Even more on Gospel, Cross, and Kingdom

Over at TGC, Justin Taylor has a useful summary of D.A. Carson’s essay in the John Piper festschrift, on “What is the Gospel? – Revisited” (I reminder for me to read it) and a chapter by Gilbert and De Young on What is the Mission of the Church?

I esp. like Gilbert and De Young’s attempt to distinguish the broad and specific senses of gospel, that is on the right track, even if I would perhaps nuance it differently myself. Oh, and a few of their denials seem to need correction or qualification.

Just two more observations:

1. I think these definitions of “gospel” need to be coordinated point by point with the Gospels, the apostolic preaching in Acts, and only then Paul’s gospel. If the four Gospels and Luke’s precis of apostolic preaching do not line up with a definition of “gospel,” then we need a new definition.

2. I really think we need someone on the TGC side to come up with a solid engagement with Wright, McKnight, Bock, and Dickson on this topic, otherwise it looks a bit like an exercise in back-slapping in the YRR household and an apologia for an ordo salutis gospel. I sense an excitement about and commitment to this issue in the TGC crowd, but I think maybe they should look outside the back yard for some funky dialogue partners to help them articulate this subject in a robust and convincing manner. Just saying!