Recently the following quote arrived in an email:
“The little Gospel promises me personal salvation and eternal life. But the robust Gospel doesn’t stop there; it also promises a new society and a new creation.”
1. How do you think this lines up with the Biblical message?
2. What are the implications of one’s (people's) view of this thought?
Diane
I think the problem you're running into is the vagueness of the statement.
It's true that the Gospel does promise a new society and a new creation; however, the lack of a clear definition leaves from for multiple interpretations.
roadsign wrote:
Recently the following quote arrived in an email:
“The little Gospel promises me personal salvation and eternal life. But the robust Gospel doesn’t stop there; it also promises a new society and a new creation.”
1. How do you think this lines up with the Biblical message?2. What are the implications of one’s (people's) view of this thought?
Diane
Diane, don't understand the LITTLE GOSPEL. Perhaps they made a feeble attempt in words and meant the simplicity of the Gospel. Many people struggle with the simplicity of the gospel as Paul described.
2 Cor 11:3
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty,[b] so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
KJV
2 Cor 1:12
12[b] For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God,
KJV
Rom 12:8
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth,[b] let him do it with simplicity;
KJV
I don't know if this has any bearing on what you were referring to. Just thinking outloud. The Gospel is certainly is not a little Gospel. Many miss it because of the simplicity of it. Jesus gave it all for us. The only person that was not deserving of death and penalty for sin was Jesus. He who knew no sin was made sin for us, that we might be the righteousness of God in Chrsit Jesus.
I agree... this is too vague. I would have to see the context of this statement in order to know what it means.
If it means that we have the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, then I would agree. If it means that our earthly society will improve... sorry, thats not what the Bible says. It's only gonna get worse.
But like I said, without any context there is no possible way to understand what they mean by this statement.
Krispy
This statement implies two gospels, at best and is in itself a misrepresentation of the Gospel which is Christ in you the Hope of Glory! One gospel, one hope, on God, one Baptism, one Spirit.
Am I right?
There is a new creation within and future.
Heb 2:8 "...But now we do not yet see all thinggs subjected to Him."
does this verse imply a future 'new creation' event as when the Lord comes again?
Krispy said:
I would have to see the context
…don't understand the LITTLE GOSPEL.
implies two gospels
And this:
It's true that the Gospel does promise a new society and a new creation;
What did Jesus teach regarding these matters?
Diane
I say we delve into the parables. Those are nuggets of pure gold in doctrine and wisdom.
Anyone...anyone...
The little Gospel promises me personal salvation and eternal life
As soon as I read this I saw the picture in my mind of the little 1 1/2" x 2" printings of the gospels they handed out when I was a child. (I think they were all the gospels? They may have been of just John, I don't remember completely.)
It is quite strange as to why they would use the comparision of "little" vs. "robust", unless they were seeking to imply that it was somehow incomplete.
Yet, I'm not sure about this "new society" phrase, as society seems more human a term more discriptive of human forms of behavior: culture, organizations, classes... etc.; except they are refering to the people of God as becoming a new form of "social- civilization"?
To me, it seems they are putting a box on the whole thing anyway, neglecting that the "personal salvation" I receive from believe the gospel gives me NEW LIFE, the very life of God helping me at this present moment- shaping me for an eternity that far, far surpasses "a new society".
Praise God, I can be a "new creation" at this moment, looking forward to the completion of His work on that final day!
The kingdom of heaven being so great a pearl that I would sell all that I have (an am for that matter)to obtain it.
I suppose that all in all I would say that it is an intellectual born thought meant to cause people to intellectually consider the gospels meaning; but lacks true conversion!
In Christ,
Lori
Amen! If this Gospel is any more complicated than that it is because of men eager to explain away the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I say we delve into the parables. Those are nuggets of pure gold in doctrine and wisdom.
Anyone...anyone...
This would make a great study! In Jesus’ parables, he emphasizes a spiritual, eternal kingdom that is very “other” from our present visible, earthly kingdoms. And they all emphasize personal salvation! No one can slip in by the flame of someone one else’s oil.
I have been sensing a subtle shift in the religious community - from the “personal” idea of salvation towards a more social and ecological “salvation”. This shift affects the way missions is viewed, social issues are addressed, environmentalism, etc. Character quality, spiritual maturity, relationships, forgiveness, etc seem to take a back seat. …
The faulty way of thinking is fuelled by the assumption that former preoccupation with personal belief and personal piety has been the cause for much social negligence by the church - and thus we see fervent attempts to "broaden" the focus.
a new form of "social- civilization"
Diane
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