THE GOSPEL OF OUR GRANDFATHERS
Preserving the Good News for Future Generations
by
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INTRODUCTION
It is with fear and trembling that this meager project is put forth. My earnest and heartfelt prayer for every soul who endeavors to engage this book is that, by a gracious act of God, they see and embrace Jesus Christ as the risen and exalted Lord of all. Peter boldly and accurately declared, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). If my labors produce a harvest of but a singular soul, I am content. If providence would have the truth contained in this small work fall into the hands of a hungry heart who feasts upon the Bread of Life, I am satisfied as well.
Regarding the title, The Gospel of Our Grandfathers: Preserving the Good News for Future Generations, some explanation is called for. At the publishing of this book, I am the happy father of four children. As I was musing about what kind of spiritual atmosphere they would grow up in the midst of (if the Lord delays his coming), I was overwhelmed by the desire to pen a simple work that would bring the read face-to-face with the attributes of God, the plight of man, the excellence and sufficiency of Christ, the application of redemption, and the assurance of salvation. Though far from exhaustive, it is my aim to “not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). If I could pass on a singular memoir to my children that vividly displayed the consuming passion of my blood-bought life, the message in the pages to follow would suffice. I pray that you, dear reader, along with my children, would come to embrace and adore Jesus Christ.
The psalmist records, “These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself . . .” (Psalm 50:21). In light of such mental idolatry, the first section of the book is dedicated to orienting the reader toward a biblical view of God. Knowing the God of Scripture will serve to destroy the idols of our minds and hearts that often rob us of the joy of worshiping God aright. The second section of the book serves as a mirror made of papyrus that enables man to see himself as he is before the God of Scripture. In an age in which self-esteem is often valued at a higher premium than biblical truth, the Scripture’s verdict regarding the state of man is shocking, scandalous, and absolutely accurate. The third section of the book is the magnum opus. It is here that Christ’s life, death, and resurrection take center stage. The glorious, shocking, beautiful, and scandalous truth of the work of Christ on the cross is put forth in an effort to display the majesty and superiority of Jesus of Christ. The fourth section of this book examines the demand of the gospel message: repent and believe. Jesus, at the outset of his earthly ministry, declared, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Lastly, section five puts forth biblical principles for examining one’s life in order to obtain assurance of salvation. A healthy scriptural self-examination is a means of grace that leads to perseverance and should be actively sought: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).
Though men of greater esteem and spiritual stature than this author have set themselves to the task of proclaiming and explaining the gospel of Jesus Christ, it is nevertheless my desire to assist the true church (present and future) by contending “for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Our grandfathers, men of Godly zeal who handled the Scriptures with excellence, integrity, and passion (2 Timothy 2:15), would have us deliver the gospel, in all its full-orbed glory, to future generations because the “gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). May the Lord bestow grace upon you as you read The Gospel of Our Grandfathers.
Contents
PART ONE: Behold Your God – Knowing the God of Scripture
Chapter 1: A God in Need of Nothing (His Self-Existence)
Chapter 2: A God Who Never Changes (His Immutability)
Chapter 3: A God Who is Everywhere (His Omnipresence)
Chapter 4: A God Who is Outside of Time (His Eternality)
Chapter 5: A God Who Knows All Things (His Omniscience)
Chapter 6: A God Who is Trustworthy (His Faithfulness)
Chapter 7: A God Who Gives of Himself (His Love)
Chapter 8: A God Who is Good to the Distressed (His Mercy)
Chapter 9: A God Who Shows Favor to the Unfavorable (His Grace)
Chapter 10: A God Unlike Anything (His Holiness)
Chapter 11: A God Who is Unified (His Tri-Unity)
Chapter 12: A God Who Does What is Right (His Justice)
Chapter 13: A God Who is Unlimited (His Omnipotence)
Chapter 14: A God Devoted to His Own Honor (His Jealousy)
Chapter 15: A God Who Hates Sin (His Wrath)
PART TWO: The Walking Dead – Man’s Fallen Condition
Chapter 1: Man Created in the Image of God (imago Dei)
Chapter 2: Man Ushers Death Into the World (Sin, Guilt, and Depravity)
Chapter 3: Man and the Ultimate Consequences of Sin (Eternal Punishment)
Chapter 4: Man in God’s Courtroom (The Dilemma of Proverbs 17:15)
PART THREE: God in Action – His Response to Man’s Plight
Chapter 1: Christ Fulfills the Law (His Perfect Life as the God-Man)
Chapter 2: Christ Takes Our Place (Substitutionary Atonement)
Chapter 3: Christ Endures the Wrath We Deserve (Propitiation)
Chapter 4: Christ Conquered the Grave (His Resurrection)
Chapter 5: Christ Alone is Able to Bring Us to God (Reconciliation)
Chapter 6: Christ Sets Us Free From Bondage (Redemption)
Chapter 7: Christ is the Only Way (Exclusivity & Lordship)
PART FOUR: Man’s Proper Response – The Application of Redemption
Chapter 1: Turning From Sin, Trusting in Christ (Repentance and Faith)
Chapter 2: The New Birth (Regeneration)
Chapter 3: Our New Legal Standing (Justification)
Chapter 4: Our New Familial Status (Adoption)
Chapter 5: Growth in Godliness (Sanctification)
PART FIVE: That You May Know – Assurance of Salvation
Chapter 1: The Mirror of God’s Word (Defining Biblical Assurance)
Chapter 2: Taking the Test (Lessons from 1 John)
AFTERWORDS
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
With so many versions of the gospel being marketed to the public, which message is correct? Why do so many professing Christians not know the essential elements of the message that Paul deemed to be the very “power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16)? The Gospel of Our Grandfathers offers a theologically deep yet understandable overview of the glorious gospel that was “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Ideal for small group study, personal devotion, evangelism, or new member instruction, this study explores the gospel in five sections: The Attributes of God The Depravity of Fallen Man The Substitutionary Atonement of Christ Man’s Response—Repentance and Faith Assurance of Salvation The Gospel of Our Grandfathers is a simple work that seeks to bring you face-to-face with the attributes of God, the plight of man, the excellence and sufficiency of Christ, the application of redemption, and the assurance of salvation. Whether you are a seasoned follower of Christ, a new Christian, or a curious skeptic, you will find in this account a clear, biblically saturated presentation of the message that men of old have proclaimed and men of valor are called to proclaim still. “J. A. White … lists the facts of the gospel of Jesus Christ and shows his reader that, in short, this is your father’s and grandfather’s religion.” —Rick Walston, PhD, President of Columbia Evangelical Seminary “A clear and faithful presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, once delivered to the saints! The Gospel of Our Grandfathers will deepen your understanding and encourage your soul.” —Greg Gilbert, author of What Is the Gospel? and pastor of Third Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, KY. “In The Gospel of Our Grandfathers, John White points the reader’s gaze to the God of the gospel, portraying the various facets of His character and His work for the salvation of sinners through Jesus Christ. Amply supported by Scripture and expanded upon by gospel sages past and present, the thoughts John shares in this warm-hearted book will enrich your love for Christ, deepen your appreciation for the Faith once-delivered to the saints, and equip you to deliver the gospel to the next generation with clarity and depth. This present generation, and the generations to come, are well served by this resource!” – Milton Vincent, author of A Gospel Primer for Christians
About the Author
J. A. White serves as the family ministries pastor at Annandale Evangelical Free Church in Annandale, Minnesota. He holds a BS in communication studies from Saint Cloud State University and a master of theological studies degree from Columbia Evangelical Seminary. He and his wife, Tanya, currently live in Annandale, Minnesota, with their four children.