How does accepting Jesus Christ as Savior grow into discipleship? In N.T. Wright’s book Surprised by Hope, he dares to question what he calls the “two-part gospel.” In so doing, he enlarges our understanding of the gospel.
The Two-Part Gospel
The “two-part gospel” addresses a limited view of personal salvation. That view includes:
- Part 1: We are flawed and sinful people.
- Part 2: Jesus came to save us and make us right with God.
Many of us who have grown up in an evangelical environment find these two parts familiar. Is the gospel more than finding God through Jesus, helping others meet him, and waiting for the afterlife? Isn’t salvation more than forgiveness of our sins and the promise of heaven when we die? I might do good things, but shouldn’t I use those actions to evangelize?
The Four-Part Gospel
Wright suggests a four-part gospel. His four-part gospel differs from the one I have heard all my life: God loves you, you have sinned, Jesus died to save you from your sin, and you must receive Jesus. He is not discounting any of the statements I believed. Instead, he is putting the gospel in a larger frame. The four-part gospel he outlines is:
- Part 1: God created the world and declared it good. It brought God pleasure.
- Part 2. The world was broken through the Fall. We became flawed and sinful people.
- Part 3. Jesus came to save us and make us right with God. He enlists us for God’s work.
- Part 4. God is actively working to make all things new again. His work will culminate in the arrival of the New Heavens and New Earth as described in Revelation.
In Ephesians, Paul wrote:
… by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God… we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:8, 10).
Ephesians 2:8, 10
In the four-part gospel, God saves us, inviting us to join him in his work in the world. God created the world. He created mankind in his image to live in relationship with him. Jesus assigned us the task of bringing in the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:9, 10). We don’t miss heaven; we help bring heaven to earth in our attitudes and actions, our words and ways. Filled with the Holy Spirit, we find the energy to fulfill our eternal purpose by bringing about the kingdom of God.
Conclusion
Jesus Christ died on the cross to address our sins. He conquered death with his resurrection. When God saves us, he places us in Christ, and the Spirit of Christ lives in us so we may be like Christ. The four-part gospel reminds us that God designs faith to allow the Holy Spirit to transform every aspect of our lives. How is Christ making himself known in your attitudes, your family, your relationships, your work, and your play? How does your faith affect your spheres of influence?
God promises a New Heaven and a New Earth. How does he want you to help answer that prayer you’ve prayed so often?
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10
At the heart of the gospel is Jesus, and he invites everyone who believes to join him in his kingdom work.
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The Four-Part Gospel
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Posted: March 10, 2020 by Harry Lucenay
How does accepting Jesus Christ as Savior grow into discipleship? In N.T. Wright’s book Surprised by Hope, he dares to question what he calls the “two-part gospel.” In so doing, he enlarges our understanding of the gospel.
The Two-Part Gospel
The “two-part gospel” addresses a limited view of personal salvation. That view includes:
Many of us who have grown up in an evangelical environment find these two parts familiar. Is the gospel more than finding God through Jesus, helping others meet him, and waiting for the afterlife? Isn’t salvation more than forgiveness of our sins and the promise of heaven when we die? I might do good things, but shouldn’t I use those actions to evangelize?
The Four-Part Gospel
Wright suggests a four-part gospel. His four-part gospel differs from the one I have heard all my life: God loves you, you have sinned, Jesus died to save you from your sin, and you must receive Jesus. He is not discounting any of the statements I believed. Instead, he is putting the gospel in a larger frame. The four-part gospel he outlines is:
In Ephesians, Paul wrote:
In the four-part gospel, God saves us, inviting us to join him in his work in the world. God created the world. He created mankind in his image to live in relationship with him. Jesus assigned us the task of bringing in the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:9, 10). We don’t miss heaven; we help bring heaven to earth in our attitudes and actions, our words and ways. Filled with the Holy Spirit, we find the energy to fulfill our eternal purpose by bringing about the kingdom of God.
Conclusion
Jesus Christ died on the cross to address our sins. He conquered death with his resurrection. When God saves us, he places us in Christ, and the Spirit of Christ lives in us so we may be like Christ. The four-part gospel reminds us that God designs faith to allow the Holy Spirit to transform every aspect of our lives. How is Christ making himself known in your attitudes, your family, your relationships, your work, and your play? How does your faith affect your spheres of influence?
God promises a New Heaven and a New Earth. How does he want you to help answer that prayer you’ve prayed so often?
At the heart of the gospel is Jesus, and he invites everyone who believes to join him in his kingdom work.
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