I'd like to say a few words about the Gospel, and by a few words I mean two. The two words I'd like to say are "You're in". This is the Gospel, this is the good news.
"You're in" describes the orientation that God has toward you. No gymnastics, no penance, no grovelling, no flagellation, no creedal litmus test of any kind. You are welcome in the presence of God exactly as you are.
If you are familiar with the story of the prodigal son you will remember how the father responded when he saw his son returning home. He ran with mad delight toward his son to welcome him home. This is how God sees you...always...full-throttle, belly laughing, sandal-flopping sprint to meet you. This is the nature of God. This is how God sees you. This is the Gospel. This is the good news.
"You're in" describes the orientation that God has toward you. No gymnastics, no penance, no grovelling, no flagellation, no creedal litmus test of any kind. You are welcome in the presence of God exactly as you are.
If you are familiar with the story of the prodigal son you will remember how the father responded when he saw his son returning home. He ran with mad delight toward his son to welcome him home. This is how God sees you...always...full-throttle, belly laughing, sandal-flopping sprint to meet you. This is the nature of God. This is how God sees you. This is the Gospel. This is the good news.