Introduction
The explicit Gospel is a book written by Matthew Chandler assisted by Jared Wilson. The theme of the book is gospel which is the heart of the biblical scriptures according to the authors. The book talks about preparation, presentation and participation in the gospel. It is presented in three parts gospel from the ground, gospel from the air, and the third chapter, implications and applications.
Gospel from the Ground
In part one, the book talks about the “gospel in the ground” is presented in four chapters. Chapter one focuses on God; two, man; three, Christ; and four, response. Chandler asserts that God’s existence does not depend on mankind. Contrary to popular gospel, Chandlerstates that God never created man so that he could love Him. Rather, the creation of man was as an additional proof of God’s supernatural nature. The supreme nature of God should be adored and worshipped by mankind.
According to the book mankind has opted to give praise and worship to other objects other than God constituting sin. Chapter two describes depravity of man. This is the nature of man without the grace of god. Consequences of worshipping other things and refusing to worship God are severe. To justify the fairness of God’s wrath, Christ chose to suffer the consequences of sin. In summary, the gospel in the ground talks basically about personal salvation and how mankind can be reconciled to God.
Gospel from the Air
Part two of the book, chapters 5, 6, 7 & 8, looks at the cosmic implications of the gospel which they refer to as “gospel in the air”. Chandler discusses, in consecutive chapters, the creation, fall, reconciliation and consummation of the historical creation of mankind. The book then goes ahead to discuss human nature in relation to sin. Here, chandler describes the implications of human’s sinful nature stating that it is the cause of modern catastrophes. He states that even disasters caused by weather changes are as a result of sin. The implication of sin is global and cosmic and the world requires redemption of a creation groaning and eagerly awaiting restoration. He cites Romans chapter 8 to support his view that salvation of mankind is not universal in nature but rather selective to those who abandon sin.
Sin, Atonement, Faith, and Repentance
Sin is a major theme in the description of gospel in the book. In part two, gospel in the air, Chandler borrows the definition of sin by a philosopher called Kierkegaard Soren. According to the philosopher, sin is despair in wanting to be oneself before God (Chandler & Wilson, 2012, p.120). Chandler derives from this definition and states that sin is basically building one’s self-worth on things other than God. In this perspective, sin is persuasive and dangerous.
Faith is living in Christ Jesus and not in self-reliance or dependence on human flesh. Religion not based in faith is vanity. Chandler gives the example of the biblical Pharisees whose practice of religion was based on self-righteousness but will not be allowed into the kingdom of God. Salvation comes from faith. Faith is the sole response to gospel (Ibid: p.84).All gifts, richness and blessings comes from the gospel through faith. Righteousness without faith in Christ amounts to self-righteousness which is a sin.
Atonement is reconciliation of mankind with God through the blood of sacrificial lamb who is Jesus Christ. In explaining atonement, Chandler quotes the book of Leviticus which outlines atonement “if you commit this sin, this is what it costs. Maybe two doves, a lamb, a goat, a bull, depending on what our sin is” (Ibid: p.60). God says no man comes without forgiveness of sin through blood, a prize that Christ paid for mankind.
Repentance is confessing sin and believing in God. Repentance and faith bring salvation to mankind. Chandler describes repentance as a response to the gospel. The extension of the gospel occurs when Christ calls people to repent their sins and have faith (Ibid: p16).
Personal Response
The book gives a comprehensive description of the Christian mission. The gospel of Christ by Christians is well defined and every Christian who reads the book realizes the need to be explicit in the work of teaching the gospel. Chandler elaborates on sin, faith, atonement and repentance all of which are necessary stages of salvation.
The concepts are complete with quotation of bible scriptures which makes it easy to understand. The book is a good guideline for Christians involved in the communication of the gospel. Part two of the book which looks at “gospel in the air” describes sin in a manner that is so elaborate. The author does this in a systematic explanation of creation, fall, reconciliation and consummation.
However, there are a few reservations that I have in my tribute to Chandler’s good outline of concepts. First, I am not convinced by his description of depravity of human nature. Often, people question the insignificance that the gospel places on good things non-believers have done. Examples include Mahatma Gandhi who was a non-Christian and whose service is characterized by good deeds to humanity.
Students of the gospel may also ask about good people who are non-believers in God. The author would have done better by placing the image of God in a central position in explanation of the nature of sin and helps acceptance of Jesus as both human and divine. Secondly, Chandler places emphasis on the death of Christ as sign of redemption from sin. Throughout the book, except a few instances in the chapter about consummation, he does not focus on the resurrection which is a major issue in Christian faith.
References
Chandler, M. & Wilson, J. (2012). “The Explicit Gospel”. Wheaton, IL: Crossway
