Distinctive #3: Gospel Salvation

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.

1 Timothy 1:15

The third distinguishing mark of a gospel-centred church is gospel salvation. We are sinners, saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Grasping this will help us to grow in humility, gratitude, and joy.

Here we have one of the great New Testament statements of the gospel: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1:15). “The saying is trustworthy.” So, you can stake your life on it. It is also “deserving of full acceptance.” That means we need to buy into this fully, without reservation or qualification. This is the gospel, and Paul says keep this front and centre in the church.

Jesus came: That’s the incarnation. God entered this world as a man in Jesus Christ. He came to save sinners. That’s the atonement. He did not come to tell us how to live or to change society. He came to give His life as an atoning sacrifice. Christ did not come to tell us what we have to do to be saved. He came to save us. That is the good news.

Paul gives testimony to his own experience. He tells us about his sins and God’s grace in his life. And then Paul explodes with praise! “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Tim. 1:17).

Every Christian has a story of God’s grace. Your story may not be as dramatic as others, but if God has saved you from hell and made you His child and now inhabits your life by His Holy Spirit, then you have an amazing story to tell. Your testimony can be glorifying to God, strengthening to you, and useful to others.

Who could you encourage with your testimony?