Tim Keller, Senior Pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, writes that preaching the gospel is key for Christians. And he concludes that as we preach and live the gospel it is important to know that the gospel not only saves unbelievers it also sanctifies believers. By believing the gospel we are saved and then through that same gospel we are progressively transformed. This is a good explanation of the broader New Testament understanding of the gospel, which is what is being used in the SOF.

Keller writes "that 'the gospel' is not just a way to be saved from the penalty of sin, but is the fundamental dynamic for living the whole Christian life--individually and corporately, privately and publicly. In other words, the gospel is not just for non-Christians, but also for Christians. This means the gospel is not just the A-B-C's but the A to Z of the Christian life. It is not accurate to think 'the gospel' is what saves non-Christians, and then, what matures Christians is trying hard to live according to Biblical principles. It is more accurate to say that we are saved by believing the gospel, and then we are transformed in every part of our mind, heart, and life by believing the gospel more and more deeply as our life goes on."

Second Draft Revision of the EFCA Statement of Faith:
We believe in God's Gospel

Our identity as the Evangelical Free Church of America is centered on God’s evangel, the gospel of Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to give us eternal life. To God's glory, the gospel is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. Our fundamental theological convictions are aspects of this gospel.

Here are some questions to begin our discussion.

1. Should this be considered part of the Statement of Faith (SOF) or not? Why or why not?

2. What, if anything, should be tweaked in this preamble to the SOF?

3. If we are to include any other identity markers, beyond our commitment to the evangel, the gospel, is this possibly the place to do that? If we do, would that affect the weight we place upon this statement (cf. question 1)?

4. Is this statement necessary? Is a preamble helpful to include with a SOF, or does it add words and cause more confusion?

5. More broadly, is the "gospel structure" the format we want to use? What are the strengths and weaknesses of this structure?

6. How do the gospel and the kingdom relate, i.e. how are they similar and how are they dissimilar? Is it important to say something more about the kingdom as Jesus emphasized both the kingdom and the gospel (cf. Mk. 1:14-15)?