Our readings in this series are from the book, The Gospel of the Kingdom. There is only one true Gospel. Either we have believed that Gospel or we have not. How can we know? Our reading for today summarizes the marks of another gospel besides that of the Kingdom. Our excerpts are from pages 12 and 13:
“Another gospel is being proclaimed when human works, in any form, are somehow included as part of the means of salvation. Salvation leads to good works, it is true; but doing good works – of any kind – is not part of the formula by which we become saved.
“Any gospel that makes human happiness, rather than the honor of Jesus Christ, the primary end of salvation, and, to that end, selectively appeals to the redemptive work of Christ, emphasizing some aspects while almost wholly ignoring others, is not the Gospel of the Kingdom. The Gospel of the Kingdom is about Jesus and His reign. While it is true that receiving this Gospel is a source of great joy, the Good News itself is not, in the first instance, about making human beings happy.
“They who insist on obligations or practices said to be indispensable for securing the blessings of God, which are the product of men’s thinking rather than God’s revelation, and that thus create a kind of spiritual smugness and lead believers away from the true path of Kingdom righteousness, are preaching another gospel and not the Gospel of the Kingdom.
“The Gospel of the Kingdom is compromised when people are led to hope, long for, and seek anything other than the glory of God and the righteousness, peace, and joy that come from living in His Spirit.”
Questions for Reflection or Discussion
1. Which forms of “another gospel” can you see at work in our day? Where?
2. Why do you suppose people prefer any other gospel than that which Jesus preached, the Gospel of the Kingdom?
Is the Gospel of the Kingdom different from the gospel you have believed? If so, does it matter? It might be a good idea to talk about this matter with a friend or two. Why not forward today’s podcast and follow-up for some coffee and conversation. You can order The Gospel of the Kingdom by going to The Ailbe Bookstore. Order several copies and pass them out to your friends.
T. M. Moore
