What is the whole gospel?
Phil Olson

I serve as adjunct professor at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary; their motto is, “The Whole Gospel for the Whole World Through Whole Persons.” I also serve as Vice President for Evangelicals for Social Action; one of our core values states that, “The GOSPEL has the power to transform and renew both individuals and society.” That’s whole-istic. ESA is a member of the Mission America Coalition; their goal is to help “the whole Church take the whole Gospel to the whole nation -- and to the world.

We begin by answering the question by asking another question that gets at the heart of the matter: “Who is the gospel?” Jesus is the good news. God incarnate: Son of God/Man, Lord, Savior, Christ/Messiah -- God’s first, final and ultimate word to humanity.

Not only is Jesus the evangel, he is the evangelist. Jesus witnessed in word and deed. He proclaimed and practiced the kingdom of God. He responded to the needs of whole persons with a whole gospel.

What is that whole gospel? Think of a diamond. It has multiple faces. Each side shines, casting it’s own unique colors and sparkles depending on what angle you look at it and in what light you are examining it. Likewise, the gospel is multifaceted; it, too has many sides, and like the diamond the gospel is one…whole. Let’s turn that diamond-like gospel to discover what is the whole gospel.

First, the gospel is a witness in word and deed. We can’t divorce one from the other. Like a two-sided coin, we can tell the difference between a head and tail; we can tell the difference between evangelism and social ministry. But it’s one coin – one witness.

Second, the gospel is kingdom-centered. Jesus came proclaiming the rule and reign of God’s kingdom. Our task is to proclaim not ourselves, neither our churches, denominations nor ministries. We proclaim the kingdom of God/heaven.

Third, the gospel addresses whole persons. No part of our lives is exempt from the rule and reign of God. We are social, spiritual, emotional, physical, psychological, and intellectual beings. God’s good news addresses every facet of our existence.

Fourth, individuals and systems, persons and communities, people groups and nations are addressed by the gospel. We don’t live in isolation. Transformation can and does come to and through all levels within societies and cultures.

Finally, the gospel (communicated by word, works and wonders) can only be effected and effective when it’s empowered by God’s Spirit. We serve as conduits of God’s grace and spiritual gifts, which enable us to carry out the call and challenge of the Christian gospel.