The Gospel is Historical and Doctrinal

So said J. Gresham Machen, as quoted in Contending for Our All by John Piper.

From the beginning, the Christian gospel, as indeed the name “gospel” or “good news” implies, consisted in an account of something that had happened. And from the beginning, the meaning of the happening was set forth; and when the meaning of the happening was set forth then there was Christian doctrine. “Christ died”—that is history; “Christ died for our sins”—that is doctrine. Without these two elements joined in an absolutely indissoluble union, there is no Christianity.

And so says D. A. Carson in his sermon What Is the Gospel?

Comments

[Kim in On]

I have a post about the gospel :)

http://theupwardcall.blogspot.com/2008/10/gospel-is-remedy-for-sin.html

[Jeri]

Hey Rebecca,

I have not talked to you in a good long while! After reading your post here and then your synopsis of Carson's sermon I had to say "thank you"...wonderful thoughts on the gospel, of course, coming from Carson,and your notes are very helpful. I haven't listened to the sermon yet, but I did download it that I may do so at the first opportunity.

I have a page at my website about the gospel, too, and Carson's insights are encouraging to me. Thanks, Rebecca.

Jeri

[rebecca]

Hello Jeri. Long time, no see. :)

I think you'll enjoy that sermon.