“Gospel renewal is not merely an event; it is a lifelong journey of transformation.” This bold assertion may challenge our perception of the Christian life, but it encapsulates a truth that is vital for every believer. As we navigate the complexities of faith, ministry, and personal growth, understanding the process and practice of Gospel renewal becomes essential. It is not just about our initial acceptance of Christ but about cultivating a heart that continually experiences His transformative grace. This article aims to explore how the Gospel shapes the life of Christians, identify critical responses to Gospel renewal, and articulate the means through which God sustains this ongoing renewal in our hearts.
Understanding the Impact of the Gospel
At the core of Gospel renewal lies the profound truth that the Gospel is dynamic. As Paul writes in Colossians 1:6 (ESV), “which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing.” The Gospel is not static; it is alive and active, continually bearing fruit in the lives of those who believe. This reality challenges us to consider what it means for the Gospel to be “increasing” within us. It prompts reflection on our own hearts and lives—are we experiencing the transformative power of the Gospel, or are we merely going through the motions of religious practice?
The Apostle Paul’s gratitude for the Colossians’ faith and love serves as a model for how the Gospel should manifest in our lives. He recognises their “faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints” (Colossians 1:4, ESV). Here, we see that a genuine understanding of the Gospel naturally results in a vibrant faith and a selfless love for others. The Gospel shapes us profoundly, leading us to live out our faith in tangible ways.
The Heart of Gospel Renewal
Where does this transformative work take place? The answer is clear: in the heart. Scripture is well-supplied with references to the heart as the seat of our affections, desires, and decisions. Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) instructs us, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” If our hearts are not renewed, our actions will reflect a disconnect from the Gospel's transformative power.
The heart is not merely an organ; it represents our innermost being. It is where our loves, fears, and desires reside. The Lord speaks through the prophet Ezekiel, promising, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you” (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV). This divine promise underscores the necessity of a heart that is being renewed by God’s grace.
The Journey of Gospel Renewal
Understanding that the heart is the place of Gospel renewal, we must ask how this renewal occurs. The journey involves two critical responses: faith and repentance.
Faith
In Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV), Paul exhorts believers: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” This call to set our affections on Christ is fundamental to experiencing Gospel renewal. It involves more than mere intellectual assent; it is about a heartfelt reliance on Christ and a desire for His glory.
Timothy Keller notes that “the spiritual renewal cycle completes itself as the Holy Spirit gives to the Christian a new ability to rely on and rejoice in Christ.” This reliance is not a one-time event but an ongoing exercise of faith as we continually look to Christ for strength, comfort, and guidance in our daily lives.
Repentance
Repentance is the other vital aspect of renewal. Colossians 3:5 (ESV) instructs, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you.” This call to action is a reminder that renewal requires an active turning away from sin and a rejection of the idols that vie for our hearts' affections. Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for our sins; it is a deep-seated desire to turn from anything that distracts us from our relationship with God.
J.I. Packer defines repentance as “” This process is ongoing, as our understanding of sin and God's holiness grows. By turning from our idols—whether they be success, comfort, or approval—we allow the Gospel to take root in our hearts, leading to true transformation.
Means of Grace
The means of grace are avenues through which God dispenses His grace to us. These include prayer, the hearing of God’s Word, the sacraments, and fellowship with other believers. Each of these avenues allows us to respond to God in faith and repentance, facilitating our ongoing renewal.
Richard Lovelace emphasises the importance of community in the practice of Gospel renewal, stating, “Among the most vital means of grace are other Christians.” Engaging with fellow believers provides a support system that encourages growth, accountability, and mutual encouragement in our walks with Christ.
The Application of Gospel Renewal
The practice of Gospel renewal is not merely an individual endeavour; it involves God’s Word, God’s Spirit, and God’s people working together. We cannot manipulate this process; it is primarily a work of God within the context of community.
In a world that often emphasises individualism, we must remember that lasting personal renewal typically occurs in community. As we engage with God’s Word, allowing it to shape our understanding and actions, we also rely on the Holy Spirit to apply these truths to our lives. This communal aspect of renewal fosters an environment where believers can grow together, sharing their struggles and victories.
The Ongoing Journey of Renewal
In conclusion, Gospel renewal is a profound and ongoing journey that transforms our hearts and lives. As we understand how the Gospel shapes our existence, respond with faith and repentance, and engage with the means of grace, we position ourselves for continual renewal.
The significance of this study lies not just in theological understanding but in its practical application. As believers, we must recognise that the success or failure of our ministry—and indeed our personal lives—hinges on a healthy Gospel renewal framework. When our hearts are aligned with the Gospel, we can navigate the trials of life and ministry with grace and resilience.
As we embark on this journey of renewal, let us commit ourselves to seeking the things that are above, turning from our idols, and engaging with one another in authentic community. May we be a people marked by the transformative power of the Gospel, bearing fruit that glorifies God and reflects His character to the world around us.
For further reflection:
The ‘general public’ is a concept that forms the backdrop of Japanese culture. It is commonly referred to as ‘Seken-sama,’ or an invisible god that exists in Japan. The so-called Generation Z, born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s, grew up with the spread of the Internet and smartphones and are ‘digital natives’ who are adept at using digital technology. Although this younger generation, with its eyes on the global world and ability to easily cross cultural and linguistic boundaries, cannot be said to be completely free from the invisible pressures of society that remain deeply rooted in Japanese society, this is because society has simply shifted from the community of the past to social media. Against this backdrop, the concept of ‘individualism’ is emphasised in Japan as two reactions to ‘corporate identity (public opinion and peer pressure)’. First, in order to escape from the general public, the younger generation in Japan tends to rely on the concepts of relative freedom and liberalism rather than on God Himself. Second, in an attempt to repent from their individualistic tendencies and find hope in the community, they also tend to seek their identity within the community rather than in Christ. On the other hand, the pathway of gospel renewal incorporates the elements of repentance, faith, and grace. It is not an escape from one thing to another, or a change in the object of one's trust, but a process of learning to rely solely on God. This world is not yet perfect. In order to live in this world with its various difficulties and trials, gospel renewal is a lifelong process and experience.
Author:CTCJ Collaborative Writing Team
In 2025, CTCJ set out a new vision to become a thought leader in the field of urban church planting in Japan. The Collaborative Writing Team (Co-writing Team) is one of the ways we are working towards this goal. The team is made up of a core group of staff members, as well as a number of writers and editors from diverse backgrounds, who work together to produce articles on topics that are useful for church planters, with the gospel as the foundation and focus.