Engaging Different Views of the Gospel

I think one reason I think one reason why you can find some confusion in why you can find some confusion in why you can find some confusion in evangelicalism evangelicalism 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 our mutual friend directions. So, our our mutual friend directions. So, our our mutual friend Greg Gilbert wrote a little book called Greg Gilbert wrote a little book called Greg Gilbert wrote a little book called What is the Gospel? And in the beginning What is the Gospel? And in the beginning What 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 of statements that he has heard made of 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 I'd like to through all of them, but I I'd like to through all of them, but I I'd like to do three of them just to give you an do three of them just to give you an do three of them just to give you an idea of how people will posture this. idea of how people will posture this. idea of how people will posture this. Here's Here's one. The good news is Here's Here's one. The good news is Here's 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. wine. wine. But are you willing to get rid of your But are you willing to get rid of your But are you willing to get rid of your old wine skins? Will you start thinking old wine skins? Will you start thinking old wine skins? Will you start thinking bigger? Will you enlarge your vision and bigger? Will you enlarge your vision and bigger? Will you enlarge your vision and get rid of those old negative mindsets get rid of those old negative mindsets get rid of those old negative mindsets that hold you back? And the that hold you back? And the that hold you back? And the the the psychological the the psychological the the psychological kind of language there, the subjective kind of language there, the subjective kind of language there, the subjective and emotional it you you can almost feel and emotional it you you can almost feel and emotional it you you can almost feel the sort of that's a little it's sort of the sort of that's a little it's sort of the sort of that's a little it's sort of health and wealth gospel light in in the health and wealth gospel light in in the health and wealth gospel light in in the very formulation of that. And you can very formulation of that. And you can very formulation of that. And you can hear that in a lot of churches that hear that in a lot of churches that hear that in a lot of churches that think of themselves as self-consciously think of themselves as self-consciously think of themselves as self-consciously evangelical. They're um they're evangelical. They're um they're evangelical. They're um they're therapeutic maybe in the way that they

therapeutic maybe in the way that they therapeutic maybe in the way that they present the gospel. So, there's one present the gospel. So, there's one present the gospel. So, there's one example example 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 those who trust in him those who trust in him may know that their guilt has been may know that their guilt has been may know that their guilt has been pardoned once and for all. pardoned once and for all. pardoned once and 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? of God's judgment? of God's judgment? Only one thing. Only one thing. 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 what it means. exposition of what it means. exposition of what it means. >> made into an evangelistic booklet. >> made into an evangelistic booklet. >> made into an evangelistic 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 tenofthose.com. So, you're And if if at tenofthose.com. So, you're And if if at tenofthose.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. Uh he says but I think it's interesting. Uh he says but I think it's interesting. Uh 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 The gospel itself The gospel itself refers to the proclamation that Jesus, refers to the proclamation that Jesus, refers to the proclamation that Jesus, the crucified and risen Messiah the crucified and risen Messiah the crucified 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 false false juxtaposition and it ends up being very juxtaposition and it ends up being very juxtaposition and it ends up being very very unhelpful. But you do get this sort very unhelpful. But you do get this sort very unhelpful. But you do get this sort of the gospel is about kingship or it's of the gospel is about kingship or it's of the gospel is about kingship or it's about lordship. It's not about salvation about lordship. It's not about salvation about lordship. It's not about salvation from sin. And I I think that's confused from sin. And I I think that's confused from sin. And I I think that's confused a lot of folks in the evangelical world. a lot of folks in the evangelical world. a lot of folks in the evangelical world. You know, you have people talk about a You know, you have people talk about a You know, you have people talk about a soterian gospel and you hear boo when soterian gospel and you hear boo when soterian gospel and you hear boo when they say that. And then a king Jesus they say that. And then a king Jesus they say that. And then a king Jesus gospel and that's yay, that's a that's a gospel and that's yay, that's a that's a gospel and that's yay, that's a that's a good present. So, that's confused I good present. So, that's confused I good present. 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. But I didn't hear any good news. But I didn't hear any good news. And and that's the fundamental And and that's the fundamental And and that's the fundamental distinction between Christianity and distinction between Christianity and distinction between Christianity and every other philosophy, religion, and every other philosophy, religion, and every other philosophy, religion, and worldview on the market. Is we're not worldview on the market. Is we're not worldview on the market. Is we're not merely offering good advice. We're merely offering good advice. We're merely offering good advice. We're announcing good news. Yeah. announcing good news. Yeah. announcing good news. Yeah. The this breaking headline from heaven's The this breaking headline from heaven's The this breaking headline from heaven's press room press room press room of what God has accomplished of what God has accomplished 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. And in 1 Corinthians, go ahead. himself. And in 1 Corinthians, go ahead. himself. 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 received." Now received." Now this means that he's drawing from this means that he's drawing from this means that he's drawing from earlier teaching that was circulating earlier teaching that was circulating earlier teaching that was circulating around. Some think it was an early creed around. Some think it was an early creed around. Some think it was an early creed or hymn. And here's what it is.

or hymn. And here's what it is. or hymn. And here's what it 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, to the scriptures, to the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised that he was buried, that he was raised that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the on the third day according to the on the third day according to the scriptures." And then the appearances. scriptures." And then the appearances. scriptures." And then the appearances. So, just as the the burial verified that So, just as the the burial verified that So, just as the the burial verified that he really died so the appearances he really died so the appearances he really died so the appearances verified that he really rose. verified that he really rose. verified that he really 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. >> be bad news. >> be bad news. >> be bad news. >> Yeah. The The fact that the Lord Jesus >> Yeah. The The fact that the Lord Jesus >> Yeah. The The fact that the Lord Jesus Christ has been enthroned as king Christ has been enthroned as king Christ 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. for that is really bad news for me. for that is really bad news for me. for enemies of his kingdom. Yeah. So, so the enemies of his kingdom. Yeah. So, so the enemies of his kingdom. Yeah. So, so the gospel is the good news of how you can gospel is the good news of how you can 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 forgiven of be adopted into his family forgiven of be adopted into his family forgiven of your sins, given the hope of everlasting your sins, given the hope of everlasting your sins, given the hope of everlasting life. Amen. I'm I'm glad you I had I I life. Amen. I'm I'm glad you I had I I life. Amen. I'm I'm glad you I had I I was hoping to 1 Corinthians 15 as well.

was hoping to 1 Corinthians 15 as well. was hoping to 1 Corinthians 15 as well. Let me amen Charlie you and point out Let me amen Charlie you and point out Let me amen Charlie you and point out two other things. When Paul says, "For I two other things. When Paul says, "For I two other 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 that was given to me. I'm not that was given to me. I'm not >> the same thing in Galatians 1. >> the same thing in Galatians 1. >> the 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 then So amen to what you say there. And then So amen to what you say there. And then notice that he specifically notice that he specifically 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 Christ died for our sins Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures and he was according to the scriptures and he was according to the scriptures and he was buried and he was raised on the third buried and he was raised on the third buried and he was raised on the third day according the scriptures. So, there day according the scriptures. So, there day according the scriptures. So, there he does something that Jesus does in he does something that Jesus does in he does something that Jesus does in Luke 24 which is you can't understand me Luke 24 which is you can't understand me Luke 24 which is you can't understand me unless you understand that I am the unless you understand that I am the unless you understand that I am the fulfillment of what the Old Testament fulfillment of what the Old Testament fulfillment of what the Old Testament teaches about the Messiah. That is that teaches about the Messiah. That is that teaches about the Messiah. That is that the Messiah has to be humiliated because the Messiah has to be humiliated because the Messiah has to be humiliated because of the sins of his people. And he has to of the sins of his people. And he has to of the sins of his people. And he has to be exalted in the resurrection for be exalted in the resurrection for be exalted in the resurrection for victory over sin and death and hell on victory over sin and death and hell on victory over sin and death and hell on their behalf. And here there's Paul just

their behalf. And here there's Paul just their behalf. And here there's Paul just laying it out. So, it's it's something laying it out. So, it's it's something laying it out. So, it's it's something that's objective. We haven't contributed that's objective. We haven't contributed that's 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 a when the king wins the battle he sends a when the king wins the battle he sends a herald back to the city not to tell them herald back to the city not to tell them herald back to the city not to tell them what to do, but that the battle has been what to do, but that the battle has been what to do, but that the battle has been won by the king. Good news. It's an won by the king. Good news. It's an 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 something that they they've done or something that they they've done or something that they should do. But it's something that the should do. But it's something that the should do. But it's something that the king has done. And so, that objective king has done. And so, that objective king has done. And so, that objective work of Christ that we say yes, he is work of Christ that we say yes, he is work of Christ that we say yes, he is the king. But he's he is the king first the king. But he's he is the king first the king. But he's he is the king first of all in fulfillment of the promises of of all in fulfillment of the promises of of all in fulfillment of the promises of God to to David. So, anybody that talks God to to David. So, anybody that talks God to to David. So, anybody that talks about a gospel of Jesus kingship or about a gospel of Jesus kingship or about a gospel of Jesus kingship or lordship apart from the Davidic lordship apart from the Davidic lordship apart from the Davidic prophecies of the Old Testament is just prophecies of the Old Testament is just prophecies of the Old Testament is just wresting that idea out of its biblical wresting that idea out of its biblical wresting that idea out of its biblical theological framework. And why why do we theological framework. And why why do we theological framework. And why why do we need a king who is the son of David need a king who is the son of David need a king who is the son of David who's going to build the temple? Because

who's going to build the temple? Because who's going to build the temple? Because over and over in the history the kings over and over in the history the kings over and over 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 failed. They failed. We We We finally failed. They failed. We We We finally need a king that does not fail who need a king that does not fail who need a king that does not fail who perfectly represents what God intends perfectly represents what God intends perfectly represents what God intends for the rule over his people, who obeys for the rule over his people, who obeys for the rule over his people, who obeys the law perfectly. And the law perfectly. And the law 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 [snorts] have when I I know that you [snorts] have when I I know that you [snorts] have you've sort of roughed out a four-point you've sort of roughed out a four-point you've sort of roughed out a four-point outline that you often use in sharing outline that you often use in sharing outline that you often use in sharing the gospel. Give me Give me the gospel. Give me Give me the gospel. 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 in his list of things that he's heard in his list of things that he's heard 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 in the news of what God has achieved in the news of what God has achieved in the person of Jesus Christ through his life, person of Jesus Christ through his life, person of Jesus Christ through his life, death, resurrection in order to death, resurrection in order to death, resurrection in order to reconcile rebels like us to himself.

reconcile rebels like us to himself. reconcile rebels like us to himself. That's good. And I think there can be an That's good. And I think there can be an That's good. And I think there can be an allergy allergy allergy today to what can feel like a mere today to what can feel like a mere today to what can feel like a mere transactional gospel. And I understand transactional gospel. And I understand transactional gospel. And I understand that. We don't want to present the that. We don't want to present the that. We don't want to present the gospel in a formulaic way. It is the gospel in a formulaic way. It is the gospel in a formulaic way. It is the gospel story. It is this sweeping, gospel story. It is this sweeping, gospel story. It is this sweeping, glorious narrative from Genesis glorious narrative from Genesis 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 just justification and more is more than just justification and more is more than just justification and more than just you know, there's all kinds of than just you know, there's all kinds of than 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 than Yeah. answering the question, less than Yeah. answering the question, less than Yeah. answering the question, what must I do to be saved to be what must I do to be saved to be what must I do to be saved to be reconciled to God. reconciled to God. reconciled to 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, us into a family, us into a family, into a body. He's making us a temple. into a body. He's making us a temple. into a body. He's making us a temple. You know, we are the body of Christ. You know, we are the body of Christ. You know, we are the body of Christ. We're not saved as as you to to go off We're not saved as as you to to go off We're not saved as as you to to go off and be lone rangers somewhere. We're and be lone rangers somewhere. We're 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 >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> 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. I know we've talked about the I know we've talked about the 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. If if pastors listening to this >> Yes. If if pastors listening to this >> Yes. If if pastors listening to this are going to make it are going to make it are going to make it in their own hearts, souls, in their in their own hearts, souls, in their 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. cross. cross. 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. And you penal substitutionary atonement. And you penal substitutionary atonement. And you and I would both agree, there's a lot and I would both agree, there's a lot and I would both agree, there's a lot going on going on 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. But, help us understand what we mean by But, help us understand what we mean by penal substitution penal substitution penal substitution >> Yeah. and why that's actually what makes >> Yeah. and why that's actually what makes >> Yeah. and why that's actually what makes sense of all the other glorious sense of all the other glorious sense of all the other glorious realities the cross accomplished. Yeah, realities the cross accomplished. Yeah, realities the cross accomplished. Yeah, and long before John Mark Comer made his and long before John Mark Comer made his and long before John Mark Comer made his criticisms, there've been lots of people criticisms, there've been lots of people criticisms, there've been lots of people with popular criticisms of the the with popular criticisms of the the with popular criticisms of the the doctrine of penal substitutionary doctrine of penal substitutionary doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement. But, atonement. But, 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 heard people seminary student and when I heard people seminary student and when I heard people say, oh, the the say, oh, the the say, oh, the the evangelical teaching on the cross is evangelical teaching on the cross is evangelical teaching on the cross is cosmic child abuse. I've you know, all cosmic child abuse. I've you know, all cosmic child abuse. I've you know, all all those sorts of things. But, the New all those sorts of things. But, the New all those sorts of things. But, 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. Jesus will say things to his disciples Jesus will say things to his disciples Jesus will say things to his disciples like, no man takes my life from me. I like, no man takes my life from me. I like, no man takes my life from me. I lay it down of my own accord. lay it down of my own accord. lay it down of my own 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 thought save him. Right. I've I've often thought save him. Right. I've I've often thought I wonder whether the prayer, Father, I wonder whether the prayer, Father, I wonder whether the prayer, Father, forgive them for they know not what they forgive them for they know not what they forgive them for they know not what they do, do, 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 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 picture in the New deserve. And so, the picture in the New deserve. And so, the picture in the New Testament of the cross is not of the of Testament of the cross is not of the of Testament of the cross is not of the of the savior on the cross the savior on the cross the savior on the cross trying to get God to love his people.

trying to get God to love his people. trying to get God to love his people. Mhm. He's on the cross because of the Mhm. He's on the cross because of the Mhm. He's on the cross because of the Father's love for his people. And Father's love for his people. And Father's love for his people. And because he loves to do the Father's because he loves to do the Father's because he loves to do the Father's will. will. will. And because he And because he And because he >> For the joy set before him, he's there. >> For the joy set before him, he's there. >> For the 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 against God. And he he this rebellion against God. And he he this rebellion 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. He stand in that woman's place. He stand in that woman's place. He he received in his body he received in his body he received in his body on the tree the due penalty of our sins. on the tree the due penalty of our sins. on the tree the due penalty of our sins. >> 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. It's all over the place. It's all over the place. And And And in doing so, he I love the way John in doing so, he I love the way John in doing so, he I love the way John Murray says this in in Murray says this in in Murray says this in in in Redemption Accomplished and Applied. in Redemption Accomplished and Applied. in Redemption Accomplished and Applied. In In In in his work on the cross, our sins are in his work on the cross, our sins are in his work on the cross, our sins are not canceled, they are liquidated.

not canceled, they are liquidated. not canceled, they 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, oh, I'm just going to forget about those oh, I'm just going to forget about those oh, I'm just going to forget about those sins. No, the debt is liquidated. It is sins. No, the debt is liquidated. It is sins. No, the debt is liquidated. It is paid in full. There's not And which is paid in full. There's not And which is paid in full. There's not And which is one reason why the accuser on the last one reason why the accuser on the last one reason why the accuser on the last day will be powerless against us. day will be powerless against us. day will be powerless against us. You know, when when he says, but Matt You know, when when he says, but Matt You know, when when he says, but Matt Smethurst was a sinner. Smethurst was a sinner. 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. >> Yes. >> Yes. if you're in Christ, the sins you cannot if you're in Christ, the sins you cannot if you're in Christ, the sins you cannot forget, God does not remember. And and forget, God does not remember. And and forget, God does not remember. And and that obedience, that negative obedience that obedience, that negative obedience that obedience, that negative obedience in which he bears the penalty on the in which he bears the penalty on the in which he bears the penalty on the tree is the culmination of a lifelong of tree is the culmination of a lifelong of tree is the culmination of a lifelong of positive obedience. positive obedience. 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 active dies, you know, thank God for the active dies, you know, thank God for the active obedience of Christ, no hope without it.

obedience of Christ, no hope without it. obedience of Christ, no hope without it. So, it's it's not only that Christ has So, it's it's not only that Christ has So, it's it's not only that Christ has borne that penalty. It's he's as you borne that penalty. It's he's as you borne that penalty. It's he's as you just said, he lived a life just said, he lived a life just said, he lived a life that we could not live and he died a that we could not live and he died a that we could not live and he died a death that we deserved to die. So, that death that we deserved to die. So, that death that we deserved to die. So, that we we we And we need both of that. And we need both of that. And we need both of that. >> And that's what he's done on the cross.