The Gospel is...
See my response to the insightful discussion under the previous entry "What is the Gospel?" Perhaps summarizing the discussion rather nicely are Tim Keller's comments on the gospel. Keller perceives three main perspectives or facets to the gospel"
1) Normative Aspect (Gospel of Christ) - stresses objective, historic work of Christ
2) Existential Aspect (Gospel of sonship) - stresses our new identity in Christ
3) Situational Aspect (Gospel of the kingdom) - stresses the reversal of values in the new creation.
He writes: "WE need all three perspectives, though each perspective is not simply a 'part' of the gospel. For example, the 'kingdom' perspective contains the other two. If God is king, then salvation must be by grace, for if we are saved by works, something else will be our Lord an Savior. Or if we have a new identiy in Christ by sheer grace, then we must not look down at anyone else, and self-justification is the basis of racism and injustice. If you go deep enough into any one perspective you will find the other two."
Taken from his handout "Unintentional Preaching Models" at the Gordon-Conwell Ockenga Pastor's Forum 2006, which will form part of his forthcoming book.
1) Normative Aspect (Gospel of Christ) - stresses objective, historic work of Christ
2) Existential Aspect (Gospel of sonship) - stresses our new identity in Christ
3) Situational Aspect (Gospel of the kingdom) - stresses the reversal of values in the new creation.
He writes: "WE need all three perspectives, though each perspective is not simply a 'part' of the gospel. For example, the 'kingdom' perspective contains the other two. If God is king, then salvation must be by grace, for if we are saved by works, something else will be our Lord an Savior. Or if we have a new identiy in Christ by sheer grace, then we must not look down at anyone else, and self-justification is the basis of racism and injustice. If you go deep enough into any one perspective you will find the other two."
Taken from his handout "Unintentional Preaching Models" at the Gordon-Conwell Ockenga Pastor's Forum 2006, which will form part of his forthcoming book.
posted by Jonathan Dodson @ 11:21 AM
6 Comments:
At 11:42 AM,
QUASAR9 said…
Yep, however one must know when to criticise. After all do not non-christian jews criticise christians for being 'silent' or deaf & dumb in nazi germany. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil, is (must be true) of the kingdom. For 'real evil' cannot enter. Laters ... Q
At 1:59 PM,
Jonathan Dodson said…
Indeed, which is precisely what the gospel of the kingdom is about, the reversal of evil and de-creation. In Christ, God will renew and restore all things making the new heavens and earth an inheritance for all who hope in him. Thus, evil is dealt with in the gospel--judged at the cross and reversed at the consummation. The real question is whether or not we will repent of our own evil and embrace God's gracious provision of redemption in Jesus.
At 6:37 AM,
Bob said…
Keller's model once again proves that John Frame is the most important theologian alive today. This is just Frame's epistemological hermeneutic of 'perspectivalism' applied to the gospel. Good stuff.
At 8:02 AM,
Jonathan Dodson said…
A bit strong, dont you think...the best theologian alive? Dont get me wrong, I have enjoyed Frame...but he wasnt the first to pursue perspectivalism. Poythress also did this in symphonic theology. Nevertheless, it does provide a good "perspective" on the gospel.
At 12:18 PM,
Bob said…
Jonathan, come on, brother... don't misquote me! I didn't say "best"; I said "most important." In terms of the scope of his influence and the usefulness of his theological models (like perspectivalism).
But I willingly confess to having a blatant man-crush on Dr. Frame. :)
At 12:25 PM,
Jonathan Dodson said…
a thousand apologies, indeed, i did misquote you!
:)
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