Reading the latest conversation regarding “the gospel” between @scotmcknight @MatthewWBates @greggilbert and the T4G crowd.

I don’t think it is an either/or (justification vs. allegiance - cross vs. kingdom). I appreciate McKnight/Bates emphasis of lordship...

1

Paul’s “gospel of justification” only makes sense if Jesus is the powerful Son of God by resurrection (Romans 1:1-7).

Because He is Lord, He can forgive sins by virtue of His death.

2

Further I believe my more reformed brother’s emphasis on penal substitution resulting in justification for sinners is clearly biblical.

Maybe we can understand this debate in terms of the “objective and subjective” aspects of the gospel.

3

Objectively Jesus is Lord by virtue of death, resurrection, and enthronement. This provides subjective benefits for those who trust in Him (forgiveness, justification, reconciliation).

I think any attempt to explain the “heart” of the gospel w/o Kingdom & Cross is no gospel.