Gospel as Center: chapter 7

The question: "What is the Gospel?"

Short answer: 1 Timothy 1:15. Sinners miss God's holy standard, hurting our relationship with Him. BUT that's where Jesus comes in. Of note: "Sin has power in your life because you love it" (p. 130).

1. God provides what He requires:
1. His image (in Christ)
2. His holiness (of Christ - showing how and enabling to rightly live)
3. His justice (a perfect sacrifice)
4. Christ's righteousness (the "great exchange")
5. God's love (unconditional)
6. Covenant faithfulness (deliverance before obedience; Ephesians 2:8-9)
7. Faith in Christ (simply trust His power by admitting your lack thereof)
8. Rest in Christ - "simply relying on Christ's work" (p. 120).
2. God perfects what He provides:
1. Union with Christ (His death and resurrection)
2. Family bonds (always His child)
3. Eternal protection (Romans 8:28)
4. Personal power - "the Holy Spirit translates our prayers into perfect petitions for God's will to be done" (p. 128); 1 Corinthians 1:27
5. Spiritual growth (SIMPLE FAITH - by testing and transformation)
6. Spiritual security (birthed of yielding to Him; see 1 John 4:19 and Romans 12:1-3)
7. Eternal inheritance (new heaven and earth)
3. God uses what He perfects: Our purpose is
1. Individual - Christ's heart is our heart (Romans 6:4-11)
2. Corporate - proclaiming the Gospel as the church
3. Redemptive - He transforms all areas of our lives!