Faith without religion.
Essence and Expansion of the Gospel
In a recent teaching, we delved into the profound message of 1 Corinthians 15, exploring the essence of the Good News and its implications for believers. Last week, we discussed Paul’s “Short Stack” of the Gospel, which is the core message that offers salvation to all who embrace it. This week, we expanded on this by examining the “Tall Stack” Gospel, which encompasses the broader narrative of the Good News as revealed in Scripture.
A key point of discussion was the distinction between essential and non-essential elements of the Gospel. Many traditions have added layers to the Gospel that are not explicitly supported by the text, such as specific theological constructs or rituals. However, the true essence of the Good News lies in the acts and actions of Christ Jesus for the redemption of the world.
We also explored the concept of the “Great News,” which signifies the completion of the promises made in the Good News. This includes the anticipated return of Christ, the end of the age, and the reconciliation of the world to God. We are now living in what is referred to as “the age to come,” a spiritual Kingdom where peace prevails, and fear of judgment is no longer necessary.
The teaching highlighted the importance of credible witnesses to the resurrection of Christ, as outlined by Paul. He emphasized that faith is based on verifiable events witnessed by many, including Peter, the apostles, and over five hundred others. This historical foundation strengthens the credibility of the resurrection narrative.
A fascinating aspect of the teaching was the role of women in the resurrection story, particularly Mary Magdalene. Despite cultural constraints, Mary was the first to witness the risen Lord and was commissioned to share the news with the apostles. This narrative underscores the restoration and empowerment of women through Christ’s resurrection.
In conclusion, the teaching emphasized the transformative power of God’s grace, as exemplified by Paul’s own journey from persecutor to apostle. It is a reminder that, regardless of our past, we are called to labor abundantly in the service of the Kingdom, empowered by the grace of God. As we continue to explore the theme of resurrection, may we be inspired to live out the Great News in our daily lives.