Why Do Christians Start With Paul Instead of Jesus?

Five Views on the Gospel — The King Jesus Gospel

7/12/26

The King Jesus Gospel (p. 15–27)

Not saying Billy Graham invented a new gospel, but he definitely perfected a version of the gospel focused on personal salvation. It is a way of sharing the gospel.

But Father, your work + your love are so much more complex than his simple presentation.

Gospel Explanation (p. 27–31)

McKnight says the wonderful news of Jesus is his kingdom. Again, true... as one aspect of your work. But I do appreciate much of his approach.

"Paul's solution is Paul's and should not be imposed on Jesus."

I love this! Graham uses Gen. 3 because he starts with Rom. 3. But that wasn't the message of Jesus.

Jesus' message is the Kingdom, restoring God as King over Israel. And it is personal, but not only personal.

However, McKnight says the law of the kingdom is the recapitulated law of Moses. That's a problem for me because we're not Israel + we're not in the Ancient World.

I like a lot of his emphasis, but I'm also hesitant to speak in OT terms just as much as he hesitates to speak in apostolic terms.