What Is the Gospel? [The Everyday Pastor - Ep. 49]

If you're ready to go deeper in If you're ready to go deeper in theology, Southern Seminary's PhD theology, Southern Seminary's PhD theology, Southern Seminary's PhD programs were built for you with programs were built for you with programs were built for you with flexible formats from fully online to flexible formats from fully online to flexible formats from fully online to modular to in-person. Southern makes modular to in-person. Southern makes modular to in-person. Southern makes serious doctoral-level theological serious doctoral-level theological serious doctoral-level theological training accessible to the pastor called training accessible to the pastor called training accessible to the pastor called to bring the depth of God's word to to bring the depth of God's word to to bring the depth of God's word to God's people. Study with faculty God's people. Study with faculty God's people. Study with faculty committed to strengthening the church committed to strengthening the church committed to strengthening the church and bring that depth back to the people and bring that depth back to the people and bring that depth back to the people you lead. Visit sbts.edu/phd We're not merely offering good advice. We're not merely offering good advice. We're announcing good news. We're announcing good news. We're announcing good news. The this breaking headline from heaven's The this breaking headline from heaven's The this breaking headline from heaven's press room of what God has accomplished press room of what God has accomplished press room of what God has accomplished in Jesus Christ to reconcile rebels to in Jesus Christ to reconcile rebels to in Jesus Christ to reconcile rebels to himself. Welcome back, friends, to the everyday Welcome back, friends, to the everyday pastor, a podcast from the Gospel pastor, a podcast from the Gospel pastor, a podcast from the Gospel Coalition on the nuts and bolts of Coalition on the nuts and bolts of Coalition on the nuts and bolts of ministry. I'm Matt Smethurst.

ministry. I'm Matt Smethurst. ministry. I'm Matt Smethurst. >> And I'm Ligon Duncan. And we're going to >> And I'm Ligon Duncan. And we're going to >> And I'm Ligon Duncan. And we're going to be thinking about the most important be thinking about the most important be thinking about the most important thing we could think about, and that is thing we could think about, and that is thing we could think about, and that is the gospel. the gospel. the gospel. We, as a church here in Richmond, have a We, as a church here in Richmond, have a We, as a church here in Richmond, have a list of 10 priorities as a church that list of 10 priorities as a church that list of 10 priorities as a church that you know, just think vision, values. you know, just think vision, values. you know, just think vision, values. We've listed them on our website, and We've listed them on our website, and We've listed them on our website, and the very first one is clear gospel. And the very first one is clear gospel. And the very first one is clear gospel. And and we say that if this isn't the most and we say that if this isn't the most and we say that if this isn't the most important thing about our church, then important thing about our church, then important thing about our church, then we're wasting our time. Religion makes a we're wasting our time. Religion makes a we're wasting our time. Religion makes a really lame hobby. Mhm. We want to not really lame hobby. Mhm. We want to not really lame hobby. Mhm. We want to not just understand the gospel, but to just understand the gospel, but to just understand the gospel, but to treasure it, to champion it, to treasure it, to champion it, to treasure it, to champion it, to celebrate it weekend and week out. Now, celebrate it weekend and week out. Now, celebrate it weekend and week out. Now, the gospel has become a bit of a the gospel has become a bit of a the gospel has become a bit of a buzzword over the past 20 years, and buzzword over the past 20 years, and buzzword over the past 20 years, and before we lament that, let's just before we lament that, let's just before we lament that, let's just celebrate it in a sense that that the celebrate it in a sense that that the celebrate it in a sense that that the that gospel centrality became a thing, that gospel centrality became a thing, that gospel centrality became a thing, and I think has done all kinds of good and I think has done all kinds of good and I think has done all kinds of good in churches to the point where in churches to the point where in churches to the point where the gospel perhaps now sometimes is it the gospel perhaps now sometimes is it the gospel perhaps now sometimes is it in danger of being assumed. You know, in danger of being assumed. You know, in danger of being assumed. You know, it's been said that what is believed by it's been said that what is believed by it's been said that what is believed by one generation one generation one generation is assumed by the next generation, is is assumed by the next generation, is is assumed by the next generation, is denied by the third denied by the third denied by the third or lost by the third. And and and all or lost by the third. And and and all or lost by the third. And and and all the problems begin when you assume the the problems begin when you assume the the problems begin when you assume the most important thing.

most important thing. most important thing. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> So, let's think about what the gospel is >> So, let's think about what the gospel is >> So, let's think about what the gospel is and talk about it in a way that we would and talk about it in a way that we would and talk about it in a way that we would commend pastors to to talk about it commend pastors to to talk about it commend pastors to to talk about it among their people, and then we'll talk among their people, and then we'll talk among their people, and then we'll talk about what it means to truly be about what it means to truly be about what it means to truly be gospel-driven. gospel-driven. gospel-driven. >> Yeah, we were we were talking even >> Yeah, we were we were talking even >> Yeah, we were we were talking even before we started this conversation before we started this conversation before we started this conversation about a friend who had said, "I really about a friend who had said, "I really about a friend who had said, "I really think we need help in defining exactly think we need help in defining exactly think we need help in defining exactly what we mean by the gospel and then what we mean by the gospel and then what we mean by the gospel and then thinking about what it means to proclaim thinking about what it means to proclaim thinking about what it means to proclaim the gospel, not just to use the word the gospel, not just to use the word the gospel, not just to use the word gospel." gospel." gospel." But and so I'm I'm thinking of this But and so I'm I'm thinking of this But and so I'm I'm thinking of this conversation in both those categories, conversation in both those categories, conversation in both those categories, and I think one reason why you can find and I think one reason why you can find and I think one reason why you can find some confusion in evangelicalism some confusion in evangelicalism some confusion in evangelicalism on what the gospel is is because on what the gospel is is because on what the gospel is is because there've been a lot of people trying to there've been a lot of people trying to there've been a lot of people trying to correct what they see as an overly correct what they see as an overly correct what they see as an overly soteriological gospel in different soteriological gospel in different soteriological gospel in different directions. So, our mutual friend Greg directions. So, our mutual friend Greg directions. So, our mutual friend Greg Gilbert wrote a little book called What Gilbert wrote a little book called What Gilbert wrote a little book called What Is the Gospel, and in the beginning of Is the Gospel, and in the beginning of Is the Gospel, and in the beginning of the book, he sort of lists a series of the book, he sort of lists a series of the book, he sort of lists a series of statements that he has heard made statements that he has heard made statements that he has heard made that that purport to define what the that that purport to define what the that that purport to define what the gospel is. And I'm not going to go gospel is. And I'm not going to go gospel is. And I'm not going to go through all of them, but I'd like to do through all of them, but I'd like to do through all of them, but I'd like to do three of them just give you an idea of three of them just give you an idea of three of them just give you an idea of how people will posture this. Here's how people will posture this. Here's how people will posture this. Here's Here's one. The good news is Here's one. The good news is Here's one. The good news is God wants to show you his incredible God wants to show you his incredible God wants to show you his incredible favor.

favor. favor. He wants to fill your life with new He wants to fill your life with new He wants to fill your life with new wine. But are you willing to get rid of wine. But are you willing to get rid of wine. But are you willing to get rid of your old wineskins? your old wineskins? your old wineskins? Will you start thinking bigger? Will you Will you start thinking bigger? Will you Will you start thinking bigger? Will you enlarge your vision and get rid of those enlarge your vision and get rid of those enlarge your vision and get rid of those old negative mindsets that hold you old negative mindsets that hold you old negative mindsets that hold you back? And the the psychological back? And the the psychological back? And the the psychological kind of language there, the subjective kind of language there, the subjective kind of language there, the subjective and emotional you can almost feel the and emotional you can almost feel the and emotional you can almost feel the sort of that's a little it's sort of sort of that's a little it's sort of sort of that's a little it's sort of health and wealth gospel light health and wealth gospel light health and wealth gospel light in in the very formulation of that, and in in the very formulation of that, and in in the very formulation of that, and you can hear that in a lot of churches you can hear that in a lot of churches you can hear that in a lot of churches that think of themselves as that think of themselves as that think of themselves as self-consciously self-consciously self-consciously evangelical. They're they're therapeutic evangelical. They're they're therapeutic evangelical. They're they're therapeutic maybe in the way that they present the maybe in the way that they present the maybe in the way that they present the gospel. So, there's one example gospel. So, there's one example gospel. So, there's one example that he gives, and then he gives this that he gives, and then he gives this that he gives, and then he gives this example. example. example. Here's the gospel in a phrase. Here's the gospel in a phrase. Here's the gospel in a phrase. Because Christ died for us, Because Christ died for us, Because Christ died for us, those who trust in him may know that those who trust in him may know that those who trust in him may know that their guilt has been pardoned once and their guilt has been pardoned once and their guilt has been pardoned once and for all.

for all. for all. What will we have to say before the bar What will we have to say before the bar What will we have to say before the bar of God's judgment? Only one thing. of God's judgment? Only one thing. of God's judgment? Only one thing. Christ died in my place. That's the Christ died in my place. That's the Christ died in my place. That's the gospel. And when I hear that definition, gospel. And when I hear that definition, gospel. And when I hear that definition, I think of Alister Begg's sermon The Man I think of Alister Begg's sermon The Man I think of Alister Begg's sermon The Man on the middle cross, just a tremendous on the middle cross, just a tremendous on the middle cross, just a tremendous exposition of exposition of exposition of >> Which has been made into an evangelistic >> Which has been made into an evangelistic >> Which has been made into an evangelistic booklet. booklet. booklet. >> congregation gave out at the Christmas >> congregation gave out at the Christmas >> congregation gave out at the Christmas services this year. Yeah. We gave it services this year. Yeah. We gave it services this year. Yeah. We gave it every visitor. We said, "Please take every visitor. We said, "Please take every visitor. We said, "Please take away a copy of The Man on the Middle away a copy of The Man on the Middle away a copy of The Man on the Middle Cross." Cross." Cross." >> That's published by 10 of Those, and I >> That's published by 10 of Those, and I >> That's published by 10 of Those, and I wasn't planning to say this. They're not wasn't planning to say this. They're not wasn't planning to say this. They're not asking me to say it, but if you're not asking me to say it, but if you're not asking me to say it, but if you're not familiar with 10 of Those, familiar with 10 of Those, familiar with 10 of Those, look up their website. They're a look up their website. They're a look up their website. They're a wonderful Christian publisher. You can wonderful Christian publisher. You can wonderful Christian publisher. You can get lots of great Christian books for get lots of great Christian books for get lots of great Christian books for great prices great prices great prices at 10 of those.com. So, you're and if if at 10 of those.com. So, you're and if if at 10 of those.com. So, you're and if if you're at if you're a church, my church, you're at if you're a church, my church, you're at if you're a church, my church, churches in sort of the orbit of the churches in sort of the orbit of the churches in sort of the orbit of the Gospel Coalition, you're more likely to Gospel Coalition, you're more likely to Gospel Coalition, you're more likely to hear a summarization like that. Now, hear a summarization like that. Now, hear a summarization like that. Now, here's a third one. And again, I'm not here's a third one. And again, I'm not here's a third one. And again, I'm not giving all of the ones that Greg offers, giving all of the ones that Greg offers, giving all of the ones that Greg offers, but I think it's interesting. He says but I think it's interesting. He says but I think it's interesting. He says this. Here's another way I've heard it this. Here's another way I've heard it this. Here's another way I've heard it formulated.

formulated. formulated. The gospel itself refers to the The gospel itself refers to the The gospel itself refers to the proclamation that Jesus, the crucified proclamation that Jesus, the crucified proclamation that Jesus, the crucified and risen Messiah, and risen Messiah, and risen Messiah, is the one true and only Lord of the is the one true and only Lord of the is the one true and only Lord of the world. world. world. Now, there that's a lot there are a lot Now, there that's a lot there are a lot Now, there that's a lot there are a lot of true things in that, but that that of true things in that, but that that of true things in that, but that that can that can say you can hear some can that can say you can hear some can that can say you can hear some people sort of saying the gospel is people sort of saying the gospel is people sort of saying the gospel is about Jesus' kingship or lordship. It's about Jesus' kingship or lordship. It's about Jesus' kingship or lordship. It's not about soteriology. I think that's a not about soteriology. I think that's a not about soteriology. I think that's a false juxtaposition, and it ends up false juxtaposition, and it ends up false juxtaposition, and it ends up being very very unhelpful. But you do being very very unhelpful. But you do being very very unhelpful. But you do get this sort of the gospel is about get this sort of the gospel is about get this sort of the gospel is about kingship or it's about lordship. It's kingship or it's about lordship. It's kingship or it's about lordship. It's not about salvation from sin. And I I not about salvation from sin. And I I not about salvation from sin. And I I think that's confused a lot of folks in think that's confused a lot of folks in think that's confused a lot of folks in the evangelical world. You know, you the evangelical world. You know, you the evangelical world. You know, you have people talk about a soteriological have people talk about a soteriological have people talk about a soteriological gospel, and you hear boo when they say gospel, and you hear boo when they say gospel, and you hear boo when they say that. And then a King Jesus gospel, and that. And then a King Jesus gospel, and that. And then a King Jesus gospel, and that's yay. That's a that's a good that's yay. That's a that's a good that's yay. That's a that's a good presentation. So, that's confused, I presentation. So, that's confused, I presentation. So, that's confused, I think, a lot of people about what do we think, a lot of people about what do we think, a lot of people about what do we mean about the proclamation of the mean about the proclamation of the mean about the proclamation of the gospel. So, Matt, when when you're gospel. So, Matt, when when you're gospel. So, Matt, when when you're trying to help people think clearly and trying to help people think clearly and trying to help people think clearly and biblically and succinctly about the biblically and succinctly about the biblically and succinctly about the formulation formulation formulation of what the Bible calls the gospel, of what the Bible calls the gospel, of what the Bible calls the gospel, where are some of the places that you where are some of the places that you where are some of the places that you go? I've got a place that I'm wanting to go? I've got a place that I'm wanting to go? I've got a place that I'm wanting to think, but I want to know where are some think, but I want to know where are some think, but I want to know where are some of the places you go to help people of the places you go to help people of the places you go to help people think clearly and biblically about this.

think clearly and biblically about this. think clearly and biblically about this. Well, first I'm I'm I'm going to read 1 Well, first I'm I'm I'm going to read 1 Well, first I'm I'm I'm going to read 1 Corinthians 15 in just a moment, Corinthians 15 in just a moment, Corinthians 15 in just a moment, but what strikes me about that first but what strikes me about that first but what strikes me about that first definition you read definition you read definition you read is I thought is I thought is I thought there's some good advice there, there's some good advice there, there's some good advice there, but I didn't hear any good news. And and but I didn't hear any good news. And and but I didn't hear any good news. And and that's the fundamental distinction that's the fundamental distinction that's the fundamental distinction between Christianity and every other between Christianity and every other between Christianity and every other philosophy, religion, and worldview on philosophy, religion, and worldview on philosophy, religion, and worldview on the market is we're not merely offering the market is we're not merely offering the market is we're not merely offering good advice. We're announcing good news. good advice. We're announcing good news. good advice. We're announcing good news. >> Yeah. The this breaking headline from >> Yeah. The this breaking headline from >> Yeah. The this breaking headline from heaven's press room of what God has heaven's press room of what God has heaven's press room of what God has accomplished in Jesus Christ to accomplished in Jesus Christ to accomplished in Jesus Christ to reconcile rebels to himself. reconcile rebels to himself. reconcile rebels to himself. >> Amen. And in 1 Corinthians, go ahead. >> Amen. And in 1 Corinthians, go ahead. >> Amen. And in 1 Corinthians, go ahead. >> No, yeah, I want to I want you to go >> No, yeah, I want to I want you to go >> No, yeah, I want to I want you to go ahead. In 1 Corinthians 15, ahead. In 1 Corinthians 15, ahead. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul writes verse 3, "For I passed on to Paul writes verse 3, "For I passed on to Paul writes verse 3, "For I passed on to you as most important what I also you as most important what I also you as most important what I also received." Now, this means that he's received." Now, this means that he's received." Now, this means that he's drawing from earlier teaching that was drawing from earlier teaching that was drawing from earlier teaching that was circulating around. Some think it was an circulating around. Some think it was an circulating around. Some think it was an early creed or hymn. And here's what it early creed or hymn. And here's what it early creed or hymn. And here's what it is.

is. is. That Christ died for our sins according That Christ died for our sins according That Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that he was buried, to the scriptures, that he was buried, to the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day that he was raised on the third day that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures, and then according to the scriptures, and then according to the scriptures, and then the appearances. So, just as the the the appearances. So, just as the the the appearances. So, just as the the burial verified that he really died, so burial verified that he really died, so burial verified that he really died, so the appearances verified that he really the appearances verified that he really the appearances verified that he really rose. rose. rose. But notice it's he died, not just the But notice it's he died, not just the But notice it's he died, not just the historical fact, but also the historical fact, but also the historical fact, but also the significance. Paul says he died for our significance. Paul says he died for our significance. Paul says he died for our sins, and that's the problem with the sins, and that's the problem with the sins, and that's the problem with the third gospel definition you gave. third gospel definition you gave. third gospel definition you gave. My response to that would be My response to that would be My response to that would be amen. amen. amen. That's news, Yeah. but it's not That's news, Yeah. but it's not That's news, Yeah. but it's not necessarily good news. necessarily good news. necessarily good news. >> could be bad news. Yeah. >> could be bad news. Yeah. >> could be bad news. Yeah. >> The the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ >> The the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ >> The the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ has been enthroned as king has been enthroned as king has been enthroned as king over all, If I am a rebel against him, over all, If I am a rebel against him, over all, If I am a rebel against him, that is really bad news for me. that is really bad news for me. that is really bad news for me. >> for enemies of his kingdom. Yeah. Yeah. >> for enemies of his kingdom. Yeah. Yeah. >> for enemies of his kingdom. Yeah. Yeah. So, so the gospel is the good news of So, so the gospel is the good news of So, so the gospel is the good news of how you can be made right with that God, how you can be made right with that God, how you can be made right with that God, how you can be adopted into his family, how you can be adopted into his family, how you can be adopted into his family, forgiven of your sins, given the hope of forgiven of your sins, given the hope of forgiven of your sins, given the hope of everlasting life.

everlasting life. everlasting life. >> Amen. I'm I'm glad I had I I was open to >> Amen. I'm I'm glad I had I I was open to >> Amen. I'm I'm glad I had I I was open to 1 Corinthians 15 as well. Let me amen 1 Corinthians 15 as well. Let me amen 1 Corinthians 15 as well. Let me amen Charlie you and point out two other Charlie you and point out two other Charlie you and point out two other things. When Paul says, "For I things. When Paul says, "For I things. When Paul says, "For I received," he's letting you know, "I received," he's letting you know, "I received," he's letting you know, "I didn't make this up. I'm not the author didn't make this up. I'm not the author didn't make this up. I'm not the author of the gospel. The gospel was something of the gospel. The gospel was something of the gospel. The gospel was something that was given to me. I'm not a talker." that was given to me. I'm not a talker." that was given to me. I'm not a talker." >> same thing in Galatians 1. >> same thing in Galatians 1. >> same thing in Galatians 1. >> and he does the same thing in Romans 4 >> and he does the same thing in Romans 4 >> and he does the same thing in Romans 4 when he's talking about justification. when he's talking about justification. when he's talking about justification. He just says, "Hey, by the way, I didn't He just says, "Hey, by the way, I didn't He just says, "Hey, by the way, I didn't come up with justification by faith. come up with justification by faith. come up with justification by faith. Moses did." And he does it in the story Moses did." And he does it in the story Moses did." And he does it in the story of Abraham in Genesis 15. So, Paul is of Abraham in Genesis 15. So, Paul is of Abraham in Genesis 15. So, Paul is always letting you know, contrary to our always letting you know, contrary to our always letting you know, contrary to our liberal friends from the 19th century in liberal friends from the 19th century in liberal friends from the 19th century in Germany, Paul did not invent Germany, Paul did not invent Germany, Paul did not invent Christianity. He received a message that Christianity. He received a message that Christianity. He received a message that came directly from Christ. He's passing came directly from Christ. He's passing came directly from Christ. He's passing on what he's heard. So, he does this on what he's heard. So, he does this on what he's heard. So, he does this with justification. He does this in with justification. He does this in with justification. He does this in Galatians. He does this with the gospel. Galatians. He does this with the gospel. Galatians. He does this with the gospel. So, amen to what you say there. And So, amen to what you say there. And So, amen to what you say there. And then, notice that he specifically then, notice that he specifically then, notice that he specifically puts it in a soteriological context. And puts it in a soteriological context. And puts it in a soteriological context. And you've already mentioned this, that you've already mentioned this, that you've already mentioned this, that Christ died for our sins according to Christ died for our sins according to Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. And he was buried, and the scriptures. And he was buried, and the scriptures. And he was buried, and he was raised on the third day according he was raised on the third day according he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures. So, there he does to the scriptures. So, there he does to the scriptures. So, there he does something that Jesus does in Luke 24, something that Jesus does in Luke 24, something that Jesus does in Luke 24, which is you can't understand me unless which is you can't understand me unless which is you can't understand me unless you understand that I am the fulfillment you understand that I am the fulfillment you understand that I am the fulfillment of what the Old Testament teaches about of what the Old Testament teaches about of what the Old Testament teaches about the Messiah. That is, that the Messiah the Messiah. That is, that the Messiah the Messiah. That is, that the Messiah has to be humiliated because of the sins has to be humiliated because of the sins has to be humiliated because of the sins of his people. And he has to be exalted

of his people. And he has to be exalted of his people. And he has to be exalted in the resurrection for victory over sin in the resurrection for victory over sin in the resurrection for victory over sin and death and hell on their behalf. And and death and hell on their behalf. And and death and hell on their behalf. And here, there's Paul just laying it out. here, there's Paul just laying it out. here, there's Paul just laying it out. So, it's it's something that's So, it's it's something that's So, it's it's something that's objective. We haven't contributed objective. We haven't contributed objective. We haven't contributed anything to it. anything to it. anything to it. We're we're the beneficiaries of it. And We're we're the beneficiaries of it. And We're we're the beneficiaries of it. And that's why it's good news. And I I know that's why it's good news. And I I know that's why it's good news. And I I know you know Tim Keller's wonderful story you know Tim Keller's wonderful story you know Tim Keller's wonderful story that he tells about this. When he when that he tells about this. When he when that he tells about this. When he when he tells the difference between good he tells the difference between good he tells the difference between good news and good advice, he says, "It's news and good advice, he says, "It's news and good advice, he says, "It's like a city is being attacked, and the like a city is being attacked, and the like a city is being attacked, and the king marches out of the city to defend king marches out of the city to defend king marches out of the city to defend the city. Now, if he loses the battle, the city. Now, if he loses the battle, the city. Now, if he loses the battle, he might send a messenger back to the he might send a messenger back to the he might send a messenger back to the city with some good advice. And the good city with some good advice. And the good city with some good advice. And the good advice is, "Head for the hills. The king advice is, "Head for the hills. The king advice is, "Head for the hills. The king has lost the battle. The enemies are has lost the battle. The enemies are has lost the battle. The enemies are coming. Run for your lives." That's good coming. Run for your lives." That's good coming. Run for your lives." That's good advice. But he says, "The good news is, advice. But he says, "The good news is, advice. But he says, "The good news is, when the king wins the battle, he sends when the king wins the battle, he sends when the king wins the battle, he sends a herald back to the city, not to tell a herald back to the city, not to tell a herald back to the city, not to tell them what to do, but that the battle has them what to do, but that the battle has them what to do, but that the battle has been won by the king. Good news. It's an been won by the king. Good news. It's an been won by the king. Good news. It's an announcement not of something that announcement not of something that announcement not of something that they've done or that they should do, but they've done or that they should do, but they've done or that they should do, but it's something that the king has done.

it's something that the king has done. it's something that the king has done. And so, that objective work of Christ And so, that objective work of Christ And so, that objective work of Christ that we saw Yes, he is the king, but that we saw Yes, he is the king, but that we saw Yes, he is the king, but he's he is the king first of all in he's he is the king first of all in he's he is the king first of all in fulfillment of the promises of God to to fulfillment of the promises of God to to fulfillment of the promises of God to to David. So, anybody that talks about a David. So, anybody that talks about a David. So, anybody that talks about a gospel of Jesus kingship or lordship gospel of Jesus kingship or lordship gospel of Jesus kingship or lordship apart from the Davidic prophecies of the apart from the Davidic prophecies of the apart from the Davidic prophecies of the Old Testament is just wresting that idea Old Testament is just wresting that idea Old Testament is just wresting that idea out of its biblical theological out of its biblical theological out of its biblical theological framework. And why Why do we need a king framework. And why Why do we need a king framework. And why Why do we need a king who is a son of David who's going to who is a son of David who's going to who is a son of David who's going to build the temple? Because over and over build the temple? Because over and over build the temple? Because over and over in the history, the kings failed. They in the history, the kings failed. They in the history, the kings failed. They failed. They failed. They failed. They failed. They failed. They failed. They failed. They failed. They failed. They failed. We We We finally need a king failed. We We We finally need a king failed. We We We finally need a king that does not fail who perfectly that does not fail who perfectly that does not fail who perfectly represents what God intends for the rule represents what God intends for the rule represents what God intends for the rule over his people, who obeys the law over his people, who obeys the law over his people, who obeys the law perfectly. And perfectly. And perfectly. And that's what we have in the savior who that's what we have in the savior who that's what we have in the savior who dies in our place even though he's dies in our place even though he's dies in our place even though he's obeyed the law. So, obeyed the law. So, obeyed the law. So, when I I know that you have you've sort when I I know that you have you've sort when I I know that you have you've sort of roughed out a four-point outline that of roughed out a four-point outline that of roughed out a four-point outline that you often use in sharing the gospel.

you often use in sharing the gospel. you often use in sharing the gospel. Give me Give me Give me Give me Give me Give me Give me a statement, you know, if if Give me a statement, you know, if if Give me a statement, you know, if if Greg were were listing your statement Greg were were listing your statement Greg were were listing your statement uh in his list of things that he's heard uh in his list of things that he's heard uh in his list of things that he's heard given his definitions of the gospel, how given his definitions of the gospel, how given his definitions of the gospel, how would you do it, Matt? And then, sort of would you do it, Matt? And then, sort of would you do it, Matt? And then, sort of work it out in that four-point outline. work it out in that four-point outline. work it out in that four-point outline. Yeah, well, it'd be along the lines of Yeah, well, it'd be along the lines of Yeah, well, it'd be along the lines of what I said earlier. The gospel is the what I said earlier. The gospel is the what I said earlier. The gospel is the the breaking news headline, the good the breaking news headline, the good the breaking news headline, the good news of what God has achieved news of what God has achieved news of what God has achieved >> Yeah. in the person of Jesus Christ >> Yeah. in the person of Jesus Christ >> Yeah. in the person of Jesus Christ through his life, death, resurrection in through his life, death, resurrection in through his life, death, resurrection in order to reconcile rebels like us to order to reconcile rebels like us to order to reconcile rebels like us to himself. himself. himself. >> That's good. Um and and the way that I >> That's good. Um and and the way that I >> That's good. Um and and the way that I try to help my people think about that try to help my people think about that try to help my people think about that is in kind of four chapters. And um I is in kind of four chapters. And um I is in kind of four chapters. And um I I've I've written this out in chapter I've I've written this out in chapter I've I've written this out in chapter one of my book, Before You Share Your one of my book, Before You Share Your one of my book, Before You Share Your Faith, because before we can talk about Faith, because before we can talk about Faith, because before we can talk about evangelism, we have to make sure we're evangelism, we have to make sure we're evangelism, we have to make sure we're clear on the evangel, the the good news. clear on the evangel, the the good news. clear on the evangel, the the good news. So, chapter one is just simply titled So, chapter one is just simply titled So, chapter one is just simply titled Grasp the Gospel. And I talk about about Grasp the Gospel. And I talk about about Grasp the Gospel. And I talk about about it in terms of the ruler, it in terms of the ruler, it in terms of the ruler, the revolt, the revolt, the revolt, the rescue, the rescue, the rescue, your response.

your response. your response. Uh and I love to not just monologue Uh and I love to not just monologue Uh and I love to not just monologue here. I loved it to kind of hear you um here. I loved it to kind of hear you um here. I loved it to kind of hear you um think with me about about each of these think with me about about each of these think with me about about each of these things. So, first of all, the ruler. Um things. So, first of all, the ruler. Um things. So, first of all, the ruler. Um this is obviously referring to God. And this is obviously referring to God. And this is obviously referring to God. And I think as pastors, we have to be aware I think as pastors, we have to be aware I think as pastors, we have to be aware of the fact that increasingly in a of the fact that increasingly in a of the fact that increasingly in a biblically illiterate, post-Christian biblically illiterate, post-Christian biblically illiterate, post-Christian people have all kinds of misconceptions people have all kinds of misconceptions people have all kinds of misconceptions about who God is. Some might think of about who God is. Some might think of about who God is. Some might think of God as kind of just a Santa in the sky. God as kind of just a Santa in the sky. God as kind of just a Santa in the sky. Um some might, because of painful life Um some might, because of painful life Um some might, because of painful life circumstances, think of him as a bit of circumstances, think of him as a bit of circumstances, think of him as a bit of a absentee father, kind of a deadbeat a absentee father, kind of a deadbeat a absentee father, kind of a deadbeat dad. Others might think of God as just dad. Others might think of God as just dad. Others might think of God as just kind of a drill sergeant. Um but what kind of a drill sergeant. Um but what kind of a drill sergeant. Um but what the Bible presents is that God is the Bible presents is that God is the Bible presents is that God is actually a community of persons. Um actually a community of persons. Um actually a community of persons. Um the the the Trinity who have always the the the Trinity who have always the the the Trinity who have always existed in living, loving relationships existed in living, loving relationships existed in living, loving relationships forever. forever. forever. And it's out of the overflow of their And it's out of the overflow of their And it's out of the overflow of their joy that they created the world, not joy that they created the world, not joy that they created the world, not because there was something lacking because there was something lacking because there was something lacking within God, but because there there was within God, but because there there was within God, but because there there was such a fountain of love that he wanted such a fountain of love that he wanted such a fountain of love that he wanted to overflow for our good. So, I think we to overflow for our good. So, I think we to overflow for our good. So, I think we start there. I I want to admit that some start there. I I want to admit that some start there. I I want to admit that some critiques of the so-called, as you said, critiques of the so-called, as you said, critiques of the so-called, as you said, sotirian gospel, Yeah. something I think sotirian gospel, Yeah. something I think sotirian gospel, Yeah. something I think they're right about is we can sometimes they're right about is we can sometimes they're right about is we can sometimes speak as if speak as if speak as if the Bible starts in Genesis 3.

the Bible starts in Genesis 3. the Bible starts in Genesis 3. We can start with sin. Right. When No, We can start with sin. Right. When No, We can start with sin. Right. When No, actually, the Bible starts with a good actually, the Bible starts with a good actually, the Bible starts with a good and holy God and human beings in a and holy God and human beings in a and holy God and human beings in a perfect relationship with him in Genesis perfect relationship with him in Genesis perfect relationship with him in Genesis 1 and 2. Yeah. Um so, that's 1 and 2. Yeah. Um so, that's 1 and 2. Yeah. Um so, that's establishing who God is. What else would establishing who God is. What else would establishing who God is. What else would you add in terms of helping people you add in terms of helping people you add in terms of helping people understand who God is? No, I like that. understand who God is? No, I like that. understand who God is? No, I like that. I like that. And I when I I tried to I like that. And I when I I tried to I like that. And I when I I tried to develop a teaching outline that would develop a teaching outline that would develop a teaching outline that would have a little mnemonic to it to help have a little mnemonic to it to help have a little mnemonic to it to help people remember some of these factors people remember some of these factors people remember some of these factors when they're talking with folks about when they're talking with folks about when they're talking with folks about the gospel. And the way I I started with the gospel. And the way I I started with the gospel. And the way I I started with God our maker to try and include the God our maker to try and include the God our maker to try and include the things that you just emphasized. Because things that you just emphasized. Because things that you just emphasized. Because God created a world that was intended God created a world that was intended God created a world that was intended for his glory A theater for his glory. for his glory A theater for his glory. for his glory A theater for his glory. >> enjoyment of him. And and Satan's >> enjoyment of him. And and Satan's >> enjoyment of him. And and Satan's assault upon our first parents was assault upon our first parents was assault upon our first parents was designed to thwart that, defeat that, designed to thwart that, defeat that, designed to thwart that, defeat that, disrupt that. And what you see from the disrupt that. And what you see from the disrupt that. And what you see from the beginning in Genesis 3 is God saying, beginning in Genesis 3 is God saying, beginning in Genesis 3 is God saying, "I'm not going to be defeated. My "I'm not going to be defeated. My "I'm not going to be defeated. My purposes are not going to be thwarted, purposes are not going to be thwarted, purposes are not going to be thwarted, and I'm going to engage in the and I'm going to engage in the and I'm going to engage in the redemptive work that is necessary to redemptive work that is necessary to redemptive work that is necessary to bring about the enjoyment of the peoples bring about the enjoyment of the peoples bring about the enjoyment of the peoples of the world in the glory and goodness of the world in the glory and goodness of the world in the glory and goodness of God." And so, I do think it's good to of God." And so, I do think it's good to of God." And so, I do think it's good to start with the creation and to start with the creation and to start with the creation and to understand, as you said, that the understand, as you said, that the understand, as you said, that the creation itself is an overflow of God's creation itself is an overflow of God's creation itself is an overflow of God's goodness. God didn't have to create.

goodness. God didn't have to create. goodness. God didn't have to create. That's I think that's one of the things, That's I think that's one of the things, That's I think that's one of the things, by the way, where a Christian doctrine by the way, where a Christian doctrine by the way, where a Christian doctrine of God is superior to a Muslim doctrine of God is superior to a Muslim doctrine of God is superior to a Muslim doctrine of God because a Muslim doctrine of God of God because a Muslim doctrine of God of God because a Muslim doctrine of God can't explain can't explain can't explain the relationship between God and the the relationship between God and the the relationship between God and the creation. The Christian doctrine of God creation. The Christian doctrine of God creation. The Christian doctrine of God can because of the Trinity. God doesn't can because of the Trinity. God doesn't can because of the Trinity. God doesn't need the creation in order to express need the creation in order to express need the creation in order to express his character because he already lives his character because he already lives his character because he already lives in an internal fellowship in which that in an internal fellowship in which that in an internal fellowship in which that character is expressed. character is expressed. character is expressed. >> Well, exactly. So, so if you're if >> Well, exactly. So, so if you're if >> Well, exactly. So, so if you're if you're talking to an unbeliever, a you're talking to an unbeliever, a you're talking to an unbeliever, a Muslim friend, or someone else, you you Muslim friend, or someone else, you you Muslim friend, or someone else, you you can just say, can just say, can just say, "Don't you want love to be at the heart "Don't you want love to be at the heart "Don't you want love to be at the heart of all things, the heart of reality? of all things, the heart of reality? of all things, the heart of reality? Don't you realize that that's only Don't you realize that that's only Don't you realize that that's only possible with a God who is Trinity? possible with a God who is Trinity? possible with a God who is Trinity? Because Because Because if God has not been in a set of living, if God has not been in a set of living, if God has not been in a set of living, loving relationships for all of loving relationships for all of loving relationships for all of eternity, that means that love is not eternity, that means that love is not eternity, that means that love is not intrinsic to who he is. intrinsic to who he is. intrinsic to who he is. >> Right. He only started loving after he >> Right. He only started loving after he >> Right. He only started loving after he created the first person to love. So, created the first person to love. So, created the first person to love. So, according to to the Muslim worldview, according to to the Muslim worldview, according to to the Muslim worldview, power may be at the heart of all things, power may be at the heart of all things, power may be at the heart of all things, but not love.

but not love. but not love. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. So, that's I do think you're that's the So, that's I do think you're that's the So, that's I do think you're that's the right place to start, and it frames the right place to start, and it frames the right place to start, and it frames the discussion. And so, I I would start with discussion. And so, I I would start with discussion. And so, I I would start with God our maker, and then what I do in my God our maker, and then what I do in my God our maker, and then what I do in my outline is move to sin our failure. Mhm. outline is move to sin our failure. Mhm. outline is move to sin our failure. Mhm. And and and so, that sin disrupted our And and and so, that sin disrupted our And and and so, that sin disrupted our fellowship with God. fellowship with God. fellowship with God. Uh that sin was an act of rebellion Uh that sin was an act of rebellion Uh that sin was an act of rebellion against him, a rejection of his against him, a rejection of his against him, a rejection of his lordship, an expression of pride, of lordship, an expression of pride, of lordship, an expression of pride, of idolatry, idolatry, idolatry, of a lack of faith in him, a breaking of of a lack of faith in him, a breaking of of a lack of faith in him, a breaking of his law. There are lots of ways that you his law. There are lots of ways that you his law. There are lots of ways that you can describe what that sin was towards can describe what that sin was towards can describe what that sin was towards him so that we recognize this is not a him so that we recognize this is not a him so that we recognize this is not a petty little thing. You know, people petty little thing. You know, people petty little thing. You know, people will Oh, Eve took a piece of fruit. But will Oh, Eve took a piece of fruit. But will Oh, Eve took a piece of fruit. But why is God so petty to be upset about a why is God so petty to be upset about a why is God so petty to be upset about a piece of fruit? Well, it's it's about piece of fruit? Well, it's it's about piece of fruit? Well, it's it's about the rejection the rejection the rejection of the one who made you and gave you of the one who made you and gave you of the one who made you and gave you everything you are. It's a it's it's a everything you are. It's a it's it's a everything you are. It's a it's it's a little It's a The The Old Testament says little It's a The The Old Testament says little It's a The The Old Testament says it's a spiritual version of adultery.

it's a spiritual version of adultery. it's a spiritual version of adultery. You know, here's here's your your You know, here's here's your your You know, here's here's your your husband, and that language is used for husband, and that language is used for husband, and that language is used for God and his people in Exodus 19, and God and his people in Exodus 19, and God and his people in Exodus 19, and it's hinted at in Genesis chapter 2. And it's hinted at in Genesis chapter 2. And it's hinted at in Genesis chapter 2. And you've not acknowledged that your you've not acknowledged that your you've not acknowledged that your husband has given you everything that husband has given you everything that husband has given you everything that you have. You've You've You've gone off you have. You've You've You've gone off you have. You've You've You've gone off with someone else who said, "Don't trust with someone else who said, "Don't trust with someone else who said, "Don't trust your husband. Don't listen to your your husband. Don't listen to your your husband. Don't listen to your husband." So, it's an act The Old husband." So, it's an act The Old husband." So, it's an act The Old Testament will play it out as spiritual Testament will play it out as spiritual Testament will play it out as spiritual adultery. And so, it's a big deal. And adultery. And so, it's a big deal. And adultery. And so, it's a big deal. And to help people understand that that to help people understand that that to help people understand that that that's that's where we all are. We're that's that's where we all are. We're that's that's where we all are. We're We're all in that kind of Paul will use We're all in that kind of Paul will use We're all in that kind of Paul will use really strong language. We're dead in really strong language. We're dead in really strong language. We're dead in trespasses and sins. So, the the trespasses and sins. So, the the trespasses and sins. So, the the language that he'll use of where we are language that he'll use of where we are language that he'll use of where we are is not of us doing Oh, we've broken some is not of us doing Oh, we've broken some is not of us doing Oh, we've broken some tiny little law that we failed to mark tiny little law that we failed to mark tiny little law that we failed to mark over there and this petty God is mad at over there and this petty God is mad at over there and this petty God is mad at No, no, this is this is cosmic rebellion No, no, this is this is cosmic rebellion No, no, this is this is cosmic rebellion against a good and loving God who gave against a good and loving God who gave against a good and loving God who gave us everything that we have and we've us everything that we have and we've us everything that we have and we've chosen to rebel against him and not to chosen to rebel against him and not to chosen to rebel against him and not to acknowledge him and to run off with acknowledge him and to run off with acknowledge him and to run off with someone else. And so someone else. And so someone else. And so I want to make that move from God our I want to make that move from God our I want to make that move from God our maker to sin our failure to maker to sin our failure to maker to sin our failure to because frankly, I think this is because frankly, I think this is because frankly, I think this is something that Tim Keller was good at.

something that Tim Keller was good at. something that Tim Keller was good at. He recognized that moderns He recognized that moderns He recognized that moderns can very easily scoff at the idea of can very easily scoff at the idea of can very easily scoff at the idea of sin. sin. sin. And he wanted to work hard to to make And he wanted to work hard to to make And he wanted to work hard to to make them feel the reality of sin. And so he them feel the reality of sin. And so he them feel the reality of sin. And so he would talk about idolatry and disordered would talk about idolatry and disordered would talk about idolatry and disordered loves to just get at them and recognize loves to just get at them and recognize loves to just get at them and recognize you can't get away from this by scoffing you can't get away from this by scoffing you can't get away from this by scoffing at some sort of what you think is a at some sort of what you think is a at some sort of what you think is a petty view. The pastor who goes deeper in theology The pastor who goes deeper in theology doesn't just become a better thinker. He doesn't just become a better thinker. He doesn't just become a better thinker. He becomes a better shepherd. Southern becomes a better shepherd. Southern becomes a better shepherd. Southern Seminary's PhD programs are forming Seminary's PhD programs are forming Seminary's PhD programs are forming pastor theologians. Men who have pastor theologians. Men who have pastor theologians. Men who have wrestled seriously with the great wrestled seriously with the great wrestled seriously with the great tradition of Christian thought and who tradition of Christian thought and who tradition of Christian thought and who bring that depth back to the people they bring that depth back to the people they bring that depth back to the people they love and lead. What you gain in your love and lead. What you gain in your love and lead. What you gain in your study, your congregation receives. And study, your congregation receives. And study, your congregation receives. And Southern Seminary's faculty are here to Southern Seminary's faculty are here to Southern Seminary's faculty are here to support you in your work to strengthen support you in your work to strengthen support you in your work to strengthen the church. the church. the church. Southern's PhD program is built to fit Southern's PhD program is built to fit Southern's PhD program is built to fit alongside your ministry offering alongside your ministry offering alongside your ministry offering flexible formats from fully online to flexible formats from fully online to flexible formats from fully online to modular to in-person so you can pursue modular to in-person so you can pursue modular to in-person so you can pursue the kind of rigorous theological the kind of rigorous theological the kind of rigorous theological training that will change how you pastor training that will change how you pastor training that will change how you pastor without stepping away from your church.

without stepping away from your church. without stepping away from your church. If you're ready to go deeper, Southern If you're ready to go deeper, Southern If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that Seminary's PhD program is where that Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. Visit sbts.edu/phd Well, actually in 1990 he preached a Well, actually in 1990 he preached a sermon called the faces of sin that has sermon called the faces of sin that has sermon called the faces of sin that has just been turned into a book a just been turned into a book a just been turned into a book a posthumous book called what is wrong posthumous book called what is wrong posthumous book called what is wrong with the world. with the world. with the world. And it is tremendous in the way that it And it is tremendous in the way that it And it is tremendous in the way that it talks about sin as predator, sin as talks about sin as predator, sin as talks about sin as predator, sin as deception, sin as self-righteousness, deception, sin as self-righteousness, deception, sin as self-righteousness, sin as leaven using all kinds of sin as leaven using all kinds of sin as leaven using all kinds of biblical metaphors to get it what sin biblical metaphors to get it what sin biblical metaphors to get it what sin actually is and not what we actually is and not what we actually is and not what we are inclined to think it might be in a are inclined to think it might be in a are inclined to think it might be in a world that tends to sanitize that world that tends to sanitize that world that tends to sanitize that reality. Not to mention our darkened reality. Not to mention our darkened reality. Not to mention our darkened hearts and consciences that want to hearts and consciences that want to hearts and consciences that want to suppress the truth of God in suppress the truth of God in suppress the truth of God in unrighteousness. But I love how you said unrighteousness. But I love how you said unrighteousness. But I love how you said Lig, you went from God our maker Lig, you went from God our maker Lig, you went from God our maker to sin our failure. to sin our failure. to sin our failure. And you explained sin our failure And you explained sin our failure And you explained sin our failure in relation to the generosity of God.

in relation to the generosity of God. in relation to the generosity of God. And this is where Sinclair Ferguson is And this is where Sinclair Ferguson is And this is where Sinclair Ferguson is so good in the whole Christ. so good in the whole Christ. so good in the whole Christ. The emphasis of Genesis 1 and 2, yes is The emphasis of Genesis 1 and 2, yes is The emphasis of Genesis 1 and 2, yes is on God as creator. Yes is on God as on God as creator. Yes is on God as on God as creator. Yes is on God as holy. But it's also God is generous. holy. But it's also God is generous. holy. But it's also God is generous. Every tree in the garden and yet of Every tree in the garden and yet of Every tree in the garden and yet of course course course >> Yes, yes, yes. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yes, yes, yes. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yes, yes, yes. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Um and so yeah, fundamentally and in >> Um and so yeah, fundamentally and in >> Um and so yeah, fundamentally and in Romans 1 talks about sin is failing to Romans 1 talks about sin is failing to Romans 1 talks about sin is failing to give thanks. Sin is a as a failure of give thanks. Sin is a as a failure of give thanks. Sin is a as a failure of ingratitude to the boundless generosity ingratitude to the boundless generosity ingratitude to the boundless generosity of our triune God. of our triune God. of our triune God. And then I also liked how you talked And then I also liked how you talked And then I also liked how you talked about sin as cosmic rebellion, cosmic about sin as cosmic rebellion, cosmic about sin as cosmic rebellion, cosmic treason. It's not just a heavenly treason. It's not just a heavenly treason. It's not just a heavenly parking ticket. Right. parking ticket. Right. parking ticket. Right. >> Um >> Um >> Um sin is a heart level betrayal against sin is a heart level betrayal against sin is a heart level betrayal against the Lord of love.

the Lord of love. the Lord of love. >> Yeah. Um like you said, we've cheated on >> Yeah. Um like you said, we've cheated on >> Yeah. Um like you said, we've cheated on our maker and we've built our life on our maker and we've built our life on our maker and we've built our life on lesser things. We've looked into the lesser things. We've looked into the lesser things. We've looked into the face of ultimate beauty face of ultimate beauty face of ultimate beauty and yawned. Mhm. And um part of I think and yawned. Mhm. And um part of I think and yawned. Mhm. And um part of I think preaching is is helping our people see preaching is is helping our people see preaching is is helping our people see and feel the horror of sin and feel the horror of sin and feel the horror of sin in a way they haven't before with the in a way they haven't before with the in a way they haven't before with the spirit's help. Um but yeah, the the you spirit's help. Um but yeah, the the you spirit's help. Um but yeah, the the you know, you talk about sin our failure, I know, you talk about sin our failure, I know, you talk about sin our failure, I kind of talk about it as the revolt like kind of talk about it as the revolt like kind of talk about it as the revolt like the next the next the next >> So your first one is the ruler. >> So your first one is the ruler. >> So your first one is the ruler. >> ruler then revolt. >> ruler then revolt. >> ruler then revolt. >> Yeah, essentially the ruler that's just >> Yeah, essentially the ruler that's just >> Yeah, essentially the ruler that's just a summary of Genesis 1 and 2. The revolt a summary of Genesis 1 and 2. The revolt a summary of Genesis 1 and 2. The revolt is launched the the insurrection against is launched the the insurrection against is launched the the insurrection against heaven is launched in Genesis 3. And heaven is launched in Genesis 3. And heaven is launched in Genesis 3. And then that leads to the long then that leads to the long then that leads to the long tragic saga that we see play out through tragic saga that we see play out through tragic saga that we see play out through particularly the nation of Israel particularly the nation of Israel particularly the nation of Israel in the Old Testament. And in the Old Testament. And in the Old Testament. And uh uh uh I I think that it's important as we I I think that it's important as we I I think that it's important as we preach the Bible to help people realize preach the Bible to help people realize preach the Bible to help people realize that yeah, it's not just Genesis 3 and that yeah, it's not just Genesis 3 and that yeah, it's not just Genesis 3 and Romans 3, but there is a long story that Romans 3, but there is a long story that Romans 3, but there is a long story that is important to situate that that in is important to situate that that in is important to situate that that in into which we must situate our gospel into which we must situate our gospel into which we must situate our gospel presentation in order for you know, it presentation in order for you know, it presentation in order for you know, it if you were to get a text message on the if you were to get a text message on the if you were to get a text message on the 4th of July saying, "Hey, I'll meet you 4th of July saying, "Hey, I'll meet you 4th of July saying, "Hey, I'll meet you for fireworks at noon." you would assume for fireworks at noon." you would assume for fireworks at noon." you would assume it was a typo. We don't go look for it was a typo. We don't go look for it was a typo. We don't go look for fireworks at noon because you can't see fireworks at noon because you can't see fireworks at noon because you can't see them. The them. The them. The you need the midnight you need the dark you need the midnight you need the dark you need the midnight you need the dark backdrop in order for the glory of the

backdrop in order for the glory of the backdrop in order for the glory of the fireworks to shine. And so we need to fireworks to shine. And so we need to fireworks to shine. And so we need to understand the gravity and the understand the gravity and the understand the gravity and the seriousness of sin in order to marvel at seriousness of sin in order to marvel at seriousness of sin in order to marvel at the fireworks of his grace. the fireworks of his grace. the fireworks of his grace. And And And Adam Adam Adam in the garden is functioning as a royal in the garden is functioning as a royal in the garden is functioning as a royal son of a priest king. And as it were, he son of a priest king. And as it were, he son of a priest king. And as it were, he he drops and shatters the the crown that he drops and shatters the the crown that he drops and shatters the the crown that God has put on him through his God has put on him through his God has put on him through his rebellion. And then in in Israel, rebellion. And then in in Israel, rebellion. And then in in Israel, uh we see God in a sense crown the uh we see God in a sense crown the uh we see God in a sense crown the nation and he refers to Israel as his nation and he refers to Israel as his nation and he refers to Israel as his son. And yet Israel drops that mantle, son. And yet Israel drops that mantle, son. And yet Israel drops that mantle, drops that crown and it shatters on the drops that crown and it shatters on the drops that crown and it shatters on the ground. And then in the individual kings ground. And then in the individual kings ground. And then in the individual kings of Israel, we see that crown literally of Israel, we see that crown literally of Israel, we see that crown literally placed on their head and they they drop placed on their head and they they drop placed on their head and they they drop the crown. the crown. the crown. And then when the Lord Jesus comes And then when the Lord Jesus comes And then when the Lord Jesus comes the the one that the father splits the the the one that the father splits the the the one that the father splits the skies and says, "This at last is my son skies and says, "This at last is my son skies and says, "This at last is my son whom I love. With him I am well whom I love. With him I am well whom I love. With him I am well pleased." And then he goes immediately pleased." And then he goes immediately pleased." And then he goes immediately into the wilderness, the very place into the wilderness, the very place into the wilderness, the very place for 40 days where Israel had failed for for 40 days where Israel had failed for for 40 days where Israel had failed for 40 years and he succeeds where they 40 years and he succeeds where they 40 years and he succeeds where they failed. He failed. He failed. He he takes that that that broken mantle, he takes that that that broken mantle, he takes that that that broken mantle, that that royal crown and he never drops that that royal crown and he never drops that that royal crown and he never drops it. And so where Adam failed, where it. And so where Adam failed, where it. And so where Adam failed, where Israel failed, where the kings failed, Israel failed, where the kings failed, Israel failed, where the kings failed, where you and I have failed, Jesus where you and I have failed, Jesus where you and I have failed, Jesus Christ came to succeed which leads Christ came to succeed which leads Christ came to succeed which leads essentially to chapter 3. So what do you essentially to chapter 3. So what do you essentially to chapter 3. So what do you call call call >> that third chapter? I do I do God our

>> that third chapter? I do I do God our >> that third chapter? I do I do God our maker, sin our failure, Christ our maker, sin our failure, Christ our maker, sin our failure, Christ our savior. So I I want to I want to focus savior. So I I want to I want to focus savior. So I I want to I want to focus on God has to do the thing. We can't do on God has to do the thing. We can't do on God has to do the thing. We can't do what has to be done to fix what we've what has to be done to fix what we've what has to be done to fix what we've caused. We're we're the problem so we're caused. We're we're the problem so we're caused. We're we're the problem so we're not the solution. So the solution has to not the solution. So the solution has to not the solution. So the solution has to be provided in in someone else and be provided in in someone else and be provided in in someone else and that's the provision of God in Christ. that's the provision of God in Christ. that's the provision of God in Christ. >> solution, the provision, let's just >> solution, the provision, let's just >> solution, the provision, let's just underscore the penalty underscore the penalty underscore the penalty of sin. So we've established what sin of sin. So we've established what sin of sin. So we've established what sin is, is, is, why is that such bad news? Well, why is that such bad news? Well, why is that such bad news? Well, sin is such bad news because sin is such bad news because sin is such bad news because first of all from our standpoint sin is first of all from our standpoint sin is first of all from our standpoint sin is inextricably connected with misery on inextricably connected with misery on inextricably connected with misery on our side. our side. our side. And on on God's side, sin is And on on God's side, sin is And on on God's side, sin is inextricably connected to a denial of inextricably connected to a denial of inextricably connected to a denial of his glory. So it's a denial of what we his glory. So it's a denial of what we his glory. So it's a denial of what we were created for. You know, I I think were created for. You know, I I think were created for. You know, I I think sometimes people will say Paul's use of sometimes people will say Paul's use of sometimes people will say Paul's use of the of the Greek word hamartia meaning the of the Greek word hamartia meaning the of the Greek word hamartia meaning missing the mark. We think sort of like missing the mark. We think sort of like missing the mark. We think sort of like there was an old show called Get Smart.

there was an old show called Get Smart. there was an old show called Get Smart. And the it was a spoof secret agent and And the it was a spoof secret agent and And the it was a spoof secret agent and he was really bad and he would he would he was really bad and he would he would he was really bad and he would he would shoot the gun and miss and he'd say, shoot the gun and miss and he'd say, shoot the gun and miss and he'd say, "Missed it by that much." And so I think "Missed it by that much." And so I think "Missed it by that much." And so I think we think of oh, that's sin, we're just we think of oh, that's sin, we're just we think of oh, that's sin, we're just barely missing it. No, the language is barely missing it. No, the language is barely missing it. No, the language is you missed the reason for which you were you missed the reason for which you were you missed the reason for which you were created. Mhm. Yeah, the whole you missed created. Mhm. Yeah, the whole you missed created. Mhm. Yeah, the whole you missed the whole purpose of life which was to the whole purpose of life which was to the whole purpose of life which was to glorify and enjoy him. And so sin isn't glorify and enjoy him. And so sin isn't glorify and enjoy him. And so sin isn't just barely missing it, it's missing just barely missing it, it's missing just barely missing it, it's missing your purpose in life, the whole reason your purpose in life, the whole reason your purpose in life, the whole reason for which you are created. And so that for which you are created. And so that for which you are created. And so that that robs God of glory that he ought to that robs God of glory that he ought to that robs God of glory that he ought to be given and it and it condemns you to be given and it and it condemns you to be given and it and it condemns you to misery because there's no way to pursue misery because there's no way to pursue misery because there's no way to pursue sin and actually get joy and love and sin and actually get joy and love and sin and actually get joy and love and peace and hope. It always comes with peace and hope. It always comes with peace and hope. It always comes with misery. And so misery. And so misery. And so that you know, that's the predicament we that you know, that's the predicament we that you know, that's the predicament we find ourselves in missing our whole find ourselves in missing our whole find ourselves in missing our whole purpose in this world and and condemning purpose in this world and and condemning purpose in this world and and condemning ourselves to a life of unremitting ourselves to a life of unremitting ourselves to a life of unremitting misery.

misery. misery. And and I think it's so interesting, we And and I think it's so interesting, we And and I think it's so interesting, we hate the misery but we don't hate the hate the misery but we don't hate the hate the misery but we don't hate the sin. And so what often God does is he he sin. And so what often God does is he he sin. And so what often God does is he he helps us hate the misery and then start helps us hate the misery and then start helps us hate the misery and then start drawing the line back to the sin so that drawing the line back to the sin so that drawing the line back to the sin so that we can begin to hate the sin like we we can begin to hate the sin like we we can begin to hate the sin like we hate the misery. hate the misery. hate the misery. And and that's usually where it is. And and that's usually where it is. And and that's usually where it is. We're usually not thinking of his glory We're usually not thinking of his glory We're usually not thinking of his glory first, we're thinking of our misery first, we're thinking of our misery first, we're thinking of our misery first. But in his kindness, he'll use first. But in his kindness, he'll use first. But in his kindness, he'll use our misery our misery our misery >> That is so I've never thought about it >> That is so I've never thought about it >> That is so I've never thought about it like that. Um like that. Um like that. Um it reminds me though, I'm sorry I'm it reminds me though, I'm sorry I'm it reminds me though, I'm sorry I'm jumping ahead, jumping ahead, jumping ahead, but how How the Puritans talked about but how How the Puritans talked about but how How the Puritans talked about sanctification. They would often say sanctification. They would often say sanctification. They would often say that it's the mark of a mature Christian that it's the mark of a mature Christian that it's the mark of a mature Christian to be able to say it is better to suffer to be able to say it is better to suffer to be able to say it is better to suffer than to sin. Right. than to sin. Right. than to sin. Right. It is better to experience misery than It is better to experience misery than It is better to experience misery than to sin. to sin. to sin. Which only someone who whose heart has Which only someone who whose heart has Which only someone who whose heart has been made new by the Holy Spirit. Yeah, been made new by the Holy Spirit. Yeah, been made new by the Holy Spirit. Yeah, you Yeah, you don't do that unless the you Yeah, you don't do that unless the you Yeah, you don't do that unless the Spirit has changed you. Yeah. Now, how Spirit has changed you. Yeah. Now, how Spirit has changed you. Yeah. Now, how do you So, how do you address that? So, do you So, how do you address that? So, do you So, how do you address that? So, you you you move from the the ruler to you you you move from the the ruler to you you you move from the the ruler to the revolt. How do you address the the revolt. How do you address the the revolt. How do you address the material of God's rescue? Yeah, well, material of God's rescue? Yeah, well, material of God's rescue? Yeah, well, and the only the only thing I'll say and the only the only thing I'll say and the only the only thing I'll say about the revolt it it's also I think about the revolt it it's also I think about the revolt it it's also I think helpful helpful helpful to to teach our people that that sin is to to teach our people that that sin is to to teach our people that that sin is more relational than behavioral. We've more relational than behavioral. We've more relational than behavioral. We've already touched on that that it's already touched on that that it's already touched on that that it's fundamentally not what we do.

fundamentally not what we do. fundamentally not what we do. It's fundamentally who in Adam we are. It's fundamentally who in Adam we are. It's fundamentally who in Adam we are. As it's been said, we aren't sinners As it's been said, we aren't sinners As it's been said, we aren't sinners because we sin. We sin because we're because we sin. We sin because we're because we sin. We sin because we're sinners. Yeah. And it's not just more sinners. Yeah. And it's not just more sinners. Yeah. And it's not just more relational than behavioral, it's also relational than behavioral, it's also relational than behavioral, it's also more vertical than horizontal. So, more vertical than horizontal. So, more vertical than horizontal. So, Psalm 51, Psalm 51, Psalm 51, David has violated Bathsheba. He's had David has violated Bathsheba. He's had David has violated Bathsheba. He's had Uriah murdered. He's He's let down the Uriah murdered. He's He's let down the Uriah murdered. He's He's let down the entire nation and yet he has the entire nation and yet he has the entire nation and yet he has the audacity to come before the living God audacity to come before the living God audacity to come before the living God and say against you you only have I and say against you you only have I and say against you you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sinned and done what is evil in your sinned and done what is evil in your sight. He's not denying sight. He's not denying sight. He's not denying that those other evils that he had that those other evils that he had that those other evils that he had committed, but he's recognizing a committed, but he's recognizing a committed, but he's recognizing a fundamental fact that fundamental fact that fundamental fact that that actually what the prodigal son says that actually what the prodigal son says that actually what the prodigal son says in Luke 15, I have sinned against heaven in Luke 15, I have sinned against heaven in Luke 15, I have sinned against heaven and against you. and against you. and against you. But I've sinned against heaven first and But I've sinned against heaven first and But I've sinned against heaven first and foremost. And so, I think we we have to foremost. And so, I think we we have to foremost. And so, I think we we have to help our people understand that yeah, help our people understand that yeah, help our people understand that yeah, sin is an assault against the Lord of sin is an assault against the Lord of sin is an assault against the Lord of love, the result of which is eternal love, the result of which is eternal love, the result of which is eternal condemnation, death, hell.

condemnation, death, hell. condemnation, death, hell. And God Mhm. could have left us there And God Mhm. could have left us there And God Mhm. could have left us there Mhm. and been infinitely good Mhm. and been infinitely good Mhm. and been infinitely good and been worshipped age upon age by and been worshipped age upon age by and been worshipped age upon age by billions of angels who would have billions of angels who would have billions of angels who would have continued crying holy holy holy. continued crying holy holy holy. continued crying holy holy holy. But the most incredible news is what we But the most incredible news is what we But the most incredible news is what we see in Ephesians 2, but God. see in Ephesians 2, but God. see in Ephesians 2, but God. Where where there should have been a Where where there should have been a Where where there should have been a period, there was a comma. period, there was a comma. period, there was a comma. >> Yeah. But God. And so, I talk about the >> Yeah. But God. And so, I talk about the >> Yeah. But God. And so, I talk about the ruler, ruler, ruler, the revolt, and then the rescue. Mhm. the revolt, and then the rescue. Mhm. the revolt, and then the rescue. Mhm. We couldn't make our way to God, We couldn't make our way to God, We couldn't make our way to God, so he comes down to us. He launches a so he comes down to us. He launches a so he comes down to us. He launches a rescue mission to seek and to save that rescue mission to seek and to save that rescue mission to seek and to save that which was lost and he does it which was lost and he does it which was lost and he does it by living the life again that Adam had by living the life again that Adam had by living the life again that Adam had failed to live, that Israel had failed failed to live, that Israel had failed failed to live, that Israel had failed to live, and that you and I had failed to live, and that you and I had failed to live, and that you and I had failed to live. By living a perfect life, to live. By living a perfect life, to live. By living a perfect life, the life we should have lived, dying the the life we should have lived, dying the the life we should have lived, dying the death we should have died on the cross, death we should have died on the cross, death we should have died on the cross, bearing and exhausting the justice of bearing and exhausting the justice of bearing and exhausting the justice of God in our place for our sin, God in our place for our sin, God in our place for our sin, and then counting to three.

and then counting to three. and then counting to three. Three days later, God the Father raises Three days later, God the Father raises Three days later, God the Father raises Christ from the dead, Christ from the dead, Christ from the dead, proving that proving that proving that all those audacious claims that he had all those audacious claims that he had all those audacious claims that he had made about himself that no right-minded made about himself that no right-minded made about himself that no right-minded good moral teacher would have ever said good moral teacher would have ever said good moral teacher would have ever said if that's all he was. if that's all he was. if that's all he was. It's like the Father on a scroll has all It's like the Father on a scroll has all It's like the Father on a scroll has all of those claims of Christ and at the of those claims of Christ and at the of those claims of Christ and at the bottom on day three signs his name to bottom on day three signs his name to bottom on day three signs his name to the bottom. the bottom. the bottom. Jesus Christ, it is finished and three Jesus Christ, it is finished and three Jesus Christ, it is finished and three days later the Father says it is indeed days later the Father says it is indeed days later the Father says it is indeed and his son walks out of the tomb. and his son walks out of the tomb. and his son walks out of the tomb. How do you talk about that kind of third How do you talk about that kind of third How do you talk about that kind of third chapter of the gospel which is really chapter of the gospel which is really chapter of the gospel which is really the good news? Yes. Well, let me go back the good news? Yes. Well, let me go back the good news? Yes. Well, let me go back and just say some some scripture and just say some some scripture and just say some some scripture passages that come to mind about what passages that come to mind about what passages that come to mind about what you've been talking about. One of course you've been talking about. One of course you've been talking about. One of course is John 3:16 which emphasizes the is John 3:16 which emphasizes the is John 3:16 which emphasizes the Father. We often think of John 3:16 as Father. We often think of John 3:16 as Father. We often think of John 3:16 as about the love of Christ. But listen to about the love of Christ. But listen to about the love of Christ. But listen to it, for God so loved the world that he it, for God so loved the world that he it, for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. So, this is gave his only begotten son. So, this is gave his only begotten son. So, this is the Father's initiative in sending the the Father's initiative in sending the the Father's initiative in sending the son son son to to die and be buried and to to live to to die and be buried and to to live to to die and be buried and to to live to die to be buried and to be raised to die to be buried and to be raised to die to be buried and to be raised again so that we could have everlasting again so that we could have everlasting again so that we could have everlasting life. Or language like Romans 8:32, he life. Or language like Romans 8:32, he life. Or language like Romans 8:32, he who spared not his own son but delivered who spared not his own son but delivered who spared not his own son but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him up for us all, how shall he not with him up for us all, how shall he not with him freely give us all things?

him freely give us all things? him freely give us all things? >> God did not send Christ >> God did not send Christ >> God did not send Christ in order to love us. He sent Christ in in order to love us. He sent Christ in in order to love us. He sent Christ in order to save us because he already order to save us because he already order to save us because he already loved us. loved us. loved us. >> Absolutely. And >> Absolutely. And >> Absolutely. And the the language of Paul in Romans, the the language of Paul in Romans, the the language of Paul in Romans, while we were yet sinners, Christ died while we were yet sinners, Christ died while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly. And so, you I think for the ungodly. And so, you I think for the ungodly. And so, you I think it's good for us to have a little catena it's good for us to have a little catena it's good for us to have a little catena of passages handy to go to because Paul of passages handy to go to because Paul of passages handy to go to because Paul and other gospel writers will give us and other gospel writers will give us and other gospel writers will give us little short snippets that we can use to little short snippets that we can use to little short snippets that we can use to illustrate this. Now, illustrate this. Now, illustrate this. Now, why the Why Why is the movement of the why the Why Why is the movement of the why the Why Why is the movement of the resurrection resurrection resurrection so important? Because sometimes in our so important? Because sometimes in our so important? Because sometimes in our gospel presentations gospel presentations gospel presentations >> off. we can leave Jesus hanging on the >> off. we can leave Jesus hanging on the >> off. we can leave Jesus hanging on the cross. And cross. And cross. And I can remember a friend of mine who with I can remember a friend of mine who with I can remember a friend of mine who with long experience of preaching in the long experience of preaching in the long experience of preaching in the black church saying that I was preaching black church saying that I was preaching black church saying that I was preaching a sermon one time and a sermon one time and a sermon one time and >> down from the cross. >> down from the cross. >> down from the cross. >> somebody from the from the congregation >> somebody from the from the congregation >> somebody from the from the congregation shouted out, "Get him down from that shouted out, "Get him down from that shouted out, "Get him down from that cross." And cross." And cross." And because the resurrection is so important because the resurrection is so important because the resurrection is so important to our proclamation, it's the victory, to our proclamation, it's the victory, to our proclamation, it's the victory, right? It is It's not just the right? It is It's not just the right? It is It's not just the demonstration of the victory, it is the demonstration of the victory, it is the demonstration of the victory, it is the victory. It was It was demanded by victory. It was It was demanded by victory. It was It was demanded by justice that he be raised again from the justice that he be raised again from the justice that he be raised again from the dead. You know, there's dead. You know, there's dead. You know, there's my resurrection is a pure act of mercy my resurrection is a pure act of mercy my resurrection is a pure act of mercy and of grace. I do not deserve and of grace. I do not deserve and of grace. I do not deserve any of it. The when when I'm raised from any of it. The when when I'm raised from any of it. The when when I'm raised from the dead on the last day, I will not

the dead on the last day, I will not the dead on the last day, I will not have done anything to deserve it. have done anything to deserve it. have done anything to deserve it. His resurrection is the demand of His resurrection is the demand of His resurrection is the demand of justice. justice. justice. He's the only person in the world who He's the only person in the world who He's the only person in the world who did not deserve to die. And and he died did not deserve to die. And and he died did not deserve to die. And and he died in perfection and justice demands his in perfection and justice demands his in perfection and justice demands his resurrection. And it's it is the victory resurrection. And it's it is the victory resurrection. And it's it is the victory and because we are in him, if if if we and because we are in him, if if if we and because we are in him, if if if we are going to be raised, we are going to are going to be raised, we are going to are going to be raised, we are going to be raised in him. And so, be raised in him. And so, be raised in him. And so, all the things leading up to it are for all the things leading up to it are for all the things leading up to it are for naught without that resurrection. I I naught without that resurrection. I I naught without that resurrection. I I love how you just said in him in him. love how you just said in him in him. love how you just said in him in him. So, just to underscore this, So, just to underscore this, So, just to underscore this, the logic only makes sense if you the logic only makes sense if you the logic only makes sense if you understand the doctrine of union with understand the doctrine of union with understand the doctrine of union with Christ. Christ. Christ. >> Yes. So, Romans 4:25, he was delivered >> Yes. So, Romans 4:25, he was delivered >> Yes. So, Romans 4:25, he was delivered up for our sins and raised for our up for our sins and raised for our up for our sins and raised for our justification. And if you think about justification. And if you think about justification. And if you think about that, you may think, "Wait, that, you may think, "Wait, that, you may think, "Wait, why couldn't Paul just say he was why couldn't Paul just say he was why couldn't Paul just say he was delivered over for our sins and for our delivered over for our sins and for our delivered over for our sins and for our justification? Well, what does the justification? Well, what does the justification? Well, what does the resurrection have to do with our resurrection have to do with our resurrection have to do with our justification?"

justification?" justification?" Well, it's the fact that when Jesus was Well, it's the fact that when Jesus was Well, it's the fact that when Jesus was raised from the dead, that was his raised from the dead, that was his raised from the dead, that was his justification. That was his vindication. justification. That was his vindication. justification. That was his vindication. And through union with the justified And through union with the justified And through union with the justified one, the ultimate justified one, one, the ultimate justified one, one, the ultimate justified one, >> Yeah. we are counted justified in him. >> Yeah. we are counted justified in him. >> Yeah. we are counted justified in him. And and so, that's why sometimes when I And and so, that's why sometimes when I And and so, that's why sometimes when I I I talk about, you know, he he lived I I talk about, you know, he he lived I I talk about, you know, he he lived the life we should have did the life we should have did the life we should have did lived, died the death we should have lived, died the death we should have lived, died the death we should have died, and rose again so that anyone who died, and rose again so that anyone who died, and rose again so that anyone who trusts in him can have the confidence trusts in him can have the confidence trusts in him can have the confidence that one day they'll rise right along that one day they'll rise right along that one day they'll rise right along with him with a resurrected body fit for with him with a resurrected body fit for with him with a resurrected body fit for a resurrected earth. Amen. a resurrected earth. Amen. a resurrected earth. Amen. Yeah, so that that's got to be a part Yeah, so that that's got to be a part Yeah, so that that's got to be a part and Paul you know, you you you started and Paul you know, you you you started and Paul you know, you you you started out with that quotation where Paul says, out with that quotation where Paul says, out with that quotation where Paul says, you know, this is the gospel which I you know, this is the gospel which I you know, this is the gospel which I preach to you that Christ died for our preach to you that Christ died for our preach to you that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that sins according to the scriptures, that sins according to the scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on he was buried, and that he was raised on he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the the third day according to the the third day according to the scriptures. And that's following the scriptures. And that's following the scriptures. And that's following the pattern of Luke 24 where Jesus says pattern of Luke 24 where Jesus says pattern of Luke 24 where Jesus says to the to disciples on the road to to the to disciples on the road to to the to disciples on the road to Emmaus, "Let me show you from the Old Emmaus, "Let me show you from the Old Emmaus, "Let me show you from the Old Testament. Let me show me from your Testament. Let me show me from your Testament. Let me show me from your Bibles that the Messiah had to be Bibles that the Messiah had to be Bibles that the Messiah had to be humiliated and had to be exhausted. He humiliated and had to be exhausted. He humiliated and had to be exhausted. He had to suffer and he had to be raised had to suffer and he had to be raised had to suffer and he had to be raised again." And he does the same thing later again." And he does the same thing later again." And he does the same thing later that day, end of Luke 24 with these that day, end of Luke 24 with these that day, end of Luke 24 with these disciples in the upper room.

disciples in the upper room. disciples in the upper room. And Peter then repeats that in his And Peter then repeats that in his And Peter then repeats that in his preaching in Acts chapter 2. And Paul's preaching in Acts chapter 2. And Paul's preaching in Acts chapter 2. And Paul's repeating it right there in 1 repeating it right there in 1 repeating it right there in 1 Corinthians 15. So, that's got to be a Corinthians 15. So, that's got to be a Corinthians 15. So, that's got to be a part of our proclamation. part of our proclamation. part of our proclamation. It you know, without the death of Christ It you know, without the death of Christ It you know, without the death of Christ on the on the cross, there's no hope for on the on the cross, there's no hope for on the on the cross, there's no hope for us. Without his burial, there's no hope us. Without his burial, there's no hope us. Without his burial, there's no hope for us. But without the resurrection, for us. But without the resurrection, for us. But without the resurrection, there is no justification for us. And I there is no justification for us. And I there is no justification for us. And I Chuck Hill who taught at RTS Orlando for Chuck Hill who taught at RTS Orlando for Chuck Hill who taught at RTS Orlando for many years, amazing many years, amazing many years, amazing New Testament and early Christian New Testament and early Christian New Testament and early Christian scholar early on during the New scholar early on during the New scholar early on during the New Perspective controversy, just made this Perspective controversy, just made this Perspective controversy, just made this very simple lexical observation. He He very simple lexical observation. He He very simple lexical observation. He He said, you know, have having read said, you know, have having read said, you know, have having read thousands of texts, you know, from thousands of texts, you know, from thousands of texts, you know, from pre you know, 200 years before Christ pre you know, 200 years before Christ pre you know, 200 years before Christ and 200 years after Christ and looking and 200 years after Christ and looking and 200 years after Christ and looking at how the language of the the dikaio at how the language of the the dikaio at how the language of the the dikaio words is used, he said, "It seems to me words is used, he said, "It seems to me words is used, he said, "It seems to me that for the for a Jewish person that that for the for a Jewish person that that for the for a Jewish person that when you mentioned the word when you mentioned the word when you mentioned the word justification, the immediate thing that justification, the immediate thing that justification, the immediate thing that they would go to in their minds is how they would go to in their minds is how they would go to in their minds is how would a man stand before God in the would a man stand before God in the would a man stand before God in the final judgment?

final judgment? final judgment? Would he be declared guilty or not Would he be declared guilty or not Would he be declared guilty or not guilty? Would he be be declared guilty? Would he be be declared guilty? Would he be be declared righteous or not righteous?" And he was righteous or not righteous?" And he was righteous or not righteous?" And he was raised for our justification so that we raised for our justification so that we raised for our justification so that we can know how we will stand before God on can know how we will stand before God on can know how we will stand before God on the last day in him. And so, that's got the last day in him. And so, that's got the last day in him. And so, that's got you know, that that is at the heart of you know, that that is at the heart of you know, that that is at the heart of the good news. Yeah, and I think there the good news. Yeah, and I think there the good news. Yeah, and I think there can be an allergy today to what can feel can be an allergy today to what can feel can be an allergy today to what can feel like a mere transactional gospel. And I like a mere transactional gospel. And I like a mere transactional gospel. And I understand that. We don't want to understand that. We don't want to understand that. We don't want to present the gospel in a formulaic way. present the gospel in a formulaic way. present the gospel in a formulaic way. It is the gospel story. It is this It is the gospel story. It is this It is the gospel story. It is this sweeping glorious narrative from Genesis sweeping glorious narrative from Genesis sweeping glorious narrative from Genesis to Revelation. to Revelation. to Revelation. And yet, And yet, And yet, the question of the Philippian jailer, the question of the Philippian jailer, the question of the Philippian jailer, I mean, Martin Luther I mean, Martin Luther I mean, Martin Luther did not make up the question, "What must did not make up the question, "What must did not make up the question, "What must I do to be saved?" I do to be saved?" I do to be saved?" >> Right. Right. >> Right. Right. >> Right. Right. >> That is the fundamental predicament >> That is the fundamental predicament >> That is the fundamental predicament facing every human being, and that was facing every human being, and that was facing every human being, and that was understood in the pages of the New understood in the pages of the New understood in the pages of the New Testament. Testament. Testament. >> Yeah. And though the gospel in a sense >> Yeah. And though the gospel in a sense >> Yeah. And though the gospel in a sense is more than justification and more than is more than justification and more than is more than justification and more than just you know, there's all kinds of just you know, there's all kinds of just you know, there's all kinds of beautiful dimensions to it, it's not beautiful dimensions to it, it's not beautiful dimensions to it, it's not less less less >> than >> than >> than >> Yeah. answering the question, "What must >> Yeah. answering the question, "What must >> Yeah. answering the question, "What must I do to be saved, to be reconciled to I do to be saved, to be reconciled to I do to be saved, to be reconciled to God?"

God?" God?" >> And you see that question repeatedly on >> And you see that question repeatedly on >> And you see that question repeatedly on the lips of both pious Jews and Gentiles the lips of both pious Jews and Gentiles the lips of both pious Jews and Gentiles in the New Testament. So, the rich young in the New Testament. So, the rich young in the New Testament. So, the rich young ruler is asking almost exactly the same ruler is asking almost exactly the same ruler is asking almost exactly the same question that the Philippian jailer is question that the Philippian jailer is question that the Philippian jailer is asking. And so, pay attention to the asking. And so, pay attention to the asking. And so, pay attention to the questions that they're asking. And so, I questions that they're asking. And so, I questions that they're asking. And so, I I think you're exactly right about that. I think you're exactly right about that. I think you're exactly right about that. And by the way, we're not denying And by the way, we're not denying And by the way, we're not denying the crucial reality that God is saving the crucial reality that God is saving the crucial reality that God is saving us into a family, into a body. He's us into a family, into a body. He's us into a family, into a body. He's making us a temple. making us a temple. making us a temple. Uh you know, we are the body of Christ. Uh you know, we are the body of Christ. Uh you know, we are the body of Christ. We're not saved as as you know, to to go We're not saved as as you know, to to go We're not saved as as you know, to to go off and be lone rangers somewhere. We're off and be lone rangers somewhere. We're off and be lone rangers somewhere. We're saved into a family, the church. saved into a family, the church. saved into a family, the church. We we in no way want to downplay We we in no way want to downplay We we in no way want to downplay the the the the dimension the social the the the the dimension the social the the the the dimension the social dimension of what God is doing dimension of what God is doing dimension of what God is doing in creating this new body, this new in creating this new body, this new in creating this new body, this new family, this new society. But, family, this new society. But, family, this new society. But, what Christ is doing must be done for us what Christ is doing must be done for us what Christ is doing must be done for us if we are going to be in that family.

if we are going to be in that family. if we are going to be in that family. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I would say as as modern Westerners, we I would say as as modern Westerners, we I would say as as modern Westerners, we do have to be careful that we're not do have to be careful that we're not do have to be careful that we're not bringing an individualistic lens to the bringing an individualistic lens to the bringing an individualistic lens to the scripture. Having said that, scripture. Having said that, scripture. Having said that, it's not necessarily individualism it's not necessarily individualism it's not necessarily individualism to ask the question, "What must an to ask the question, "What must an to ask the question, "What must an individual do to be saved?" Before we individual do to be saved?" Before we individual do to be saved?" Before we move on to how one responds to the good move on to how one responds to the good move on to how one responds to the good news, news, news, let's linger a little more at Calvary. let's linger a little more at Calvary. let's linger a little more at Calvary. Um I know we've talked about the Um I know we've talked about the Um I know we've talked about the resurrection. Let's just rewind a little resurrection. Let's just rewind a little resurrection. Let's just rewind a little bit, and here's why. Spurgeon said, "Let bit, and here's why. Spurgeon said, "Let bit, and here's why. Spurgeon said, "Let us dwell where the cries of Calvary can us dwell where the cries of Calvary can us dwell where the cries of Calvary can be heard." be heard." be heard." >> Yes. Um if if pastors listening to this >> Yes. Um if if pastors listening to this >> Yes. Um if if pastors listening to this are going to make it are going to make it are going to make it in in their own hearts, souls, in their in in their own hearts, souls, in their in in their own hearts, souls, in their ministries, if they're going to help ministries, if they're going to help ministries, if they're going to help their people toward heaven, their people toward heaven, their people toward heaven, they and those around them have to dwell they and those around them have to dwell they and those around them have to dwell near to the cross. So, let's think just near to the cross. So, let's think just near to the cross. So, let's think just a little more about what happened on the a little more about what happened on the a little more about what happened on the cross. Um cross. Um cross. Um last year, a popular author, John Mark last year, a popular author, John Mark last year, a popular author, John Mark Comer, Comer, Comer, in an Instagram story referenced a book in an Instagram story referenced a book in an Instagram story referenced a book on Leviticus, and he said it was the on Leviticus, and he said it was the on Leviticus, and he said it was the final nail in the coffin against PSA, final nail in the coffin against PSA, final nail in the coffin against PSA, penal substitutionary atonement. Um and penal substitutionary atonement. Um and penal substitutionary atonement. Um and you and I would both agree, there's a you and I would both agree, there's a you and I would both agree, there's a lot going on lot going on lot going on on the cross. A lot was being achieved on the cross. A lot was being achieved on the cross. A lot was being achieved by the God-man.

by the God-man. by the God-man. Um Um Um but help us understand what we mean by but help us understand what we mean by but help us understand what we mean by penal substitution and why that's penal substitution and why that's penal substitution and why that's actually what makes sense of all the actually what makes sense of all the actually what makes sense of all the other glorious realities the cross other glorious realities the cross other glorious realities the cross accomplished. accomplished. accomplished. >> Yeah, and and long before John Mark >> Yeah, and and long before John Mark >> Yeah, and and long before John Mark Comer made his criticisms, there've been Comer made his criticisms, there've been Comer made his criticisms, there've been lots of people with popular criticisms lots of people with popular criticisms lots of people with popular criticisms of the the doctrine of penal of the the doctrine of penal of the the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement. But, substitutionary atonement. But, substitutionary atonement. But, and and I heard them when when I was a and and I heard them when when I was a and and I heard them when when I was a seminary student and when I I heard seminary student and when I I heard seminary student and when I I heard people say, "Oh, the the the evangelical people say, "Oh, the the the evangelical people say, "Oh, the the the evangelical teaching on the cross is cosmic child teaching on the cross is cosmic child teaching on the cross is cosmic child abuse." I've you know, all all those abuse." I've you know, all all those abuse." I've you know, all all those sorts of things. But, the the New sorts of things. But, the the New sorts of things. But, the the New Testament just blows up all of those Testament just blows up all of those Testament just blows up all of those objections with the way that it talks objections with the way that it talks objections with the way that it talks about what Jesus has done. For one about what Jesus has done. For one about what Jesus has done. For one thing, Jesus is never presented as a thing, Jesus is never presented as a thing, Jesus is never presented as a victim. victim. victim. Uh it Jesus will say things to his Uh it Jesus will say things to his Uh it Jesus will say things to his disciples like, "No man takes my life disciples like, "No man takes my life disciples like, "No man takes my life from me. I lay it down of my own from me. I lay it down of my own from me. I lay it down of my own accord."

accord." accord." And and then Jesus says in relation to And and then Jesus says in relation to And and then Jesus says in relation to the Father's will, "I love to do the the Father's will, "I love to do the the Father's will, "I love to do the Father's will. It is my food to do the Father's will. It is my food to do the Father's will. It is my food to do the will of him who sent me." So, Jesus is will of him who sent me." So, Jesus is will of him who sent me." So, Jesus is not not not >> And on the cross, he had 72,000 angels >> And on the cross, he had 72,000 angels >> And on the cross, he had 72,000 angels staring over the precipice of heaven who staring over the precipice of heaven who staring over the precipice of heaven who at a whisper would have swooped in to at a whisper would have swooped in to at a whisper would have swooped in to save him. Right. I've I've often save him. Right. I've I've often save him. Right. I've I've often thought, I wonder whether the prayer, thought, I wonder whether the prayer, thought, I wonder whether the prayer, "Father, forgive them, for they know not "Father, forgive them, for they know not "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," what they do," what they do," saved the entire world from obliteration saved the entire world from obliteration saved the entire world from obliteration at that point. I just have one you know, at that point. I just have one you know, at that point. I just have one you know, it's not that you know, it's not that you know, it's not that you know, he's protecting us while he's suffering he's protecting us while he's suffering he's protecting us while he's suffering on the cross from the justice that we on the cross from the justice that we on the cross from the justice that we deserve. And so, the the picture in the deserve. And so, the the picture in the deserve. And so, the the picture in the New Testament of the cross is not of the New Testament of the cross is not of the New Testament of the cross is not of the of the savior on the cross trying to get of the savior on the cross trying to get of the savior on the cross trying to get God to love his people. Mhm. He's on the God to love his people. Mhm. He's on the God to love his people. Mhm. He's on the cross because of the Father's love for cross because of the Father's love for cross because of the Father's love for his people. And because he loves to do his people. And because he loves to do his people. And because he loves to do the Father's will.

the Father's will. the Father's will. And because he he And because he he And because he he >> joy set before him, he's there. >> joy set before him, he's there. >> joy set before him, he's there. >> He despises the shame. He loves us. He >> He despises the shame. He loves us. He >> He despises the shame. He loves us. He loves the Father's will. But, there is loves the Father's will. But, there is loves the Father's will. But, there is divine justice that must be done against divine justice that must be done against divine justice that must be done against this rebellion uh against God. And he he this rebellion uh against God. And he he this rebellion uh against God. And he he says, "I'll take that man's place. I'll says, "I'll take that man's place. I'll says, "I'll take that man's place. I'll stand in that woman's place." Um and he stand in that woman's place." Um and he stand in that woman's place." Um and he he received in his body he received in his body he received in his body on the tree the due penalty of our sin. on the tree the due penalty of our sin. on the tree the due penalty of our sin. >> First Peter 2:24. >> First Peter 2:24. >> First Peter 2:24. Meditate on that in Galatians 3:13-15. Meditate on that in Galatians 3:13-15. Meditate on that in Galatians 3:13-15. It's all over the place. And It's all over the place. And It's all over the place. And in doing so, he I I love the way John in doing so, he I I love the way John in doing so, he I I love the way John Murray says this in in Murray says this in in Murray says this in in um in Redemption Accomplished and um in Redemption Accomplished and um in Redemption Accomplished and Applied, applied. In in his work on the Applied, applied. In in his work on the Applied, applied. In in his work on the cross, our sins are not canceled, they cross, our sins are not canceled, they cross, our sins are not canceled, they are liquidated. are liquidated. are liquidated. You know, it's not that God says, "Okay, You know, it's not that God says, "Okay, You know, it's not that God says, "Okay, well, I'm just going to forget about well, I'm just going to forget about well, I'm just going to forget about those sins." No, the debt is liquidated.

those sins." No, the debt is liquidated. those sins." No, the debt is liquidated. It is paid in full. There's not And It is paid in full. There's not And It is paid in full. There's not And which is one reason why the accuser on which is one reason why the accuser on which is one reason why the accuser on the last day will be powerless against the last day will be powerless against the last day will be powerless against us. You know, when when he says, "But, us. You know, when when he says, "But, us. You know, when when he says, "But, Matt Smethurst was a sinner." Matt Smethurst was a sinner." Matt Smethurst was a sinner." And and and Christ will open the book And and and Christ will open the book And and and Christ will open the book and says, and says, and says, "I see no sins." Reminds me of the the "I see no sins." Reminds me of the the "I see no sins." Reminds me of the the words of the old hymn, "Well may the words of the old hymn, "Well may the words of the old hymn, "Well may the accuser roar of sins that I have done. I accuser roar of sins that I have done. I accuser roar of sins that I have done. I know them all and thousands more, know them all and thousands more, know them all and thousands more, Jehovah knoweth none." So, so whether Jehovah knoweth none." So, so whether Jehovah knoweth none." So, so whether it's the sin you committed last night or it's the sin you committed last night or it's the sin you committed last night or 40 years ago, 40 years ago, 40 years ago, >> Yes. if you're in Christ, the sins you >> Yes. if you're in Christ, the sins you >> Yes. if you're in Christ, the sins you cannot forget, God does not remember. cannot forget, God does not remember. cannot forget, God does not remember. And and that obedience, that negative And and that obedience, that negative And and that obedience, that negative obedience in which he bears the penalty obedience in which he bears the penalty obedience in which he bears the penalty on the tree is the culmination of a on the tree is the culmination of a on the tree is the culmination of a lifelong of positive obedience. lifelong of positive obedience. lifelong of positive obedience. And and it is that that you know, that's And and it is that that you know, that's And and it is that that you know, that's the famous telegram from J. Gresham the famous telegram from J. Gresham the famous telegram from J. Gresham Machen to John Murray right before he Machen to John Murray right before he Machen to John Murray right before he dies, you know, "Thank God for the dies, you know, "Thank God for the dies, you know, "Thank God for the active obedience of Christ. No hope active obedience of Christ. No hope active obedience of Christ. No hope without it." So, it's it's not only that without it." So, it's it's not only that without it." So, it's it's not only that Christ has borne that penalty, it's he's Christ has borne that penalty, it's he's Christ has borne that penalty, it's he's as you just said, he lived a life that as you just said, he lived a life that as you just said, he lived a life that we could not live, and he died a death we could not live, and he died a death we could not live, and he died a death that we deserved to die. So, that we that we deserved to die. So, that we that we deserved to die. So, that we >> both sides of that coin.

>> both sides of that coin. >> both sides of that coin. >> both of that. And that's what he's done >> both of that. And that's what he's done >> both of that. And that's what he's done on the cross. So, yeah, well said. We on the cross. So, yeah, well said. We on the cross. So, yeah, well said. We need to linger at the cross and look at need to linger at the cross and look at need to linger at the cross and look at it. Yes. it. Yes. it. Yes. >> It was fitting, he said, to fulfill all >> It was fitting, he said, to fulfill all >> It was fitting, he said, to fulfill all righteousness. righteousness. righteousness. Um Um Um one illustration that I sometimes use is one illustration that I sometimes use is one illustration that I sometimes use is the NBA has a the NBA has a the NBA has a The NBA has 82 games in a season. The NBA has 82 games in a season. The NBA has 82 games in a season. And this is an illustration I'll use And this is an illustration I'll use And this is an illustration I'll use with college students, young people to with college students, young people to with college students, young people to help them understand the glory of 2 help them understand the glory of 2 help them understand the glory of 2 Corinthians 5:21. God made him who knew Corinthians 5:21. God made him who knew Corinthians 5:21. God made him who knew no sin no sin no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might to be sin for us so that in him we might to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. What become the righteousness of God. What become the righteousness of God. What theologians have called the sweet theologians have called the sweet theologians have called the sweet exchange, right? He takes our sin, we exchange, right? He takes our sin, we exchange, right? He takes our sin, we get his righteousness. get his righteousness. get his righteousness. And I'll say that And I'll say that And I'll say that uh in order to have a perfect season in uh in order to have a perfect season in uh in order to have a perfect season in the NBA, what is your record have to be? the NBA, what is your record have to be? the NBA, what is your record have to be? Well, it has to be 82 and 0. Well, it has to be 82 and 0. Well, it has to be 82 and 0. Well, what what if someone says, "Well, Well, what what if someone says, "Well, Well, what what if someone says, "Well, my team's undefeated. We've had a my team's undefeated. We've had a my team's undefeated. We've had a perfect season. We're 0 and 0." perfect season. We're 0 and 0." perfect season. We're 0 and 0." Well, okay. Yeah, you you haven't had Well, okay. Yeah, you you haven't had Well, okay. Yeah, you you haven't had any losses, any losses, any losses, but you also haven't won every game.

but you also haven't won every game. but you also haven't won every game. And of course, the illustration is that And of course, the illustration is that And of course, the illustration is that losses are like our sins, wins are like losses are like our sins, wins are like losses are like our sins, wins are like acts of righteousness, and it's not acts of righteousness, and it's not acts of righteousness, and it's not enough just to have done nothing to enough just to have done nothing to enough just to have done nothing to offend God. We also have to have done offend God. We also have to have done offend God. We also have to have done everything to please him. So, in the everything to please him. So, in the everything to please him. So, in the garden, Adam and Eve, as it were, had a garden, Adam and Eve, as it were, had a garden, Adam and Eve, as it were, had a moral record of 0 and 0. And when they moral record of 0 and 0. And when they moral record of 0 and 0. And when they rebelled against God, they plunged all rebelled against God, they plunged all rebelled against God, they plunged all of us into sin. We're sinners by nature of us into sin. We're sinners by nature of us into sin. We're sinners by nature and by choice, and we inherit a moral and by choice, and we inherit a moral and by choice, and we inherit a moral record before the the Lord of love of 0 record before the the Lord of love of 0 record before the the Lord of love of 0 and 82. and 82. and 82. If on the cross If on the cross If on the cross all that was happening, you you talked all that was happening, you you talked all that was happening, you you talked about canceling sins. If all that was about canceling sins. If all that was about canceling sins. If all that was happening was Jesus was canceling our happening was Jesus was canceling our happening was Jesus was canceling our sins, paying our debts, what would our sins, paying our debts, what would our sins, paying our debts, what would our moral record become? We would just be 0 moral record become? We would just be 0 moral record become? We would just be 0 and 0. and 0. and 0. But, that's not all that's happening. But, that's not all that's happening. But, that's not all that's happening. He's also giving us his perfect record He's also giving us his perfect record He's also giving us his perfect record of righteousness. So, that through faith of righteousness. So, that through faith of righteousness. So, that through faith in him, we go, as it were, from being 0 in him, we go, as it were, from being 0 in him, we go, as it were, from being 0 and 82 to 82 and 0 as if we have lived and 82 to 82 and 0 as if we have lived and 82 to 82 and 0 as if we have lived his perfect life. We could say so much his perfect life. We could say so much his perfect life. We could say so much more, Leg, about about the ruler, the more, Leg, about about the ruler, the more, Leg, about about the ruler, the revolt, the rescue. I like your language revolt, the rescue. I like your language revolt, the rescue. I like your language of God the maker, of God the maker, of God the maker, sin our failure, Christ our savior.

sin our failure, Christ our savior. sin our failure, Christ our savior. But, But, But, a danger is that sometimes I think in a danger is that sometimes I think in a danger is that sometimes I think in our preaching, we can sound those notes, our preaching, we can sound those notes, our preaching, we can sound those notes, who God is, who we are, what Jesus has who God is, who we are, what Jesus has who God is, who we are, what Jesus has done, and then kind of leave it at that. done, and then kind of leave it at that. done, and then kind of leave it at that. But how does an individual respond to But how does an individual respond to But how does an individual respond to that news? And my next step in my little that news? And my next step in my little that news? And my next step in my little outline is faith our answer. outline is faith our answer. outline is faith our answer. And so it's it's not that faith is And so it's it's not that faith is And so it's it's not that faith is something that we do as the solution, something that we do as the solution, something that we do as the solution, it's the answer to God's solution. And I it's the answer to God's solution. And I it's the answer to God's solution. And I I don't say that to exclude repentance. I don't say that to exclude repentance. I don't say that to exclude repentance. I'm obviously I'm trying to outline I'll I'm obviously I'm trying to outline I'll I'm obviously I'm trying to outline I'll I'll talk about what repentance means in I'll talk about what repentance means in I'll talk about what repentance means in a sense it's a flip side of the faith a sense it's a flip side of the faith a sense it's a flip side of the faith cuz it's an owning of your need for the cuz it's an owning of your need for the cuz it's an owning of your need for the forgiveness of sins. But faith, what I forgiveness of sins. But faith, what I forgiveness of sins. But faith, what I love about it is it points away from love about it is it points away from love about it is it points away from ourselves to Christ. I can't fix this. ourselves to Christ. I can't fix this. ourselves to Christ. I can't fix this. I'm not the solution. Christ is the I'm not the solution. Christ is the I'm not the solution. Christ is the solution. I'm looking away from myself solution. I'm looking away from myself solution. I'm looking away from myself and I'm looking to him. I'm trusting in and I'm looking to him. I'm trusting in and I'm looking to him. I'm trusting in him. So it gives me an opportunity to him. So it gives me an opportunity to him. So it gives me an opportunity to explain what the Bible means by faith, explain what the Bible means by faith, explain what the Bible means by faith, what it what it means to trust in God, what it what it means to trust in God, what it what it means to trust in God, to talk about the things that you need to talk about the things that you need to talk about the things that you need to believe.

to believe. to believe. But especially the personal trust that But especially the personal trust that But especially the personal trust that you need to place in him as your savior. you need to place in him as your savior. you need to place in him as your savior. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Luther once said, "What good is it to Luther once said, "What good is it to Luther once said, "What good is it to you that God is God if he is not God to you that God is God if he is not God to you that God is God if he is not God to you?" you?" you?" So at the end of the day, you no one can So at the end of the day, you no one can So at the end of the day, you no one can live off the borrowed faith of someone live off the borrowed faith of someone live off the borrowed faith of someone else. Not your parents, not your youth else. Not your parents, not your youth else. Not your parents, not your youth leaders, not your pastors. leaders, not your pastors. leaders, not your pastors. When you stand before God, the question When you stand before God, the question When you stand before God, the question is, "Where is your trust? Where is your is, "Where is your trust? Where is your is, "Where is your trust? Where is your hope?" Um I think sometimes in that more hope?" Um I think sometimes in that more hope?" Um I think sometimes in that more transactional way of talking about the transactional way of talking about the transactional way of talking about the gospel, we can make it seem like gospel, we can make it seem like gospel, we can make it seem like becoming a Christian is like passing becoming a Christian is like passing becoming a Christian is like passing through um a pay toll on the highway. through um a pay toll on the highway. through um a pay toll on the highway. That's a an impersonal transaction. You That's a an impersonal transaction. You That's a an impersonal transaction. You give You give them the money, they raise give You give them the money, they raise give You give them the money, they raise the bar. You do your part, they do the bar. You do your part, they do the bar. You do your part, they do yours. yours. yours. Becoming a Christian is not like that. Becoming a Christian is not like that. Becoming a Christian is not like that. It's a lot more like getting married. It's a lot more like getting married. It's a lot more like getting married. Yeah. It it it it's a lot more about Yeah. It it it it's a lot more about Yeah. It it it it's a lot more about about essentially throwing yourself onto about essentially throwing yourself onto about essentially throwing yourself onto the Lord Jesus Christ the Lord Jesus Christ the Lord Jesus Christ into his open arms and trusting that into his open arms and trusting that into his open arms and trusting that he's going to catch you and never let he's going to catch you and never let he's going to catch you and never let go. And 1 Peter 3:18 go. And 1 Peter 3:18 go. And 1 Peter 3:18 says, "For Christ died once for all, the says, "For Christ died once for all, the says, "For Christ died once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous."

righteous for the unrighteous." righteous for the unrighteous." And then he doesn't say to bring you to And then he doesn't say to bring you to And then he doesn't say to bring you to heaven, though that's true. heaven, though that's true. heaven, though that's true. He says something even more glorious. He He says something even more glorious. He He says something even more glorious. He did it all to bring you to God. This is did it all to bring you to God. This is did it all to bring you to God. This is where John Piper has been so helpful where John Piper has been so helpful where John Piper has been so helpful with his book God is the gospel. The the with his book God is the gospel. The the with his book God is the gospel. The the ultimate good news that we hold out to ultimate good news that we hold out to ultimate good news that we hold out to people is not just that you get your people is not just that you get your people is not just that you get your sins forgiven. It's not just that you sins forgiven. It's not just that you sins forgiven. It's not just that you get a new body. It's that you get God. get a new body. It's that you get God. get a new body. It's that you get God. You were made to know and enjoy and You were made to know and enjoy and You were made to know and enjoy and delight in God, and that's what he delight in God, and that's what he delight in God, and that's what he offers, himself to us in the gospel. And offers, himself to us in the gospel. And offers, himself to us in the gospel. And that's a message that that echoes all that's a message that that echoes all that's a message that that echoes all the way back into the Old Testament, the the way back into the Old Testament, the the way back into the Old Testament, the covenant with Abraham, "I will be your covenant with Abraham, "I will be your covenant with Abraham, "I will be your God, you will be my people." It's a God, you will be my people." It's a God, you will be my people." It's a heart of a vision of what God is doing. heart of a vision of what God is doing. heart of a vision of what God is doing. Again, as you say, it's not just Again, as you say, it's not just Again, as you say, it's not just transactional, it's deeply relational transactional, it's deeply relational transactional, it's deeply relational and personal. And to to be brought to and personal. And to to be brought to and personal. And to to be brought to God, to be brought into fellowship with God, to be brought into fellowship with God, to be brought into fellowship with God. Adam and Eve enjoyed fellowship God. Adam and Eve enjoyed fellowship God. Adam and Eve enjoyed fellowship with God. By their sin, that fellowship with God. By their sin, that fellowship with God. By their sin, that fellowship was disrupted. In the gospel, we're was disrupted. In the gospel, we're was disrupted. In the gospel, we're being called back into that communion being called back into that communion being called back into that communion with God. And so with God. And so with God. And so and and faith is the way that is the and and faith is the way that is the and and faith is the way that is the alone instrument whereby we receive all alone instrument whereby we receive all alone instrument whereby we receive all those benefits that have been purchased those benefits that have been purchased those benefits that have been purchased for us through the person and work of for us through the person and work of for us through the person and work of Jesus Christ. And so Jesus Christ. And so Jesus Christ. And so I want to emphasize, as you just said, I want to emphasize, as you just said, I want to emphasize, as you just said, that it's not enough to know that story.

that it's not enough to know that story. that it's not enough to know that story. You You must respond to that in faith. You You must respond to that in faith. You You must respond to that in faith. You must respond to that in trust. You must respond to that in trust. You must respond to that in trust. >> not just referring to a kind of >> not just referring to a kind of >> not just referring to a kind of one-time one-time one-time physical act or decision, right? It's physical act or decision, right? It's physical act or decision, right? It's It's not that you're necessarily saying, It's not that you're necessarily saying, It's not that you're necessarily saying, "Well, I I prayed a prayer. I signed a "Well, I I prayed a prayer. I signed a "Well, I I prayed a prayer. I signed a card. I walked an aisle. I got wet. I I card. I walked an aisle. I got wet. I I card. I walked an aisle. I got wet. I I threw a pine cone into a fire at a threw a pine cone into a fire at a threw a pine cone into a fire at a summer camp." No, it's I've I've turned summer camp." No, it's I've I've turned summer camp." No, it's I've I've turned away from my sin and I've plunged myself away from my sin and I've plunged myself away from my sin and I've plunged myself into the gracious heart of Jesus Christ. into the gracious heart of Jesus Christ. into the gracious heart of Jesus Christ. Um Um Um And then of course the the good news of And then of course the the good news of And then of course the the good news of the gospel endures into eternity as as the gospel endures into eternity as as the gospel endures into eternity as as we will have resurrected bodies on a we will have resurrected bodies on a we will have resurrected bodies on a resurrected earth and we'll be able to resurrected earth and we'll be able to resurrected earth and we'll be able to enjoy God unhindered forever. I think enjoy God unhindered forever. I think enjoy God unhindered forever. I think what you said a few seconds ago about what you said a few seconds ago about what you said a few seconds ago about this is more like a marriage is exactly this is more like a marriage is exactly this is more like a marriage is exactly right because that's the major right because that's the major right because that's the major illustration from Genesis 2 to the last illustration from Genesis 2 to the last illustration from Genesis 2 to the last book of chapter of Revelation about the book of chapter of Revelation about the book of chapter of Revelation about the relationship between God and his people.

relationship between God and his people. relationship between God and his people. It's a marriage. And so in in trust, It's a marriage. And so in in trust, It's a marriage. And so in in trust, that doesn't end after the marriage that doesn't end after the marriage that doesn't end after the marriage vows. Absolutely. I mean hopefully that vows. Absolutely. I mean hopefully that vows. Absolutely. I mean hopefully that grows in a good relationship and it gets grows in a good relationship and it gets grows in a good relationship and it gets tested in different ways over time. You tested in different ways over time. You tested in different ways over time. You know, know, know, a wife learns that she can count on her a wife learns that she can count on her a wife learns that she can count on her husband when things aren't going well. husband when things aren't going well. husband when things aren't going well. He learns that he can count on her when He learns that he can count on her when He learns that he can count on her when things aren't going well with him. I things aren't going well with him. I things aren't going well with him. I mean one of the most profound things in mean one of the most profound things in mean one of the most profound things in a relationship is when you look at a relationship is when you look at a relationship is when you look at another person and you think, "You know another person and you think, "You know another person and you think, "You know what? You stuck with me Yeah. when a lot what? You stuck with me Yeah. when a lot what? You stuck with me Yeah. when a lot of people would have just tapped out. of people would have just tapped out. of people would have just tapped out. They would have said, "That's it. I'm They would have said, "That's it. I'm They would have said, "That's it. I'm done." And you stuck with me. Well, done." And you stuck with me. Well, done." And you stuck with me. Well, trust is something that is a part of a trust is something that is a part of a trust is something that is a part of a healthy relationship and that's how it healthy relationship and that's how it healthy relationship and that's how it is. It starts with trust and by God's is. It starts with trust and by God's is. It starts with trust and by God's grace faith grows over the course of the grace faith grows over the course of the grace faith grows over the course of the Christian life. Yeah, especially to the Christian life. Yeah, especially to the Christian life. Yeah, especially to the degree we come to understand the degree we come to understand the degree we come to understand the Father's heart. So it's, you know, J.I. Father's heart. So it's, you know, J.I. Father's heart. So it's, you know, J.I. Packer has a wonderful chapter in Packer has a wonderful chapter in Packer has a wonderful chapter in Knowing God on adoption. That's a Knowing God on adoption. That's a Knowing God on adoption. That's a doctrine we haven't touched on. We don't doctrine we haven't touched on. We don't doctrine we haven't touched on. We don't have the time to explore deeply, but have the time to explore deeply, but have the time to explore deeply, but let's just let's just suffice to say let's just let's just suffice to say let's just let's just suffice to say it's not just that we're right with God it's not just that we're right with God it's not just that we're right with God the judge.

the judge. the judge. We are also adopted by God the Father. We are also adopted by God the Father. We are also adopted by God the Father. It The criminal trial It The criminal trial It The criminal trial has become an adoption ceremony. He's has become an adoption ceremony. He's has become an adoption ceremony. He's not just declared us righteous in his not just declared us righteous in his not just declared us righteous in his courtroom. courtroom. courtroom. As it were, he said, "Oh yeah, and one As it were, he said, "Oh yeah, and one As it were, he said, "Oh yeah, and one more thing. more thing. more thing. You're coming home with me. You're coming home with me. You're coming home with me. You're coming to my living room and I'm You're coming to my living room and I'm You're coming to my living room and I'm giving you a bedroom and I have a seat giving you a bedroom and I have a seat giving you a bedroom and I have a seat at the dining room table for you night at the dining room table for you night at the dining room table for you night after night. And even now he beckons us after night. And even now he beckons us after night. And even now he beckons us to come afresh." So even pastors to come afresh." So even pastors to come afresh." So even pastors listening to this who listening to this who listening to this who who know this gospel, believe this who know this gospel, believe this who know this gospel, believe this gospel, preach this gospel, gospel, preach this gospel, gospel, preach this gospel, may have grown overly familiar with the may have grown overly familiar with the may have grown overly familiar with the gospel. May maybe it's long since ceased gospel. May maybe it's long since ceased gospel. May maybe it's long since ceased to stagger them. So I pray that that one to stagger them. So I pray that that one to stagger them. So I pray that that one effect of this conversation would just effect of this conversation would just effect of this conversation would just be that we would be freshly astounded by be that we would be freshly astounded by be that we would be freshly astounded by what God has done for us in Christ. what God has done for us in Christ. what God has done for us in Christ. Amen. Amen. Amen. Thanks for joining us for this episode Thanks for joining us for this episode Thanks for joining us for this episode of The Everyday Pastor. We hope it's of The Everyday Pastor. We hope it's of The Everyday Pastor. We hope it's been encouraging to you. We hope that been encouraging to you. We hope that been encouraging to you. We hope that your church would be centered on the your church would be centered on the your church would be centered on the good news of Jesus Christ. Please share good news of Jesus Christ. Please share good news of Jesus Christ. Please share this with others so that we can continue this with others so that we can continue this with others so that we can continue helping pastors and everyday Christians helping pastors and everyday Christians helping pastors and everyday Christians find fresh joy in the work of ministry.