A Gospel Primer

After becoming members at our new home church in 2019, I looked into, submitted an application and began my first ever one-on-one discipleship program. My mentor told me we would start by reading, “A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God’s Love.” My prideful and wicked heart thought, but why? I already know the gospel. I am saved. In fact, I have experience evangelizing…leading others to Christ. Can we read something more hands on to disciple others? The first chapter and lesson went in one ear and out the other. And in the way God does, a light turned on, and, one by one, many blind spots were exposed. I realize how much I did not and still do not comprehend the depths and beauty of the gospel. I am so thankful the Lord is generous and faithful to complete the good work He begins in each of His children (Philippians 1:6, 2:13 & Ephesians 2:8-10). Providentially, over the last year, I have gone through the book at least two times and an accompanying study at least five times. I would like to share three takeaways in the hope that they spur you on in your own faith and opportunities God has placed before you.

First, one reason I preach the gospel to myself, daily, is because, 'God is my Ultimate Prize' (49-50). When I am going on a trip, I get so excited to pack – it really is one of my favorite parts of traveling, haha. I think about what I am going to wear, how I am going to feel, places to see and what I will be eating. As a Christian, one can get excited and anticipate, what will heaven, eternity and the throne be like? No more pain, death or sorrow; reunion with deceased loved ones; and streets of gold, etc. All good things to look forward to. But there is one problem: the main reward is minimized in scope. All that we have in our current season and anticipate about the life to come should cause us to draw near to and cherish the giver and gift of all gifts – God. While heaven is our final destination, we will finally be united to our Lord – He is the most supreme of prizes and glorious of destinations. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).    

Second, one new aspect I learned is that the gospel is powerful and useful for everyday life and ongoing sanctification; it is not just for unbelievers. When I read through Romans 6:6, my heart was refreshed, and I received a new perspective, “…our old self was nailed to the cross with Him…so that we would no longer be slaves to sin.” Because of my new life in Christ, when I fall short, I can approach the Lord with confidence and peace [and encourage others to do the same]. My approaching the throne of grace is not based on my performance [on my best or worst days]. If it were, I would earn eternal death, punishment and separation from His love. To highlight this truth, I remember Husband and I were doing chores one day. There were multiple walking in the flesh moments, and I had had it. But by God’s grace, Husband filled with the Spirit asked me, “Will you let me try again?” In that moment, the truth of the gospel flooded my heart and showed me that this is me before the throne. God never turns me away or stands ready to demand punishment. Quite the opposite, God sent His son, while I was in my sin, so I would never be separated from Him (Romans 5:8, 8:38-39, Ephesians 2:4-6). Jesus paid for my sin in full.

Third, one verse that struck me most was, “More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for who I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8, NASB). Paul is contrasting how his life was previously, to what it had become, and his heart cry is that there is nothing of greater value than knowing Christ. ‘Avi, is there anything in your life you value above me? Do you see there is nothing in value that surpasses knowing me? What do you count as loss…gain? What are you willing to throw away, to gain more of me?’ I was graciously convicted and will continue to pray to the Lord for the Spirit to reveal these subtle areas of sin and rebellion in my deceptive heart. My desire is for Christ to be the utmost, but my flesh is still weak and need of His daily resurrection power. In the words of Paul in Romans 3:24-25, 'thank God!'

The gospel is the primer [foundation, preparation, power and instruction] for all of life, not just salvation. While it frees me when I remember the hardest load has been fully carried, it also exposes me for the sinner I am before God and others. How do I reconcile such a disparity? I am compelled by God’s love to live boldly for Him, no longer pretending to be perfect and admit my inability to make myself holy or save any one. Daily, as I run to the gospel, it reminds me: my chains are gone, Christ and the Spirit live in me and God is my ultimate prize.

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