Sanders: The Trinity & The Gospel

As I stated in my previous post, Sanders approach to this book is unique and unlike any other book I have read on the subject. I stated that Sanders explores how much Trinitarian theology is a part of the Christian life, whether we acknowledge it or not.

However, Sanders delves further. In the fourth chapter, he argues that even if one were to explore the Gospel, one would run directly into the Trinity. In fact, one cannot discuss the Gospel without discussing the Trinity. In Sander's own words, "...the Trinity is the gospel."

To support this notion, Sanders explores (the beast passage on the subject, in my opinion) Ephesians 1. This passage is rich with how the Trinity and the different persons are actively involved the salvation process of the believer. This makes the gospel, "God-sized." There have been many forerunners who have discovered this reality: A.B. Simpson, R.A. Torrey, and C.H. Spurgeon. All these men, as well as Sanders make a valid point:

" They [evangelicals] have a vision of the scale and scope of salvation, because they understand that salvation must be measured against the competence and capacity of the one doing the saving." (105)

In other words, your view of salvation is only as big your view of the Trinity! This was a strong point (in my opinion) and it is unfortunate that many believers today do not see it through the lens of the Trinity. I am glad this chapter is in the book because it gives us a better understanding of the greatness and the love God has for the elect. This, in turn, provokes us to a posture of worship. F.B. Meyer says it best:

"Do you want to know how much Jesus loves you? Ah! soul, before thou canst master that arithmetic thou must learn another mode of computation. Tell me first the love of God the Father to His Son, and I will tell thee the love of the Son to thee."