The Gospel: To Save and Train

Gospel. It literally means “good news.” Specifically, it means that the Kingdom of God is here in Jesus who came to save us – sinners condemned – in spite of ourselves because of the great love of our good God. The Gospel is the message of our salvation.

But a subtle misunderstanding can accompany this message: that the Gospel is just for salvation. Sometimes, we might even think of the Gospel as something we graduate from as Christians, as if once we’ve been saved, we can move on to other things.

 

While the Gospel is the message of our salvation, it is so much more. Paul wrote to the church at Rome that the Gospel is 1) the power of God that brings salvation and 2) the righteousness of God revealed.

 

¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. ¹⁷ For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Romans 1:16-17 ESV

 

So yes, we get that first part right. The Gospel is for our salvation. But if we dig a little deeper into Paul’s words, we see that there is a correlation between Gospel, righteousness, and faith.

 

The Christian progression isn’t salvation by the Gospel, then spiritual growth, having moved on from the Gospel. The Christian progression is salvation by the Gospel, moving on to training by the Gospel. The Gospel is what grows us spiritually. By recognizing our constant dependence on the Gospel, by keeping it front and center in our lives, we are moving toward growth in righteousness.

 

The gospel isn’t just what saves us, it’s what trains us.

 

¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, ¹² training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

Titus 2:11-12 ESV

 

What does this mean for us practically? How can we be trained by the Gospel? It starts with awareness and daily honoring of the reality that we were sinners (who still sin), who have been saved by grace. This promotes our humility which puts us in a right posture with God and others. This also promotes gratitude for what God has done and continues to do. Finally, by living in the truth of the Gospel, we recognize and value what pleases God, as it shows us how to live in righteousness.

 

The Gospel isn’t just what saves us, it’s what trains us. As you meditate on this truth today, may God show you the power of the Gospel to transform your life.

 

Reflection:

Previously did you understand the Gospel as being for salvation only or also for growth? How often do you think about the Gospel? How does the Gospel touch your life today?