A good intermediate-level articulation of the ideas Bates has put forward elsewhere, with helpful reflections on how the 1st century Christian Gospel is still eternally relevant to a 21st post-Christian world

Why the Gospel, by Matthew Bates, is a must read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the gospel of King Jesus. In the author’s previous work he has explored the role of Jesus as a part of the godhead, the part of allegiance in the role of salvation, as well as exploring the forgotten importance of the kingship of Jesus as a part of the gospel; in this book the reader digs in to why ‘the gospel’ was set into motion. From an exploration of the misunderstood role of glory in the life of the Christian, to a call to a deeper faith/allegiance to the King each Christian has committed their life to, Bates leads the reader on a journey which pulls action from conviction and seeks to engage with those who have been disaffected by the heartless faith they’ve experienced in the past.

This isn’t just an academic study into big concepts and themes (though, to be sure, it could be this if it weren’t so much more); Why the Gospel is a needed response to the impersonal Christianity which has been coopted by politicians and hucksters.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book. It will help transform not only your understanding of the gospel, but also the way you live out your allegiance to King Jesus.

Matthew Bates has been writing on the topic of the gospel over the past several years. His works include *Salvation by Allegiance Alone*, *Gospel Allegiance*, *The Gospel Precisely*. Each work has become more accessible, and this newest book *Why the Gospel?* continues that trajectory; but it also adds to its applicability. Bates wants to see the gospel content (“Jesus is the saving king”) work it’s way into the church and world as a gospel way-of-life (one might even say a gospel politic).

This book is for anyone that wants to understand the purpose of the gospel. Bates does a great job of teaching what Scripture has to say concerning the purpose of the gospel at a level that anyone can understand without watering down the content.

Bates connects the concepts of being God’s images/imagers and glory to the gospel of the kingdom seamlessly. He doesn’t get bogged down arguing atonement theories but opts for what Micheal Heiser called the “kaleidoscope view” of the atonement. The content of the gospel is clearly and accurately communicated with a refreshing emphasis of the incarnation and bodily resurrection of Christ.

In short, if you want to know God’s purpose in the gospel in a way that sets you on a mission to spread the gospel with a greater understanding of its purpose, then this is the book for you.

A succinct and accessible treatment of the why of king Jesus gospel. A must read for personal and any discipleship group. Thank you Matthew Bates for writing another thought provoking book! Why the Gospel?: Living the Good News of King Jesus with Purpose

Matthew Bates, author of Salvation by Allegiance Alone, Gospel Allegiance, and The Gospel Precisely, has written yet another profound affirmation of the Kingdom Gospel as described in Scripture. This book, Why the Gospel?, magnificently guides the reader toward not only answering that question (Why the Gospel?) but also helps to uncover the incredible breadth of human transformation available through King Jesus. The gospel is much more than a brief description of individual or personal salvation, no, it is a universe-changing, history-altering reign of Jesus the True and Saving King. If you're looking to recover the Kingdom gospel message to its fullest extent as found in Scripture, then read this book. Years from now, when we look back, this book, along with other important titles by Scot McKnight (King Jesus Gospel) and N.T. Wright (When God Became King) will be seen as vital turning points in the study and application of the Good News.

If this book was described in three words it would be kingship, glory, and allegiance. Matthew discusses the importance of the kingship of Jesus and how viewing the gospel through the lens of kingship changes our understanding of the good news. Matthew goes on to explore how the gospel message is about glory, or making God famous and our role in making God famous to others. He also discusses his view that salvation is by allegiance to King Jesus alone and submitting to his authority by becoming a disciple of Jesus (p. 146).

Make no mistake, Matthew does affirm that Jesus is the source of regeneration, righteousness, atonement, and forgiveness. But those things are only possible because Jesus is Messiah, King, and Christ. Matthew writes, “by calling him Jesus Christ, our New Testament authors were claiming that God honored him with the ultimate kingship. God has exalted Jesus to his right hand where he reigns as the Messiah” (p. 10).

Matthew goes on to write, “God’s ultimate salvation comes not simply through Jesus, but through Jesus in his specific capacity as the one enthroned at God’s right hand. From that position he is governing God’s new creation work. Jesus’s saving benefits are available only because he is first and foremost the King” (p. 16).

Matthew then examines the gospel with a focus on glory, writing that the gospel is God’s rescue mission for “glory’s recovery.” Finally, Matthew discusses allegiance to King Jesus and writes “accept his kingship, because through it Jesus is offering you saving rescue, including the forgiveness of your sins” (p. 161).

I enjoyed this book. It challenged my thinking about concepts like eternal security, discipleship, allegiance, and faith. I would recommend this book to anyone who feels the church needs to re-examine the gospel message, desires to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and wants to practice living in Jesus’ kingdom now.