Daily Prayer - What is the Gospel?

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.

 

So what is "the Gospel"?  I want to share with you a devotional I received this morning:

 

The sum and substance of the church's defined doctrine is the gospel itself, the good news of how our Creator has become our Redeemer through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Modern usage tends to shrink the gospel to a threefold declaration, often set forth as an ABC in evangelistic contexts:

 

•             All have sinned and now stand under God's judgment.

•             Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

•             Confess Christ as your Saviour and Lord.  Commit yourself to lifelong service to him. (Two C's for the price of one.)

 

Though this is certainly its [central application], the gospel says far more than that.  In the New Testament the gospel includes all that is contained in the Apostles' Creed: creation; the incarnation, dying, rising, reigning, and return of the Son; and the ministry of the Holy Spirit generating the holy universal church of forgiven sinners, who no longer fear condemnation but anticipate heaven's eternal joy.  The gospel is the full declaration of this gracious saving plan that God is fulfilling in and for his spoiled world, plus the full demonstration of the proper response: faith in Christ and repentance, good works, and love both Godward and manward, with gratitude and joyful hope.

 

     — J. I. Packer in Taking God Seriously

 

I love a good profession of faith, don't you?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

 

 

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

  creator of heaven and earth.

 

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,

  who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

  born of the Virgin Mary,

  suffered under Pontius Pilate,

  was crucified, died, and was buried;

  he descended into hell.

  On the third day he rose again;

  he ascended into heaven,

  he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

  and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

 

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

  the holy catholic Church,

  the communion of saints,

  the forgiveness of sins,

  the resurrection of the body,

 and the life everlasting. Amen.