Gospel Allegiance Sketchnote Summary
Have we got the gospel wrong? Matthew Bates argues many of us have.
In Mark 1:15, we see Jesus telling people to repent and believe in the Gospel. This was not after he had died and risen again, but at the very start of his earthly ministry. And despite preaching this gospel, his disciples still do not understand that Jesus had to die and rise again when he died.
So what was the gospel that Jesus preached and what does that mean for the Gospel we preach?
That’s some of what Matthew Bates addresses in his book “Gospel Allegiance”.
What is the main message of Gospel Allegiance
The core of Gospel Allegiance is an argument that
To understand the gospel, we need to think of Jesus as King (not just as God).
We are saved by faith, but we need to reclaim a biblical view of faith that is not internally focused.
This contrasts the “Roman’s road” type gospel message so prevalent in Evangelicalism (and even the Lordship ideas of John MacArthur et al). While they have messages that are true, they don’t contain the fullness of the Gospel picture.
The main issue is that we view faith as this internal reality, an assent of certain theological statements. This is much like the situation that James talks about when he says
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. — James 2:19 (NIV)
True faith is shown in good works, not works of the law.
Good works vs works of the law.
Dr Bates highlights how Paul’s critiques of “works” is a shorthand for “works of the law”. These are attempts to earn salvation through actions and placing our trust in ourselves. This is the classical critique of works that protestants are so famous for.
But that doesn’t mean all works are bad.
Instead, Matthew points out that even Paul highlights the importance of good works. These are spirit-led acts of allegiance to our king. Out of faith in Jesus, we should be led to do good works.
Check out the book
If you’d like to learn more of the arguments or the details, you can pick up a copy of the book here. Or if you’d like a more academic book, check out his book Salvation by Allegiance Alone.