Gospel People: A Call for Evangelical Integrity (Michael Reeves)

Gospel People: A Call for Evangelical Integrity

A Biblical Case for the Importance and Goodness of Being “Evangelical”

The term evangelical is often poorly defined and frequently comes with cultural and political baggage. As the label has become more controversial, many Christians have begun to wonder if they should abandon it altogether.

Michael Reeves argues from a global, scriptural, and historical perspective that, while it’s not necessary to discard the label altogether, Christians must return to the root of the term—the evangel, or “gospel”—in order to understand what it truly means. He identifies the theology of evangelicalism and its essential doctrine—the Father’s revelation in the Bible, the Son’s redemption in the gospel, and the Spirit’s regeneration of the heart—calling believers to stand with integrity as people of the gospel.

• A Biblical and Theological Explanation of Evangelicalism: Rooted in Scripture and the writings of figures throughout church history
• Globally-Minded: Explores evangelical theology and distinctives outside of narrow cultural definitions
• Brief and Accessible: Written for both lay people and church leaders

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1: What Are Gospel People?
Chapter 2: Revelation from the Father
Chapter 3: Redemption by the Son
Chapter 4: Regeneration through the Spirit
Chapter 5: The Importance of Being Gospel People
Chapter 6: Gospel Integrity

Appendix 1: Can Evangelicalism Be Defined?
Appendix 2: Does Evangelicalism Have a History?
General Index
Scripture Index

Endorsements: 

“God has always wanted a people, but how are they to be defined? In a day of growing confusion, Michael Reeves provides a superb description of their identity in his book Gospel People. Captivated and shaped by glorious gospel truths that motivate and excite them, they are to demonstrate a humility that is not quick to judge and divide from others while contending for definitive doctrines that must be clearly proclaimed to a needy world.”
Terry Virgo, Founder, Newfrontiers; author, God’s Treasured Possession

“Michael Reeves has written a simple explanation of Christian faith. Reeves considers the word evangelical biblically, theologically, and historically. Gospel People is written in the best tradition of Ryle, Stott, and Packer yet reaches back to include the Puritans and the early church fathers as well. This book is simple, clear, and clarifying. Read and profit.”
Mark Dever, Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC

“Michael Reeves is an evangelical in every best sense of the word—a gospel person who lives for the spiritual unity and integrity that his book Gospel People so beautifully illustrates. In a time of moral confusion, political polarization, and doctrinal apathy, Reeves gives the church a clear picture of Christian orthodoxy and the humble, holy lives that ordinary Christians ought to live as a result.”
Philip Graham Ryken, President, Wheaton College

“In both contemporary culture and the contemporary church, the term evangelical is discussed, distorted, or debased to such an extent that some think it should be discarded. In Gospel People, Michael Reeves undertakes an engaging process of theological retrieval and provides a clear, concise, and compelling definition of evangelicalism. His approach is thoroughly grounded in Scripture and draws on the wisdom of church history down through the centuries. His focus on God’s work of revelation, redemption, and regeneration will not only inform the mind but also warm the heart. His warnings against both doctrinal compromise and an overemphasis on secondary or tertiary issues will foster a deeper commitment to gospel unity and meaningful fellowship that is not rooted in mere politics or personalities.”
John Stevens, National Director, The Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches

“In Gospel People, Michael Reeves challenges us as evangelicals to take a fresh look at the foundation that is already laid, which is Jesus Christ as he is revealed by the Father in Scripture and in the power of the Spirit (1 Cor. 3:11). We are exhorted to build high together from that foundation for the glory of God. Anchored deeply in church history, this book is very convicting. It calls us to reexamine what we today may be wrongly holding up as the dividing line between friend and foe. May we heed its call!”
Conrad Mbewe, Pastor, Kabwata Baptist Church, Lusaka, Zambia

About the Author: 

Michael Reeves (PhD, King’s College, London) is president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in Bridgend and Oxford, United Kingdom. He is the author of several books, including Delighting in the Trinity; Rejoice and Tremble; and Gospel People.