What is the Gospel?

We can find great purpose in the question: “what is the gospel?” The Anabaptist tradition offers a healthy appreciation of many dimensions of the gospel: a gift of grace (Galatians 1:6-9, 2:11-21), a new way of being community (James 1:19-27), life in the Spirit (Romans 8:1-17), sharing the message of God’s goodness with others (Matthew 5:13-16; 2 Timothy 1:7-9; 1 Peter 3:15-16), creating a place of belonging for people of all ages (Acts 21:1-6; 1 Timothy 5:1-4), and serving others with our spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). Perhaps one of the greatest emphases of the tradition though has been on the connection between the gospel and discipleship.

Dallas Willard captures this connection beautifully in his book The Divine Conspiracy in which he writes: “Discipleship to Jesus [is] the very heart of the gospel. The really good news for humanity is that Jesus is now taking students in the master class of life. The eternal life that begins with confidence in Jesus is a life in his present kingdom, now on earth and available to all” (pg. xvii). Willard’s book is a wonderful response to the question “What is the Gospel? He reminds us to enter the eternal kind of life now, avoid gospels of sin management, escape the deceptions of reputation and wealth, and find a place in the community of prayerful love. His passion for discipleship resonates with the Anabaptist heritage and spirituality.

I recently presented a sermon series that is largely inspired by Willard’s book, The Divine Conspiracy. It provided a lens to look through in examining what it means to be a witness and follower of Jesus. Please consider reflecting on the question afresh: “What is the Gospel?” As you ask this question expect to hear many wonderful answers lived and spoken in God’s Word, through the Holy Spirit, and by your brothers and sisters in Christ. I know I experienced this during this series.