The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited

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The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited – Scot McKnight

1. Full Citation

McKnight, S. (2011) The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

2. Introduction

In The King Jesus Gospel, Scot McKnight critiques the modern evangelical tendency to reduce the gospel to a salvation formula and calls for a return to the apostolic proclamation of Jesus as Messiah and Lord. He argues that contemporary Christianity has often substituted the biblical gospel with a truncated “plan of salvation” that neglects the narrative and kingdom-focused message of the New Testament. This review examines the theological challenges McKnight raises and the solutions he offers for realigning gospel proclamation with the full scope of Scripture.

3. Author Background and Credentials

Scot McKnight is an American New Testament scholar and theologian. He is Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary and a prolific author and blogger. McKnight specialises in Jesus studies, Pauline theology, and the interface between historical-critical scholarship and ecclesial praxis. His writing often bridges academic theology and pastoral ministry, appealing to both scholars and church leaders.

4. Summary of Contents

The book is structured around four core sections:

  1. The Gospel Culture
    • McKnight argues that evangelicals have confused “salvation” with “gospel,” reducing the good news to individual conversion.
    • He contrasts the apostolic gospel with the modern focus on personal decision-making and afterlife assurance.
  2. The Apostolic Gospel
    • Drawing on 1 Corinthians 15 and the sermons in Acts, McKnight highlights the early Church’s proclamation: Jesus is the fulfilment of Israel’s story, the crucified and risen King.
    • Emphasises the continuity between the Old Testament and the gospel message.
  3. The Gospel and the Church
    • Advocates for a gospel that shapes a kingdom people, not just saved individuals.
    • Argues for a narrative understanding of Scripture, where Jesus brings the story of Israel to its climax.
  4. Creating a Gospel Culture
    • Suggests reforms in preaching, discipleship, and evangelism to recover a holistic gospel.
    • Calls churches to focus on kingdom formation, rather than transactional salvation experiences.

Throughout, McKnight maintains that the gospel is not primarily about how to get saved, but about who Jesus is and what God is doing through him.

5. Critical Evaluation

a. Coherence and Argumentation

McKnight’s thesis is logically developed, theologically rich, and pastorally urgent. He effectively contrasts the “soterian” gospel (focused on salvation) with the apostolic gospel rooted in Christ’s kingship and redemptive mission.

b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution

The book contributes significantly to missional and biblical theology, challenging contemporary assumptions about evangelism and doctrine. His return to 1 Corinthians 15 as the gospel’s anchor is especially compelling.

c. Evidence, Sources, and Method

McKnight engages deeply with Scripture, early Christian preaching, Second Temple Judaism, and modern evangelical practices. His method is biblical-theological and pastoral, rather than purely systematic or historical-critical.

d. Style and Accessibility

Written in a clear and engaging style, the book is accessible to pastors, seminary students, and lay leaders. It balances scholarship and readability with consistent theological depth.

e. Limitations and Critiques

Some critics argue that McKnight’s distinction between “gospel” and “salvation” may risk underplaying key soteriological doctrines. Others feel his treatment of Pauline theology needs further development. Still, most recognise the urgency of his call to reform gospel proclamation.

6. Comparative Context

McKnight’s work resonates with:

  • N.T. Wright’s focus on Jesus as Israel’s Messiah and kingdom bringer
  • Michael Gorman’s emphasis on cruciform gospel
  • Dallas Willard’s kingdom discipleship
    It stands in contrast to older evangelical revivalist models that prioritise individual salvation above narrative or ecclesial identity.

7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance

The book is highly relevant to missiology, biblical theology, homiletics, ecclesiology, and spiritual formation. It is essential for churches rethinking the substance and purpose of gospel preaching.

8. Reflection or Practical Application

Readers are challenged to reframe evangelism, not as a call to escape judgment, but as an invitation into the story of God’s reign through Jesus. Churches are encouraged to be kingdom witnesses and disciple-making communities rather than merely salvation stations.

9. Conclusion

The King Jesus Gospel is a theologically robust and pastorally urgent corrective to modern gospel reductionism. McKnight reclaims the biblical and kingdom-centred vision of the gospel, challenging the Church to align its proclamation with the story of Jesus as Lord.

Recommended for: Pastors, seminary students, evangelists, church planters, and leaders seeking to reshape their ministry around a more biblically faithful gospel.

10. Other Works by the Same Author

  • A Community Called Atonement – On the theology of the cross.
  • Jesus and His Death – A scholarly treatment of Jesus’ crucifixion.
  • The Blue Parakeet – On interpreting Scripture today.
  • Kingdom Conspiracy – A follow-up exploring the nature of the kingdom.

11. Similar Books by Other Authors

  • N.T. Wright – How God Became King
  • Michael Gorman – The Death of the Messiah and the Birth of the New Covenant
  • Greg Gilbert – What Is the Gospel?
  • Tim Keller – The Prodigal God

12. References (only if external works are cited)

  • McKnight, S. (2007) A Community Called Atonement.
  • Wright, N.T. (2012) How God Became King.
  • Gorman, M. (2009) Inhabiting the Cruciform God.
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