Why I Like the Gospel Coalition

By Fred Zaspel–

TGC has quickly become quite the phenomenon. In a relatively brief time it has grown from a private conversation between Don Carson and Tim Keller to an international voice that continues to draw the attention — whether in admiration or in criticism — of people everywhere.

There are many reasons I like TGC. I liked it first simply because of the founders — their work has long been a benefit and blessing to me and to many. I like it because of their theological position and strategic thinking — their Foundational Documents are a wonderful model of gospel-centered theological outlook applied to contemporary culture. I like it because of their serious attempt to handle Scripture responsibly — the sermons, lectures, articles, and other resources are consistently well-grounded exegetically and of use and value to the wider church. And I like it because they make everything free of charge — the TGC website is an invaluable resource for pastors and laymen alike.

In my opinion there are many reasons to like TGC. But I suppose there is one reason that stands out above the others: their agenda. I’m aware of the fears of “Christian Celebrity-ism,” and I’m generally a bit suspicious of such things myself. But I think all would have to agree, at least in the main, that TGC has an obvious agenda that is not personality or career driven. Consistently what we hear from TGC is … well, the gospel — the gospel in its many varied expositions and applications. And in fact there is no organization to join. There are no membership dues — there is no membership! It’s just a group of men who gather and consult together to promote the gospel strategically and to provide endless free resources to that end, resources of immense value for personal edification and enrichment and for equipping those who teach others. And already in their short history the advance of the gospel God has given via TGC would be impossible to measure. I thank God for TGC and pray that he will keep all involved faithful to the gospel and increase their influence still more.

For many of our Credo readers this may sound something like “Why I Like Grandma, Baseball, and Apple Pie.” But in this week of TGC’s bi-annual conference I wanted to express public thanks to God for the good work he has raised up for the benefit of so many, to his Glory.

If like me you are unable to attend the TGC conference this week, note that their meetings are being made available online, streamlined, for free (of course). You can watch them here.

Fred Zaspel (Ph.D., Free University of Amsterdam) is pastor at the Reformed Baptist Church of Franconia, PA. He is also Professor of Systematic Theology at Calvary Baptist Seminary in Lansdale, PA. He is the author of The Theology of B.B. Warfield: A Systematic Summary  and Warfield on the Christian Life: Living in Light of the Gospel.