A to Z Gospel

This is an excerpt from a study on Galatians by Pastor Timothy Keller:

It is very common in Christian circles to assume that “the gospel” is something just for non-Christians. We presume that the gospel is a set of basic “A-B-C” doctrines that Christians do not need to hear or study once they are converted. Rather, they should move beyond the gospel to more “advanced” doctrines. But the great declaration of the gospel of grace in Galatians was written to believers who did not see the implications of the gospel for life-issues confronting them...
Belief in the gospel is not just the way to enter the kingdom of God; it is the way to address every obstacle and grow in every aspect. The gospel is not just the “ABCs” but the “A-to-Z” of the Christian life. The gospel is the way that anything is renewed and transformed by Christ — whether a heart, a relationship, a church, or a community. All our problems come from a lack of orientation to the gospel. Put positively, the gospel transforms our hearts, our thinking and our approach to absolutely everything. The gospel of justifying faith means that while Christians are, in themselves still sinful and sinning, yet in Christ, in God’s sight, they are accepted and righteous. So we can say that we are more wicked than we ever dared believe, but more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared hope — at the very same time(!!!). This creates a radical new dynamic for personal growth. It means that the more you see your own flaws and sins, the more precious, electrifying, and amazing God’s grace appears to you. But on the other hand, the more aware you are of God’s grace and acceptance in Christ, the more able you are to drop your denials and self-defenses and admit the true dimensions and character of your sin.

Woah - can that man speak truth, or what?? I have heard this excerpt I don't know how many times, yet it continues to penetrate my heart. The gospel. God's story of restoring His relationship with sinful man by sending Jesus to take the penalty of my sin. I'm more sinful than I ever dared believe, but more loved than I ever dared imagine - at the same time! I love that. My life's goal is to live out the gospel every day, empowered by the Holy Spirit. I want to see more of God's holiness and more of my sinfulness so that Christ will become increasingly greater in my life.