Why the Gospel is Not About You

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16

This is probably one of the most memorised verses in the Bible. Ever wondered why that is? Well, one reason is obvious – because God came down to save us from perishing. It’s wonderful news. But at the heart of it, why are we drawn to this verse? Is it because we find our worth in God’s willingness to sacrifice His own Son for our sake? Or is it because we find inexpressible wonder and delight in this baffling exchange where God sends His Son of infinite worth for people like us who are utterly unworthy? The two are very different roots that produce very different fruits. One is a man-centred view of the Gospel where man is the centre of all of God’s purpose, while the other is a God-centred view of the Gospel where God is the centre of all His purpose.

The man-centred view goes something like this: God loves me so much that He came down to die on the cross for my sake. He offers me eternal life in Heaven with Him forever, if I believe in Him. If He went to such lengths to save me, then what is there that He wouldn’t do for me. He would surely spare me pain, keep me from sickness and never let me fail. My dad would do the same for me if he could. So how much more, God the Father? I can succeed in everything I did as long as I had faith. I can reach my dreams and build my future and grow my life to any heights. I could live my better life now. All I had to do was to believe.

However, here’s the problem. The teaching of the New Testament does not promise us a comfortable and painless life. It offers us a life of peace and hope amidst all of the pain and suffering. James asks us to consider it all joy when we encounter various trials (paraphrased). Paul, in Acts 20:24 says, “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God”. This is not a man-centred view. Believers mustn’t see themselves as being the centre of God’s purpose. Instead, they must see God’s own glory as the centre of His purpose in their lives. The Bible says that the apostles left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name when they were beaten. That’s astounding!

The good news of the Gospel is not that Christians are worthy people. The good news is that no matter how unworthy we are, Christ is able to save. His love for us is not based on anything in us. It is truly unconditional, and in saving us who believe, it is His glory that is manifested, not ours. Yes, there’s healing and there’s deliverance from pain. Not because we deserve it but only if He wills it. We have nothing to boast about when His love for us is the means He has chosen to bring glory to His Name. God is the centre of our universe and never the other way around.