Not Alone

I found myself reading a book this week entitled "Radical" by David Platt. I am a little late in discovering this book, I know. As I read, I became curious about the author. I discovered that David is 32,  and holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (A.B.J.) from the University of Georgia, and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Theology (Th.M.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I suddenly feel old and annoyed.

However, reading his book this week has refreshed my soul. After a week of studying different authors who views of the gospel are shallow and question so many of the foundational elements of Salvation, it was great to read the following:


The modern gospel says; "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. Therefore, follow these steps, and you can be saved." Meanwhile, the biblical gospel says, "You are an enemy of God, dead in your sin, and in your present state of rebellion, you are not even able to see that that you need life, much less cause yourself to come to life. Therefore, you are radically dependent on God to do something in your life that you could never do."


The former sells books and draws crowds. The latter save souls. Which is more important?


In the gospel God reveals the depth of our need for Him. He shows us that there is absolutely nothing we can do to come to Him. We can't manufacture Salvation. We can't program it. We can't produce it. We can't even initiate it. God has to open our eyes, set us free, overcome our evil, and appease his wrath. He has to come to us.


Now we are getting to the beauty of the gospel.


As I read this, I was quickly reminded that the "old story" is much more beautiful than the "modern gospel." I was also encouraged to see the enthusiasm of a young pastor for a return to the core of biblical teaching. Absolutely refreshing. 


As we study and preach the Cross this month, it is my prayer that the beauty of the Cross is on full display for our people to see.