Are We Saved by Faith Alone?

Jesus’s words were a puzzle to me for a long time. Why would he push Mary away in her moment of joyful recognition? According to his own words, it seems he has some unfinished business: “I have not yet ascended to the Father” is how Jesus tells Mary—and us—that his ascension is absolutely necessary for his redeeming purposes to be brought to completion.

In the end, the fairness of God is not something we measure by our limited perspective. It is grounded in his character. And the same God who is perfectly just is also rich in mercy. That is why the gospel is such good news—and why it must be believed and shared.

How can we follow Jesus’ and Paul’s examples of “answering each person” with wisdom and grace? What might it look like to become more fluent in speaking the gospel into peoples’ lives? Let’s consider five key gospel metaphors and how we can use them in evangelism. […]

God delays final judgment because he is still saving sinners. When the final link of the chain is fastened, Christ will glorify his people, remove sin forever, and renew creation itself.