In reflecting on the ongoing theme of the gospel in
Philippians I have begun to use this phrase to articulate a vision for the
gospel:
We exist to promote the gospel of
Jesus Christ
as we manifest his truth and
character
in the church and in the world.
An even shorter and more memorable sequence is this:
The Gospel:
Love it!
Live it!
Share it!
Defend it!
What does it mean to “love the gospel?” Since the gospel message is centered in
the cross of Jesus Christ as the place of forgiveness of our sins, for us to
love the gospel is to continually be in wonder and awe at the grace of God
displayed in Jesus Christ. We are
a people who continually “glory (or, boast) in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3.3). Without the cross-work of Jesus and his
sacrifice for our sins we would be under the wrath of God and without
hope. Imagine, a life with no
hope—no future except darkness and wrath.
God’s kindness in Christ Jesus has saved his people from such a bleak
state of affairs. Those who are
looking to Jesus in faith know peace with God and adoption into his family
(Romans 5.1; Romans 8.15-17).
Nothing less than a transformation from death to life has happened in
the believer (Colossians 2.13-14).
When we begin to fathom what we have been saved from (death, sin, hopelessness) and what we have been saved to (life, peace with God, and hope) we
will desire to “rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3.1).
But what if I don’t
feel that kind of joy and love for the gospel? One antidote for the believer is to go back and reflect on
Jesus Christ. Consider his great
humiliation in going to the cross for you (Philippians 2.5-8). Consider that “though he was rich, yet
for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become
rich” (2 Corinthians 8.9).
Consider the sufferings of Jesus that bring us to God (1 Peter
3.18). Keep reflecting and
remembering the great love of God in Jesus until his love awakens your love!
The Gospel: Love it!
