Welcome to the Blog
Orientation
Theological content can feel like a daunting landscape of competing ideas, but the Gospel is a simple, secure foundation.
- The core message is that Christ died for our sins and rose again according to the scriptures.
- Believing this message is how we are saved and stand secure.
- Assurance is based on faith in this record, not on our performance or depth of understanding.
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand... For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:1, 3-4)
— 1 Corinthians 15:1, 3-4
Clarification
The Gospel is not a starting point we move beyond, but the unchanging ground of our entire life and inheritance in Christ.
- Justification is not merely about going to heaven; it includes receiving Christ as our life, righteousness, sanctification, and reward.
- There is no distinction between 'intellectual assent' and 'true faith'—believing is being convinced God's testimony about His Son is true.
- A believer's condition can vary widely, but their security rests on the Gospel, not their spiritual maturity or performance.
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
— 1 Corinthians 1:30
Structure
Pauline revelation provides the interpretive framework for understanding God's progressive revelation and our distinct place as the Church.
- Scripture reveals Christ progressively, with distinct stages such as Law, Prophets, and the mystery revealed to Paul.
- The Church is a distinct, heavenly entity, not part of Israel's prophetic program or covenants.
- We look to Paul's epistles as the doctrinal foundation for the Church, understanding earlier scripture through this lens.
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. (Ephesians 3:3-6)
— Ephesians 3:3-6
Weight-Bearing Prose
The Gospel is God’s record concerning His Son: Christ died for our sins and rose according to the scriptures. Believing this message is the sole basis for justification and eternal security. This faith is not a work; it is the natural man’s capacity to agree with divine testimony. From this foundation, Pauline revelation unfolds our full inheritance. Justification is not a bare legal transaction but includes being made co-heirs with Christ. He is our righteousness, sanctification, redemption, and reward. The inheritance—Christ Himself—is received in full at justification; it is not a conditional wage. The Church, a mystery hidden in ages past, is a heavenly body distinct from Israel. We are not under Israel’s covenants, including the New Covenant. Our rule of life is union with Christ in His death and resurrection, not outward commandment-keeping. The Bema seat is a celebration of what Christ has built, not a fearful evaluation of our works.
Integration
Your standing is secure in the finished work of Christ. The message you believed is the same ground upon which you now rest and will forever stand. Christ is your life, your righteousness, and your sure reward. There is no pressure to advance to a higher tier or to earn what is already yours in Him. Any growth in understanding is simply seeing more of the riches you already possess. Return often to the anchor: Christ died for our sins and rose again. This is your assurance, your peace, and your stable foundation.