Column: Living by the Gospel means letting Christ guide every part of life

When a person becomes a Christian—born again as described in John 3 and saved as explained in Romans 10:9-13—that person begins a new life that belongs entirely to Christ. In regeneration, God gives a new heart, a new mind, and a biblical way to live. The believer no longer takes pleasure in sin but is grieved by it. Instead, the Christian desires God, delights in His Word, and enjoys fellowship with His people. Although Christians know they are not perfect, they strive to live according to Scripture—relying not on their own strength, but on God’s.

Since we are saved by the Gospel, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, it only makes sense to live by it. Living by the Gospel is the only true way to live the Christian life. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast.” Grace is God’s unearned favor, faith is His gift to us, and salvation cannot be achieved by works—otherwise, there would be no need for Christ’s sacrifice. Good works are the fruit of salvation, not the root of it.

Ephesians 2:10 continues, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” These deeds are expressions of a life changed by God and carried out through His power, as Philippians 2:13 teaches: “It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Jesus reinforced this in John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”

The Gospel transforms every aspect of a believer’s life—home, school, work, and beyond. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” The Christian’s entire life is submitted to the lordship of Christ. There are no breaks from being a child of the King, nor would we want them. God is constantly, lovingly, and patiently shaping His people. This is not a life of perfection, but of continual growth directed by God’s grace.

All of life is lived for Christ because we are in relationship with Him through the Gospel. Enjoy God, trust His process, and let the Gospel work in every part of your life.

Christ’s blessings,

Scott Welch

Pastor, Christ Community Church

www.loveled.org