A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God’s Love by Milton Vincent
January 14, 2025
Milton Vincent explores why believers must remind themselves of the gospel daily in A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God’s Love. He argues that we need this daily reminder because of how easily we forget the gospel! Our struggles with trials and temptations often lead to an overwhelming sense of guilt. Some respond to this guilt by attempting moral improvement or good works to pacify the wrath they believe God feels toward them. Others may give in to sinful desires, exhausted by their failed efforts to “be better.” At times, we may even wonder if God has abandoned us altogether.
A Gospel Primer is written to encourage Christians by reminding us God has forgiven all our sins and has made us pleasing in His sight. God loves us with a love that will never diminish, fade, or falter—a love grounded in the finished work of Christ and His righteousness. Vincent writes:
“The gospel encourages me to rest in my righteous standing with God, a standing which Christ Himself has accomplished and always maintains for me. I never have to do a moment’s labor to gain or maintain my justified status before God! Freed from the burden of such a task, I now can put my energies into enjoying God, pursuing holiness, and ministering God’s amazing grace to others” (20).
The book’s first section focuses on thirty-one reasons why believers should remind themselves of the gospel each day. Vincent treats the gospel like a precious jewel, turning it over repeatedly to examine its beauty from every angle. Here he shows how the practice of daily reminding ourselves works in our lives. One thing that comes through his various reasons is that meditating on gospel truths warms our hearts toward God. How could reflecting on the glories of God’s work through Christ to save sinners like us not stir our love for God and delight in Jesus? Vincent also highlights numerous ways the gospel impacts our daily lives, broadening our understanding of how our lives are transformed by the gospel. However, he is very clear that this is not just the initial changes that happen when one comes to saving faith. He shows the lifelong effect of the gospel on our lives as we drink from the well of God’s grace each and every day.
Sections two and three present the gospel in prose and poetic formats. These crystal-clear presentations of gospel truths are sure to warm hearts and stir affections toward God. In these sections, just like in the first, Milton does an excellent job showing his work. The book is filled with scripture references so that the reader is able to see how he is coming to his conclusions. This shows the soundness of his arguments and reinforces his emphasis on the greatness of God's love for his people. Through it all, Milton effectively shows that the Christian does need the gospel every day so as to move our eyes off of ourselves and on to Christ.
This little book, just 98 pages long, can be used in many ways. It is short enough to read in one sitting, but its layout and rich content make it well-suited for use as a daily devotional. As the foreword suggests, it is best read slowly—like savoring a good cup of coffee. For example, you could reflect on one gospel truth each day during your devotional time over a month. This approach allows you to meditate on one reason each day to treasure the gospel more deeply.
Additionally, this book is a valuable tool for discipleship, particularly for someone struggling to understand God’s grace. Parents could also use it to help their children grasp the realities of the gospel.
No matter how you use it, I trust this book will warm your heart as it reminds you of the depth and breadth of God’s love for you in Christ.
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