Episode 86: On What is the Gospel (with Greg Gilbert)
May 7, 2019
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Greg Gilbert, guest on the podcast, discusses the concept of the Gospel. Topics include assurance in the Christian faith, the significance of Peter's declaration of Jesus as Lord, the individual and corporate aspects of the Gospel, and the importance of repentance and belief in the Gospel.
Assurance of salvation can be found by looking at Jesus and His work, rather than constantly focusing on self-examination.
The gospel encompasses the broader scope of God's promises and the redemptive work of Jesus, including forgiveness of sins and the regeneration of sinners.
Deep dives
The Importance of Assurance of Salvation
One of the main ideas discussed in this podcast is the importance of having assurance of salvation. The speaker, Greg Gilbert, emphasizes that many Christians struggle with doubts and questions about their salvation, and it is a significant pastoral issue. He argues that assurance of salvation can be found by looking at Jesus and His work, rather than constantly focusing on self-examination. The speaker also highlights how his book "Assured" addresses this topic and provides biblical guidance for Christians seeking assurance of salvation.
Understanding the Gospel
Another key point discussed in the podcast is the clarification of what the gospel truly encompasses. The speaker, Gilbert, mentions that there are various definitions and misconceptions about the gospel. He stresses that the gospel is not just about individual salvation or the proclamation of the kingdom. Instead, the gospel includes the broader scope of God's promises and the redemptive work of Jesus, such as forgiveness of sins and the regeneration of sinners. Gilbert argues against reductionistic understandings of the gospel and highlights the need to convey the complete message of salvation.
Preserving the Edges of the Gospel
The speaker also addresses the tendency among pastors to soften the edges of the gospel in an effort to be winsome or attract more people. He acknowledges the good intentions behind this but warns against compromising the core message of the gospel. Gilbert emphasizes the need to preserve the edges of the gospel, which include concepts that may challenge the world's presuppositions and individualistic tendencies. He emphasizes that the gospel requires recognition of God's authority, our guilt as sinners, and the external solution of salvation through Jesus. He urges pastors to remain vigilant and not succumb to the temptation of diluting the gospel to make it more palatable.