The Gospel of the Wimpy Christian

If you haven’t noticed yet, there is a subtle yet pervasive and erroneous perception among both Christians and non-Christians today (and, indeed, for quite some time): increasingly, people seem comfortable talking about "God," and are even open to discussions about Him. Many Christians find solace in the fact that their friends, neighbors, and coworkers are often willing to engage in conversations about God's goodness, how He can transform lives, and even the notion that He is the Creator of all things. However, this comfort is misplaced. After all, many other religions espouse similar views of a supreme deity, which is why discussions about "God" remain acceptable, even in countries hostile to Christianity.

But as soon as the name of Jesus is brought into the conversation, everything changes. The atmosphere shifts dramatically. People's reactions and behavior become noticeably different, as they often reject or dispute Jesus' divine nature. Although His teachings are perfectly consistent with God's attributes, they are perceived as an absurdity or even a threat.

Why is this the case? The root of the issue lies in humanity's resistance to one specific attribute of God: His loving righteousness. No other religion presents a God who is simultaneously loving and righteous in the way that Christianity does. People, including many professing Christians, are comfortable with a relationship with a loving God—until they are confronted by the aspect of His righteousness. At that point, they find themselves at odds with Him.¹

God is Righteous

One of the most challenging questions for Christians to answer is, "If God created everything, why did He create hell and evil?"

Reformed theology provides clarity on this issue. God did not create evil; rather, evil is the result of human rebellion and the absence of God's righteous presence. Evil is not an entity in itself but a corruption, a twisting of what is good. I believe that God did, however, create hell—a place of separation for those who persist in their rebellion against Him. Hell exists because God is righteous, and His righteousness demands justice.

The righteousness of God is not merely a passive attribute; it is active and integral to His character. His righteousness is the standard by which all things are measured, and it necessitates the punishment of sin. God's creation of hell is not an arbitrary act of cruelty but a necessary response to the reality of sin. His justice cannot simply overlook evil or dismiss it without consequence. This is why hell exists—a place where God’s righteous judgment is meted out.

God is Loving

This brings us to the heart of the gospel and where the tension with the world intensifies. Non-Christians, and even some within the church, recoil at the idea of God’s justice. They prefer to emphasize His love in isolation, severed from His holiness and righteousness. Yet, these attributes cannot be separated. To understand God’s love, we must also understand His righteousness.

Humanity, in its fallen state, is utterly incapable of repairing the broken relationship with God. Our sin has placed us in a position of enmity with Him, and no amount of human effort can bridge the chasm sin has created. This means that every aspect of our being is tainted by sin, rendering us completely helpless to save ourselves.

But God, in His infinite wisdom and love, made provision for our redemption through Jesus Christ. He knew from the beginning that we would stray, yet He allowed us the freedom to choose, knowing full well the cost of our rebellion. As both a righteous and loving Father, God provided a single, perfect way back to Him: Jesus Christ, the only mediator between God and man. This is where the gospel becomes both offensive and beautiful.

There is no more perfect example of self-giving service than the One who left Heaven when He could have stayed and stayed on the cross when He could have left.²

— Matt Smethurst

The exclusivity of Christ as the only way to the Father is the core of the Christian faith. Jesus, the Son of God, took upon Himself the punishment that we deserved. There is no other way to enter Heaven than by believing in Christ’s finished work on the cross. Jesus calls us to abandon our own agendas completely and to submit to His sovereign will. Just as He challenged the rich young ruler, so too does He challenge us today: to let go of all that competes with God in our hearts and to embrace the fullness of life found only in Him. Jesus' mission is to restore humanity to God, and this mission leaves no room for sin, rebellion, or anything contrary to God’s design.

The Wimpy Gospel

In contrast, there is a diluted version of the gospel—a "wimpy gospel"—that many Christians, and indeed many churches, have embraced. This version compromises the truth in order to fit into the world, to be accepted, included, and to pursue what is often called "authenticity" or "self-fulfillment." Yet, this pursuit is the antithesis of what draws us closer to God.

This diluted gospel is one that buries its head in the sand, refusing to confront the uncomfortable truths of Scripture. It neglects the reality that our time on Earth is temporary, and that our true citizenship is in Heaven. Our primary mission is to proclaim the gospel, the true gospel, so that God’s word may redeem His people. Instead of seeking to make people comfortable, safe, and accepted in their sin, we are called to confront sin with the truth of God’s word, leading them to the only source of true comfort—Jesus Christ.

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

— John 17:15–16

Our calling is not to reassure people that God loves them just as they are, but to proclaim that God loves them enough to transform them into what He created them to be. We must not shy away from the harvest that is ripe, nor ignore His call to action.

The True Gospel

As God's creation, His desire is to redeem humankind.³ Those who, by faith, have been redeemed are called to be beacons of truth, shining the light of the gospel to those still lost in darkness.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

— Matthew 28:19–20 ESV

This is the Great Commission, the mandate for all believers. We are not merely to make converts, in fact only the Holy Spirit can. We are called to make disciples—those who observe all that Christ has commanded. This is the fullness of the gospel message, one that calls for repentance, transformation, and obedience to the Word of God.