The gospel of Jesus Christ is an identity, defined by a destiny, that overflows into activity. In part 1, we explored what it means to say that the gospel is an identity. In this post, we will unpack what it means to say that the gospel identity is defined by a destiny.
“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his,” (Rom 6.5, ESV). For the Christian, resurrection life is not just a future promise. It is also a present reality (cf. Jn 5.24, Col 3.1-4).
To say that resurrection life is a present reality is to speak of sanctification. The rule here is very simple: as for Christ, so for the Christian, the cross must precede the crown (Mk 8.34-38). From the moment we believe, the death and resurrection of Jesus becomes the master page in the providential copier machine – and we become sheets of paper sent through the machine over and over again. Through this process of heat and pressure, God applies to us the death and resurrection of Christ. In turn, we come more and more to resemble Jesus: dead to sin, alive to righteousness. [1] Bearing the excruciating cross becomes the means whereby we are made to reflect Jesus. And in coming to reflect him who is true humanity himself, we ourselves become more truly human. Through suffering we learn to love God not simply for his gifts, but for himself. This is man’s chief end. Its rejection was and is man’s great sin. Its accomplishment was Christ’s great win. Its application is our sanctification.
The gospel is thus an identity defined by destiny. The cross precedes the crown. Yet so far begetting despair, this reality creates hope – because the excruciation leads to the consummation. If the cross must precede the crown, then the crown must follow the cross. Do you struggle with this? Remember that this life, despite its luster, is a bauble compared to resurrection life (2Cor 4.16-18). Every day, a better world draws near (Rom 13.11; cf. Rev 21-22).
[1] WLC #75, WSC #35.