When we think of the Gospel, what comes to mind? Is it a simple formula for salvation—a kind of ticket to heaven? Or could it be a comprehensive, unfolding narrative that shapes our entire existence? As Christians seeking to live faithfully, it's crucial to understand the Gospel not just as a past event but as a living, active story that continues to unfold. This understanding transforms how we view ourselves, our world, and our relationship with God.
Though Christ's work was finished on the cross, His story isn't static. We often fall into viewing the Gospel in a truncated manner, a "two-chapter" framework: we are sinners, and Jesus died for our sins. This perspective, however, barely scratches the surface. We need a robust "five-chapter" Gospel framework—Creation, Fall, Redemption, Renewal, and Restoration—to comprehend fully, engage with God's ongoing work in the world, and navigate life's challenges with grace and perspective.
Creation and Fall: Understanding Our Origins and Brokenness
The story of the Gospel begins in Creation. Genesis 1 details a world spoken into existence, pronounced "very good" by its Creator. Humanity, made in God's image, lived in perfect harmony with God and creation. This perfection was quickly marred by the Fall, as humanity's rebellion introduced sin into the world (Genesis 3). Not only did this break the relationship between God and humanity, but it ushered in suffering, pain, and death—a profound brokenness that we still experience today.
In my own life, I've faced personal struggles that drove this reality home. The loss of a dear friend, plagued with illness, became a front-row seat to suffering that seemed to clash with God's goodness. How should I reconcile this experience with faith? My simplistic, two-chapter view offered little comfort, and missed deeper biblical truths which would have helped make sense of my situation.
Redemption and Renewal: Experiencing the Present Power
The heart of the Gospel is Redemption. Paul writes, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:23-24, ESV). Jesus came into this broken world, suffered, and died to restore a broken relationship. His resurrection assures us of forgiveness and new life.
Yet, many believers stop here, treating the Gospel as a past event. Instead, we must embrace the unfolding narrative of Renewal. As Paul outlines, "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (Romans 8:22-23, ESV). Although we live in the aftermath of Christ's resurrection, the kingdom's full realisation is to come. The "already but not yet" stage of God's kingdom means His Spirit actively renews us, even as we await complete restoration.
For instance, consider conflict. When relationships become strained, a two-chapter Gospel can prompt feelings of failure or fakery: “I’m such a bad person, because I’m experiencing conflict. I will hide my conflict, even thought it continues to ‘war within me’.”Yet, the five-chapter framework reminds us we were created for harmony and are progressively renewed with grace: “I am created to live in harmony, but as a result of human sin I experience division and conflict. Jesus dies to reconcile me with God, and with one another. We are all sinners being saved by grace. As I am moved by Jesus’ grace towards me, so I can extend the same grace to others.” We're meant to engage in the renewal all around us, trusting that ultimate peace is forthcoming.
Restoration: Anticipating Future Glory
Finally, we reach Restoration—the future culmination of God's story—where that kingdom will be "on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10, ESV). Throughout Scripture, we're given glimpses of this future: a New Heaven and New Earth where God dwells with humanity, and "death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore" (Revelation 21:4, ESV).
Reflecting on my own struggles in the light of this complete Gospel narrative reminds me that while trials and sufferings are part of this life, they are not the end. God's promises are sure, and He works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Knowing the end of the story encourages faithfulness through current trials and empowers us to act as agents of God's renewal in the here and now.
Living the Gospel Fully: A Practical Approach
Adopting a five-chapter Gospel lens can profoundly impact how we live and minister to others:
Creation: Recognise God’s intended design and purposes. Evaluate situations by considering His original design for relationships, work, and the world at large.
Fall: Understand the impact of sin, leading to honest repentance and forgiveness. This awareness also offers compassion toward others who wrestle with brokenness.
Redemption: Embrace Christ's work—forgiveness and justification—and view our struggles as avenues for sanctification.
Renewal: Partner with the Holy Spirit actively in His ongoing work around us. Engage in every context—personal, communal, cultural—as God works through and in us.
Restoration: Anticipate complete restoration, using that vision to anchor hope and provide motivation for obedience and faithfulness.
This Gospel helps align our theology with reality. It provides a lens to see beyond immediate struggles, to process each challenge with hope, and to equip us with the confidence that God's purpose prevails. Whether dealing with personal conflict, career challenges, or broader societal issues, it assures us that we're intertwined in the grand narrative of God's redemption history—a significant theme woven through scripture and our lives.
The Gospel is more than just a message of personal salvation—it's the ultimate story that reshapes everything. By embracing its full narrative, we align ourselves with God’s ongoing mission of renewal. As we patiently await the consummation of all things, we're invited to be intentional kingdom participants who see every aspect of our lives intertwined with God's redemptive work. Through this five-chapter Gospel framework, may we find renewed clarity, profound peace, and practical guidance for faithfully navigating the already but not yet moments of our shared pilgrimage.
For further reflection:
There was an interview with a Christian counsellor who specialises in caring for pastors and ministers worldwide. She explained that many of her clients discuss their struggles with anger issues, addictions to pornography and alcohol, and depression. Her typical approach involves examining their past, including their childhood and upbringing. However, pastors and church leaders often resist this method, asserting that “their past is forgiven and cleansed by the blood of Jesus,” and thus there is no need to revisit it. The counsellor noted that many leaders misunderstand the application of the Gospel, using it as an excuse to avoid confronting pain and brokenness in their lives. Instead, the Gospel provides the courage to face hidden pains and sins without shame and guilt, through God’s grace and forgiveness. Many of these leaders fail to apply the Gospel to their past, focusing only on the present. Some also neglect to acknowledge current suffering and brokenness in the world, hoping to escape into the future or prematurely usher in the perfected kingdom of God——which is something only possible with Christ’s return. This mistaken belief leads them to think that life should always be free of pain and suffering, with success, wealth, and health as the sole indicators of God’s blessing. Such a perspective is often referred to as the prosperity gospel. The proper interpretation of the Gospel provides a clear and holistic view of the past and present, rather than encouraging an escape from one to the other.
Author:CTCJ Collaborative Writing Team
In 2025, CTCJ set out a new vision to become a thought leader in the field of urban church planting in Japan. The Collaborative Writing Team (Co-writing Team) is one of the ways we are working towards this goal. The team is made up of a core group of staff members, as well as a number of writers and editors from diverse backgrounds, who work together to produce articles on topics that are useful for church planters, with the gospel as the foundation and focus.