D.A. Carson, in his For the Love of God, Vol. 2
We must always remember that: The Gospel is not admired in Scripture primarily because of the social transformation it effects, but because it reconciles men and women to a holy God. Its purpose is not that we might feel fulfilled, but that we might be reconciled to the living and holy God. The consummation [of Christ and the Church in the future] is delightful to the transformed people of God, not simply because the environment of the new heaven and the new earth is pleasing, but because we forever live and work and worship in the unshielded radiance of the presence of our holy Maker and Redeemer. That prospect must shape how the church lives and serves, and determine the pulse of its ministry. The only alternative is high-sounding but self-serving idolatry.
As a seminary student, I would add that the Gospel is not merely a beautiful piece of theology to be observed and appreciated for its elegance, but it is the very power of God unto salvation; and this salvation is not merely so that we won’t go to hell, but is the way that we come to know and enjoy and glorify the great God of creation as he recreates us into the image of his Son.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Spirit–Three in One!
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be.
World without end! Amen! Amen!
