David Miller writes: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47)
I think this passage captures much of what the gospel is all about. In other places, he calls it, "the gospel of the kingdom" (e.g., Mark 1:14, John remarks: I personally believe that Paul in I Cor gives us the definition of the gospel -- the death, burial and proveable resurrection. "Repentance" is something we do, of course and "remission of sins" is something given to us. The rich young ruler was told to give up his possessions. Others were told to leave their families behind, another was told to "sin no more" in regards to sexual sins. Peter on the Pentecost Day told preached repentance and baptism (probably with water). John 3:16ff gives us salvation tied to the New Birth. Paul in Gal. 3:26,27, presents Christ likeness in the light of "immersion into Christ (Himself)." James presents justification in terms of an expression of belief and Peter tells us that baptism, as an act of the conscience, saves through the resurrection (I Pet 3:21). It seems to me that the gospel is the Living Christ, an indwelling force and gift to all. How we appropriate that gift is a personal matter. There is no "plan of salvation) (something Church of Christers and Baptists are raised believing)except that we find ourselves in Christ, literally and spiritually. Sometimes that requires repentance -- sometimes confession, sometimes ------- contrition and brokenness and so on. John ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
