The Gospel in 7 Words

The September 5, 2012, issue of Christian Century has an interesting article in which contributors are invited to put the gospel message in 7 words. Check it out at christiancentury.org\7words. Here is my proposal, inspired in part by "Matt" in a recent post at JesusCreed: In Christ God puts everything back together. The thinking is that this captures some of the most mature New Teatament thinking as expressed in Colossians 1:20 and Ephesians 1:10, as well as with the theme of the restoration of all things (Matthew 19:28; Acts 3:21). My attempt at a seven word summary intends to express how in Christ God puts us back together ourselves, reconciling us with our past, present and future and so making us whole. It also looks to the reconciling and connecting of people in families and communities, and then the connecting of communities with each other, and everyone with the creation in which we live. This in turn suggests the reason for being of churches: participating of God's work of putting everything back together.

Col. 1:20 ...and he reconciled all things to himself through him — whether things on earth or in the heavens. He brought peace through the blood of his cross.

Eph. 1:10 This is what God planned for the climax of all times: to bring all things together in Christ, the things in heaven along with the things on earth.

Matt. 19:28 Jesus said to them, “I assure you who have followed me that, when everything is made new, when the Human One sits on his magnificent throne, you also will sit on twelve thrones overseeing the twelve tribes of Israel."

Acts 3:21 Jesus must remain in heaven until the restoration of all things, about which God spoke long ago through his holy prophets.

Citations from the Common English Bible