Two Gospel Lenses
The gospel lens analogy from the Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent explains why we need to remember and communicate the gospel through both concepts and story in order to get the full picture of the beauty of the gospel. When we try to watch a 3D movie with just one of the lenses, the movie is distorted and we are not able to see the screen as the director intended.
Here is a chart that explains the difference between the 2 gospel models:
| Gospel Lens #1 | Gospel Lens #2 |
|---|---|
| – Viewed thematically – The power of the Gospel – Answers: How can we have a relationship with God? – Emphasizes message of reconciliation | – Viewed as story -The purpose of the Gospel – Answers: Why should we have a relationship with God? – Emphasizes ministry of reconciliation |
| GOD There is a God who relates to us as individuals and as a people | BEGINNING God makes a good world and gives humanity a purpose |
| SIN Sin disconnects us from this God | FALLOUT Even though the world is good, humans turn away from God, causing all of creation to experience corruption, decay and dysfunction. FORESHADOW Old Testament failed priests, kings and prophets foreshadow one who would fulfil the promises of God to his people. |
| JESUS God came to save us and reconnect us with himself | JESUS Jesus enters history to reveal how things were meant to be in the Beginning. He experienced death on our behalf. He reversed the effects of the Fallout by his resurrection. |
| FAITH We have a choice to respond in faith and follow Jesus as our Lord and Saviour | RENEWAL God invites us to join his story and be part of the process to restore humanity and the world to God. We do this while we wait for God’s full renewal of all things. |
We can then use gospel themes to communicate the gospel with these two models.