It was Dr. Tim Keller who said, “The gospel is not the first ‘step’ in a ‘stairway’ of truths, rather, it is more like the ‘hub’ in a ‘wheel’ of truth. The gospel is not just the A-B-C’s but the A to Z of Christianity. The gospel is not just the minimum required doctrine necessary to enter the kingdom, but the way we make all progress in the kingdom.”
As we look to be imitators of Christ, our hearts can be driven to discouragement. If we are honest, there are times when we seem to be growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ and other times we feel like we are not moving at all. It is in those times that we see more and more our sinfulness. But if we keep our eyes fixed on the gospel (the assurance that we have indeed died to the guilt of sin and that there is no condemnation for us in Christ Jesus) as the means of our progress, then the gospel becomes the motivation for us and keep us going even when we fail. When we see that our “righteousness” and “justification” is secured in Christ’s moral perfection and work on the cross, we have the freedom to act radically for the glory of God with out fear of failure. Our text this Sunday (2 Peter 1:3-9) is a good example of how the gospel does its transforming work in our lives. Consider reading it several times over the next few days and discover for yourself how God’s amazing grace in the gospel can transform your heart and life.