WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE GOSPEL CENTERED?
ALISTAR CHIU
JUNE 12, 2025
The term “Gospel-centered” is not only in frequent use but also, for lay people, not clearly defined. While experts have investigated the topic (among whom Thomas Kidd, writing for The Gospel Coalition, contributed an illuminating piece titled, “Why Do We Say ‘Gospel-Centered’?”), I’ve come to an understanding of the term that I find useful in my daily walk as a Christian.
Luke 24 records the vignette in which Jesus with a veiled identity explained to two believers on their way to Emmaus all the Scriptures that concerned himself. It can be seen that at least one toni against the condition of being “...foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” is to approach the Scriptures from the lens of Jesus. Why is this important? What effect did it have? We read that the two said to each other “Did not our hearts burn within us...?”
At a fundamental level, all of life is about our hearts. Our hearts determine what/who we love, what we think about, how we make decisions, and how we employ our energies. It is the seat of who we are in essence. As sinners, our hearts are not right, and we need to be in the process of allowing God to perform, and participating with Him in, this heart surgery. And for this sinner, the fire that burns and softens and changes my heart, comes from encountering in ever fresh ways the good news of what Jesus has done.
To me, “gospel-centered” means any activity - be it teaching, preaching, studying, discipleship, or service - that aims to lead people to confront and engage with the gospel of Jesus in a transformative and impactful manner, ultimately leading to a change of heart. It reminds us of the profound extent of our desperate need for God’s saving grace through Jesus’ death, the immense love He showed us through His willing sacrifice, and the incredible hope that comes from realising we were the joy set before Jesus that motivated Him to endure the cross and despise its shame. With the Holy Spirit’s empowering, this realisation should not only result in a change of heart but also open up the potential for transformative change in our lives, families, communities, and ultimately, our cities.