Is The Gospel Just About My Sins Being Forgiven, Or Is There More?
The Gospel in Focus:
The Gospel is not merely about the forgiveness of sins; it encompasses a profound inheritance prepared by God for those who believe. Scripture teaches that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are not only justified but also made heirs together with Christ. This inheritance is the promise of eternal life, a hope laid up in the heavens, and a share in the glory of God. The biblical understanding is that God, from eternity past, predestined believers to be conformed to the image of His Son, to be His children, and to partake in His divine nature (Ephesians 1:11-14).
The significance of understanding the Gospel as an inheritance is profound. It shifts the focus from a sin-conscious mindset to one of hope and glory. The inheritance is not earned by works or adherence to the law but is a gift of grace through faith. This perspective emphasizes that believers are already qualified to partake in the inheritance of the saints in light, having been transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of the beloved Son (Colossians 1:12-13).
Summary of Misconceptions:
â–ş Claim: The Gospel is primarily about sin and repentance.
However, scripture teaches the opposite. The Gospel is an announcement of an inheritance, a promise of eternal life with Christ, and a declaration of peace with God (Galatians 3:8; Romans 4:13). It is not centered on sin but on the glorious inheritance reserved for believers.
â–ş Claim: Inheritance is earned through works or adherence to the law.
Many teach that salvation is a gift, but inheritance is a matter of works. This view misunderstands the biblical principle that the inheritance is secured by faith, not by law. The law cannot annul the promise made to Abraham and his seed, which is Christ (Galatians 3:16-18). For it is written, "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them" (Galatians 3:10). This indicates that reliance on the law leads to a curse, rather than blessing.
We have been baptized into Christ and have put Him on and are therefore counted as heirs with the HEIR, which is Christ (Galatians 3:26-29). In (Romans 8:17), it states, "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." This affirms that we are heirs through our identification with Him, not through our works. Furthermore, (Ephesians 2:8-9) further asserts, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Therefore, our inheritance in Christ is firmly rooted in faith and grace, rather than works.
What Scripture Actually Says:
The Gospel, as preached to Abraham, was entirely positive and focused on the promise of blessing and inheritance without reference to sin (Galatians 3:8). The inheritance is a testament secured by the death and resurrection of Christ, making believers co-heirs with Him. The Spirit of sonship, received through faith, liberates believers from sin consciousness and fear, affirming their status as children of God and heirs of His promises (Romans 8:15-17).
Correct Understanding from Scripture:
Inheritance by Faith: Believers are heirs according to the promise, not through the law but through faith (Galatians 3:29). This inheritance is secured in Christ, the seed of Abraham.
Eternal Life as Inheritance: The promise of eternal life is the inheritance laid up for believers in the heavens (1 Peter 1:3-4). It is incorruptible and undefiled.
Spirit of Sonship: The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, confirming our inheritance (Romans 8:16-17). This Spirit is a foretaste of the age to come.
Christ as Our Portion: God Himself in Christ is our portion and satisfaction, and knowing Him is central to the Gospel (Ephesians 1:17-18).
Freed from Sin Consciousness: The Gospel perfects the conscience, freeing believers to enjoy their inheritance in Christ (Hebrews 9:14).
Implications/Damage of Misunderstanding:
Sin Consciousness: Focusing solely on sin and repentance can lead to a life of fear and condemnation, missing the joy and hope of the inheritance.
Works-Based Righteousness: Believing that inheritance is earned through works undermines the grace of God and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.
True Grace/Application Brings You to Christ:
The Gospel reveals that believers are complete in Christ, not because they have earned it, but because it is already theirs (Colossians 2:10). This understanding leads to a life of thanksgiving and joy, resting in the finished work of Christ. The Spirit of sonship enables believers to relate to God as their Father, experiencing His love and grace (Romans 8:15).
Final Takeaways:
The Gospel is an announcement of an inheritance, promising eternal life and glory with Christ (Galatians 3:29).
Believers are heirs by faith, not by works, and are called to enjoy their inheritance in Christ (Romans 8:16-17).
Additional Biblical Insights:
The Gospel's focus on inheritance aligns with the broader biblical narrative of covenant and promise, particularly the Abrahamic covenant. This covenant, confirmed in Christ, cannot be annulled by the law and assures believers of their place as heirs of God's promises (Galatians 3:16-18).