needs that He can fulfill; and the direction that He alone can guide.
ReplyDeleteThis actually reminded me of my attempt to reach out to a Thai girl. I was so on fire about sharing Jesus to her that whenever she hinted at something related to the afterlife or Buddhism, I took the opportunity to share the Gospel. But because of my ignorance, I abused her trust by condemning her father to hell because he didn't believe in Jesus. Thankfully, God with His grace, gave me another chance to get to know her as a friend and not as an enthusiast in converting people. I am not saying that I fully understand what the Gospel is; but the discipleship approach and the realization that the Lord still reigns over heaven and earth, over every heart in every nation help me to reach out to other people as friends, as sisters, as human beings. It prevents me from labeling people as "potential converts".
I, too, was shocked when I first heard that the Gospel was "Jesus is Lord - through his life, death and resurrection." I always thought that the gospel was focused on "sin management - you are a sinner and God is a holy God so you are destined for hell unless you repent and believe in Jesus' work on the cross. If you do, when you die you go to heaven." While that may not be totally wrong, it's not the Gospel as taught in the New Testament.
DeleteYou are not alone in "abusing" (your word) your friend's trust in sharing "the Gospel" (or plan of salvation). I've put many on guilt-trips (but guilt isn't a bad thing). I'm learning that proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus and what he achieved in his death/resurrection and his call for others to follow him is a more winsome approach. Thanks.
To David: Yes sir, what Jesus really achieved is worth getting excited about. I like your interpretation about the description of our future hope that “as a redeemed cosmos where we will experience whole relationship with God, others and the cosmos taking up our role as partners with him in having dominion over the redeemed creation. No more powers of darkness and death to bring chaos to our lives and to the world.” But as for me whether our place be in heaven or after the restored, or redeemed, or renewed, or burned creation, it doesn’t matter to me. I will be happy with wherever my Lord will put me. This after “Second Coming” life discussion is still vague to me. I will be much interested and more focus on telling the gospel that Jesus is Lord than to argue/debate with anyone about life after “end of the world.” And I will share the gospel in season and out of season with gusto because my Lord Jesus said so. I am His servant. Servant just obeys and never complains and makes excuses.
ReplyDelete