This past week I was reading Dudley’s Monthly Message, entitled “Gospel Culture”. I found it to be enlightening and powerful. It is based on Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. “Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel which I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand…” (I Cor. 15.1-2, CSB). Dudley opens his message with this. “Clear gospel proclamation promotes a gospel culture that produces a full salvation, that restores both humans and creation to Divine design.” It would be well at this time to read vss. 1-8.
The gospel is not just a belief that you’re going to go to heaven one day. Maybe saved and satisfied. No, it is much more than that. Dudley points out that it seems very clear that “Paul sees the gospel that he proclaims as the narrative that completes the Old Testament story. He recounts Jesus’ life as fulfillment of the Scriptures… it is a story that Jesus completed. It is not a theological concept or religious precept.”
Dudley goes on to say. “True gospel culture is created when the gospel of the completed story is proclaimed and people receive it, stand on it, and continue in it. The finished work of Jesus as the climax of the story of the Bible and the completion of Israel’s purpose becomes the living truth that changes our perspective, and thus our goals. We are grateful for salvation that lasts forever beyond physical death and that empowers us to be fully human, in partnership with God as we claim everything that Jesus’ blood redeemed. However, we are not fixated on a plan. We are enamored with the person of Jesus who leads us in glorious triumph over all that Hell can concoct.”
And what is the result of this trust in the powerful gospel? “Our glory is wrapped up in His. We are in Him, and His inheritance is ours. Believing that causes us to worship at all times, live in submissive love with all those in the community of faith, and confidently move out towards the fields yet clouded with the darkness of Satan’s deception. Heaven awaits, but the kingdom of our King is operating now.” Dudley concludes with this challenge. “How do we foster a gospel culture? Proclaim the New Testament gospel. Tell the biblical narrative with Jesus alone as the point.”
Well said, Dudley! The gospel should be transforming our lives by accepting it, believing it, living in it, and sharing it until Jesus returns or he calls us home. So, I ask you this question…what is the gospel to you?