Seven Word Gospel

How would you describe the gospel in seven words? In recent years, a number of pastors and theologians have responded to this challenge.

During this week of Christmastide, which bridges our celebrations of incarnation and Epiphany, I share the words of Nadia Boltz-Weber, author, Lutheran pastor and public theologian.  Those familiar with Boltz-Weber’s writing know her irreverent, truth telling style.  She responds to this challenge with great sincerity:

We are who God says we are:

In the incarnation, life, death and resurrection of Christ

we see that God is so for us

that we can no longer be defined

according to death,

a religion-based worthiness system

or even the categories of late-stage capitalism.

We are who God says we are:

the forgiven,

broken

and blessed children of God;

the ones to whom God draws near.

Nothing else gets to tell us who we are.

Friends, on the cusp of a New Year, know that

you are who God says you are:  

a forgiven, broken and blessed child of God;

one to whom God draws near.

Nothing else gets to tell you who you are.

For those who like to ponder: What seven words would you use to describe the gospel?

-Written by Rev. Ann Palmerton