In this series we share, in bite-sized chunks, the foundation documents of The Gospel Coalition Australia, that have their origin in the establishment of The Gospel Coalition in the United States of America in 2004. The documents are comprised of a Preamble, a Confessional Statement and a Theological Vision for Ministry.
The whole series can be browsed here.
This gospel fills Christians with humility and hope, meekness and boldness, in a unique way. The biblical gospel differs markedly from traditional religions as well as from secularism. Religions operate on the principle: “I obey, therefore I am accepted,” but the gospel principle is: “I am accepted through Christ, therefore I obey.” So the gospel differs from both irreligion and religion. You can seek to be your own “lord and saviour” by breaking the law of God, but you can also do so by keeping the law in order to earn your salvation.
The Gospel vs Uncritical Secular Self-Esteem and Crushing Religious Guilt
Irreligion and secularism tend to inflate self–encouraging, uncritical, “self–esteem”; religion and moralism crush people under guilt from ethical standards that are impossible to maintain. The gospel, however, humbles and affirms us at the same time, since, in Christ, each of us is simultaneously just, and a sinner still. At the same time, we are more flawed and sinful than we ever dared believe, yet we are more loved and accepted than we ever dared hope.
The Gospel vs Selfish Individualism and Religious Tribalism
Secularism tends to make people selfish and individualistic. Religion and morality in general tend to make people tribal and self–righteous toward other groups (since their salvation has, they think, been earned by their achievement). But the gospel of grace, centred on a man dying for us while we were his enemies, removes self–righteousness and selfishness and turns its members to serve others both for the temporal flourishing of all people, especially the poor, and for their salvation. It moves us to serve others irrespective of their merits, just as Christ served us (Mk 10:45).
The Gospel vs Fear and Pride
Secularism and religion conform people to behavioural norms through fear (of consequences) and pride (a desire for self–aggrandizement). The gospel moves people to holiness and service out of grateful joy for grace, and out of love of the glory of God for who he is in himself.
