Thoughts on a theology of preaching.

[Solly]

Some comments were passed about preaching in this thread: here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2056&perpage=15&pagenumber=8)

I extend the discussion here. First, I'll copy across some comments I made:
My view [on preaching] was formulated in the heat of battle you might say. Our denomination has tended towards an introspective, text based form of preaching, that can lead to some real howlers, and also ignore so much that would correct those mistakes. I make it a point to always preach on the section that leads up to the verse, before tackling the verse. I also discovered volumes like the aforementioned NDBT, Graeme Goldsworthy, Geerhardus Vos, etc. I love the new BT stuff that is coming out of IVP etc. That, linked with my Calvinistic heritage which includes, Whitefield, Gadsby, Spurgeon, etc, has given the direction to my preaching: Doctrine, Experience, Practice.

[Solly]

Some excerpts that I found helpful in establishing my views:

Graeme Goldsworthy, "Gospel and Revelation":
It is important that we distinguish the effects or fruits of the gospel from the gospel itself. Regeneration, faith and sanctification in the Christian are fruits of the gospel. But we do not lay hold of our salvation by faith in faith, or in regeneration, or in the giving of the Holy Spirit. Only by faith in Christ, in his living and dying as my substitute Man, do I receive the gift of salvation. Even the second coming of Christ is not the gospel, but a fruit of the gospel. I would not entirely agree with that last sentance as formulated -solly We are not saved by believing that he will come, but by believing that he has come in the flesh for us.
The sinner who believes is the sinner who trusts in the historic Christ as his or her substitute before God.

The error that we must emphatically repudiate is the often held notion that the gospel is the power of God only to get us converted. The idea is that the gospel is the gateway to Christian experience, and thus to eternal life, but once we enter that gateway we move on to another more solid reality by which we progress. Sanctification, or becoming holy, or growing in the Christian faith, is frequently depicted as a new stage after conversion. When we zapproach sanctification as attainable by any means other than the gospel of Christ - the same gospel by which we are converted - we have dparted from the teaching of the NT.

[Solly]

From the same book

The centrality of the gospel

1. Christ is the meaning of Creation.

We do not fully grasp the biblical teaching on creation until we have dealt with those passages that speak of Christ in creation. Passages like Col 1.15-20 show us that the gospel was God's forethought to creation.

2. Christ is the meaning of the OT covenants and law.

In the redemptive process God relates to man in covenant. The Law of Moses is the most comprehensive expression of this covenant relationship which is established through the gracious redemptive work of God. Christ brings to fruition all the covenant promises of the OT.

3. Christ the meaning of prophecy.

All that the prophets spoke is fulfilled in Christ. The prophetic word of judgment against sin is fulfilled in the death of Christ on the Cross. The promises of a new covenant, a new restored people of God, a new dwelling place of God amongst men, are all fulfilled in Christ.

4. Christ is the meaning of Christian experience.

"For me to live is Christ," said Paul. As a consequence of his perfect life and death, everything that Christ is before God, he is FOR US. From this fact alone comes the motive and the power for our Chrstian experience, [and the ] fruits of the gospel [mentioned above]. They can grow on no other tree.

5. Christ is the meaning of the second coming.

Christ does not return to do some new or different work. His return in glory will be to consummate the finished work of his life, death and resurrection. That which the believer now owns by faith and which is in Christ, his substitute, will be perfected as the reality in himself.

[joelkaki]

Interesting Solly. On the message for the gospel, you may find Will Metzger's book, Tell the Truth interesting. It is a very good book that gets us away from the common, "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." Metzger gives what the Biblical gospel is.


Joel

[Solly]

Thanks Joel; I hadn't heard of that book. Another one on the list!! :read:

[GrayPilgrim]

Jerry Bridges book The Discipline of Grace makes the same contention. The first half of the book speaks of how it is the Gospel that saves and it is the Gospel that sanctifies, so that Bridges speaks of "Preaching the Gospel to yourself daily."

GP