Is the Gospel More About Content or Conduct in Shaping Our Faith Journey
- Keith Haney
- Jun 3
- 9 min read
Introduction
There is a popular myth that St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words." It's a widely quoted monastic saying emphasizing practical acts of love as demonstrations of Jesus' love. Popular among the Insta-quote generation, it's debated whether Francis truly said it or if it's a misquote or invention. Some argue it highlights conduct-based evangelism, while others suggest it might avoid awkward conversations. However, regardless of its origin, the saying resonates because it underscores the importance of showing faith through action rather than mere words. This aligns with the broader Christian ideal of living out one's beliefs in tangible ways that reflect Christ's teachings.
This leads to a deeper series of questions. Have you ever pondered the essence of the Gospel and what it truly seeks of us? Is it a call to action, or is it a message meant to transform our understanding and that of others? The nature of the Gospel has sparked countless debates among theologians, pastors, and believers alike.
At its core, the thesis of this discussion is clear: the Gospel is fundamentally content-driven rather than conduct-driven. This distinction holds significant implications for how we live out our faith and engage with God’s message.
Understanding Content-Driven Gospel
Definition
A content-driven gospel focuses on the substance of the message itself—the teachings, narratives, and truth contained within Scripture. It emphasizes the transformative power of the message about Jesus Christ, His death, and resurrection. This approach prioritizes understanding the Gospel’s core components over merely adhering to rules or behavioral expectations.
Biblical Basis
Several key scriptures highlight the content-driven essence of the gospel. Romans 1:16 states, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” This verse underscores the power inherent in the message itself, indicating that belief is founded on understanding its content.
Furthermore, Paul’s writing in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 summarizes the Gospel’s core tenets when he says, “...that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” These passages illustrate that the essence of the Gospel lies in its life-altering message. Then there are these passages.
Romans 6:4: "Therefore, we were buried together with Him through baptism into His death so that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too can walk in newness of life."
Explanation: As a historical aorist, "we died" indicates a single act; "we shall also live" indicates the future, which begins immediately after death and continues forever. On the last day, "We shall also live with him" cannot be dated and refers to our bodily resurrection. Both "death with Christ" and "life with Christ" are mystical, not physical (v.11). (v. 4) We live with him = we walk in newness of life = we no longer live in the sin to which we died (v. 2). “With Christ” we shall live as we died with him; it is this our connection with him also in this our life that makes it the blessed reality that it is.
2 Corinthians 5:17: "So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!"
Explanation: This verse emphasizes the transformative power of being in Christ. This phrase, “in Christ,” can mean several things that are not mutually exclusive: that one belongs to Christ, that one lives in the sphere of Christ’s power, that one is united with Christ, or that one is part of the body of Christ, the believing community. Paul’s assumption is that being in Christ should bring about a radical change in a person’s life. It means that anyone who is united with Christ becomes a new creation, leaving behind their old ways and embracing a new life filled with hope and purpose.
Philippians 3:10-11: "The righteousness that I have comes from knowing Christ, the power of His resurrection, and the sharing of His sufferings. It includes being conformed to His death so that I may perhaps reach the goal of the resurrection of the dead."
Explanation: Paul's knowledge of Christ goes beyond intellectual understanding; it is a personal and transformative experience. This profound knowledge was achieved during his conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), where he encountered Jesus in a powerful and life-changing way. Paul experienced the power of Christ's resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings firsthand. Jesus appeared to him in the blinding glory of heaven; that is how Paul “got to know his resurrection and the power of it. This encounter led to Paul's profound, personal relationship with Christ, in which he recognized Him as his Lord. The passage emphasizes that Paul's knowledge of Christ is not merely theoretical but is rooted in a personal, transformative experience that changed his life and faith.
1 Peter 1:3: "May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed! On account of His vast mercy, He has given us new birth. You have been born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
Explanation: This verse praises God for His mercy, which brings about a new birth for believers. God is to be praised because he "has given us new birth." The term anagennēsas actually emphasizes “rebegetting or begetting anew rather than being born anew,” though the latter idea is also implied. This is borne out in 1 Pet 1:23, where believers are said to be begotten (anagegennēmenoi) by the imperishable seed of God’s word.
Example
Throughout history, the content of the Gospel has been a source of profound transformation. Consider the story of John Newton, the author of "Amazing Grace." His dramatic conversion from a life of moral depravity to becoming a fervent advocate for abolition is a testament to how a genuine understanding of God’s grace can profoundly change a life.
Chuck Colson: Once known as President Nixon’s "hatchet man" involved in the Watergate scandal, Colson experienced a profound spiritual transformation while in prison. He gave his life to Christ and founded Prison Fellowship, one of the world's largest outreach programs for prisoners and their families.
Corrie Ten Boom: During World War II, Corrie and her family hid Jews from the Nazis, leading to their arrest and imprisonment in concentration camps. Despite the horrors she faced, Corrie forgave her captors and began a ministry focused on forgiveness and reconciliation.
C.S. Lewis: Renowned author of "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, Lewis was once a staunch atheist. His conversion to Christianity led him to become one of the most influential Christian apologists of the 20th century.
Scott Hahn: Initially a fervent Protestant, Hahn's deep study of Scripture led him to embrace the Catholic faith. He has since written numerous books on apologetics and has become a prominent biblical theologian.
Norma McCorvey: Known as "Jane Roe" in the Roe v. Wade case, McCorvey experienced a radical transformation and converted to Catholicism. She became a fervent pro-lifer, dedicating her efforts to reversing the decision that bore her name.
Understanding Conduct-Driven Gospel
Definition
In contrast, a conduct-driven gospel emphasizes behavior, moral conduct, and adherence to specific rules and regulations as markers of faithfulness. It often focuses on the outward manifestation of faith through actions that align with religious expectations and values.
Biblical Basis
Key scriptures underscore the behavior-focused nature of a conduct-driven gospel. James 2:17 exhorts, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” However, to be clear, James warned that a faith that only spoke kind words to the poor without offering them help would not save them. In the same way that Abraham and Rahab demonstrated obedience to God through works, James urged his friends to demonstrate their faith through works as well. James explained that a faith that merely affirmed correct belief without producing a changed life was lifeless.
Matthew 5:16 also instructs believers to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Such verses stress that visible actions serve as reflections of faith and are essential in demonstrating one’s commitment to God. To better understand Matthew 5, here are some examples.
Examples
Example of Reflecting Light: "Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden, Christians are called to be visible reflections of God's light, guiding others through their good works."
Example of Salt's Role: "Salt not only preserves but also enhances flavor. Similarly, Christians are to preserve societal values and bring out the best in their communities by living according to God's standards."
Example of Avoiding Isolation: "Forming isolated Christian communities that avoid interaction with the broader society contradicts the call to be active agents of change, challenging the world to align with God's will."
Example of Good Works: "Acts of kindness, honesty, and compassion are practical ways Christians let their light shine, pointing others to God rather than themselves."
Example of Self-glorification: "Helping others in public solely to gain recognition undermines the purpose of good works, which should ultimately bring glory to God."
These examples illustrate the balance between shining light, being a preservative, and avoiding self-centered motives.
In Lutheran theology, sanctification is closely linked to justification. It is understood as the process by which believers are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit. Here are some key points:
Justification and Sanctification: Lutherans believe that sanctification flows from justification. Justification is the act of God declaring a sinner righteous through faith in Christ. Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, enabling them to live a holy life.
Simul Justus et Peccator: This Latin phrase means "simultaneously saint and sinner." Lutherans hold that believers are at the same time justified and still struggle with sin. Sanctification is the process of growing in holiness while acknowledging the ongoing presence of sin.
Means of Grace: Sanctification is nurtured through the means of grace—Word and Sacraments. Regular engagement with Scripture, participation in the Lord's Supper, and Baptism are seen as vital for spiritual growth and sanctification.
Good Works: While good works are not the basis of salvation, they are a natural outcome of faith. Sanctification involves living out one's faith through acts of love and service, reflecting the transformation that has taken place within.
Comparing Content-Driven and Conduct-Driven Gospel
Similarities
Although content-driven and conduct-driven approaches to the gospel may seem disparate, there are areas where they overlap. Both seem to encourage the importance of faith and deeds as pathways through which believers engage with their spiritual journey.
Additionally, both approaches can inspire individuals to deepen their understanding of their faith, whether through learning more about Scripture’s content or striving to embody the Gospel’s tenets in their actions.
Differences
The differences between these two approaches lie in their priorities and implications for believers. A content-driven Gospel encourages believers to build their faith on the unchanging truths of the message rather than merely on outward actions. This perspective fosters a deeper relationship with God through a deeper understanding of His word and Jesus' saving work on the cross.
Conversely, a conduct-driven gospel often leads individuals to evaluate their faith based on their ability to maintain certain behaviors, potentially resulting in guilt, shame, doubt or fear when they fall short. This can detract from one’s reliance on grace, God's unconditional love, and Jesus' saving work on the cross.
Case Studies
Consider a church environment that emphasizes a content-driven gospel. Congregants are engaged in serious study and discussion of biblical texts, leading to greater understanding and transformative experiences. The outcome is often a community that thrives on sharing the message of grace and love.
In contrast, a conduct-driven church may prioritize adherence to behavioral expectations, where members are reinforced to act in accordance with religious rules, often at the expense of personal growth. This could lead to feelings of judgment and exclusion among those who struggle with acceptable actions.
Theological Implications
Impact on Faith
The approach one takes toward the Gospel directly affects their understanding of salvation and the concept of grace. A content-driven understanding emphasizes grace as an unearned gift, inviting believers to rest in their identity as children of God despite flaws and failures.
In contrast, a conduct-focused approach often leads believers to believe their worth is based on how well they perform religious activities, which can undermine the grace that is foundational to the Christian faith.
Church Practices
Churches that prioritize a content-driven Gospel tend to create environments where inquiry, exploration of Scripture, and sharing of faith stories are encouraged. They focus on deepening faith through understanding.
On the other hand, churches that lean towards a conduct-driven gospel may emphasize rules and guidelines, leading to more structured worship services and teachings focused predominantly on correct behaviors and actions.
Personal Reflection
This contrast encourages readers to reflect on their beliefs and practices. Are they motivated by an understanding of the Gospel's message? Or are they preoccupied with performing well and adhering to behavioral norms? A thoughtful examination can lead to a richer, more meaningful faith experience.
Conclusion
In summary, the discussion of whether the Gospel is more about content or conduct reveals a profound truth: the Gospel's power lies primarily in its message rather than its behavioral expectations. Understanding the importance of the Gospel's content invites believers to experience freedom, grace, and transformation.
As you delve deeper into your faith journey, consider how you may engage with the Gospel in a way that prioritizes its life-changing content.
As a closing thought, ask yourself: "How does my understanding of the Gospel influence not only my actions but also my relationship with God and others?"
Discussion Questions
In what ways have you experienced the Gospel as content-driven or conduct-driven in your own life?
How can understanding the content of the Gospel shape your actions and relationships?
What practices can you engage in to gain a deeper understanding of the Gospel message?
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