The Four Chapter Gospel

Under the tutelage of Steve Garber and Mike Metzger, the Fellows class of 2006-2007 have identified and embraced the most beautiful and often overlooked explanation of the Gospel. In academic circles it is termed the “Four Chapter Gospel.” The four points are simply explained as Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation. Within the greatest story ever written, we believe all aspects of our humanity (including all of creation) was once pristine and perfect. This creation idea explains how the world and the people living in it “ought” to be.

But, we recognize that because we are all born of Adam, creation and humans living in creation, now currently live in a fallen state. The fall would explain how the world actually “is” as we struggle to make sense of it. But, as people of faith, we are privileged because we still have hope. To be hopeful is an exceptionally relevant and vital part of life. Even while we mourn, we also mourn with hope.

We recognize that, with the divine help of the Spirit, one-day the world “can” look different as we usher in the Kingdom of God by becoming His ambassadors. It is invigorating to visualize a redeemed world. Some examples from this year would include: a world where cars and bikes share the road, where people work for proximate justice, and where beautifully designed buildings reflect creation.

Lastly, we wait and consider what a new heaven and a new earth will look like. For the final consummation, we dream of what the world “will be” like as it parallels the beginning of Creation. As we keep the end in mind, we recognize the brokenness of the world and hope for total and perfect restoration. As the title of our Blog suggests, the Kingdom of God is “now, but not yet."