How reframing the gospel as the enthronement of King Jesus—not just personal forgiveness—transforms our understanding of salvation, faith, and the mission of the church. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by theologian and author Dr. Matthew Bates to uncover how early Christian proclamations of the gospel centered on Jesus' kingship, not just his atonement. This episode dives deep into controversial theological waters, challenging common evangelical interpretations of faith, grace, salvation, and works—with the goal of recentering our gospel language around the lordship and kingship of Jesus Christ. Key Takeaways: • The Full Christ Event as Gospel – Why the gospel must include Jesus' incarnation, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and enthronement—not just his death for sin. • Faith as Allegiance – How the New Testament concept of "faith" (pistis) includes embodied loyalty and allegiance, not just belief in promises. • Reframing Grace and Works – How our traditional individualistic view of "grace" may limit the biblical message, and why responding to grace isn't legalism. • Salvation as Communal and Cosmic – Understanding salvation as deliverance into the new creation and Spirit-filled community, not just an individual ticket to heaven. • Ephesians 2 Reexamined – Breaking apart four key gospel words—grace, saved, faith, and works—and revealing how they support allegiance-based discipleship. Guest Highlights: Dr. Matthew Bates – Theology professor at Quincy University and author of Salvation by Allegiance Alone and Gospel Allegiance. Bates offers a fresh scholarly framework for rediscovering the gospel as King Jesus proclaimed it—centered on the claim that Jesus is enthroned as King and worthy of our total allegiance. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew Bates – matthewwbates.com • Books: Salvation by Allegiance Alone & Gospel Allegiance by Matthew Bates • Book: Paul and the Gift by John M.G. Barclay • Podcast: OnScript Podcast • Ephesians 2:8–10 • Romans 2:16, 3:21–26 • Mark 1:14–15 (Jesus' proclamation of the kingdom) • Luke's Gospel – Narrative of salvation through discipleship Join us as we unpack a more complete and compelling view of the gospel that doesn't end at the cross, but enthrones Jesus as King, Savior, and Lord. Subscribe, leave a review, and share the journey with us on social media! As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. 📺 Watch on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV 🛍 Merch Store on Etsy: VOXOLOGY Shop 🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: ➤ Apple Podcasts ➤ Spotify 💡 Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/voxology 🎵 Music by Timothy John Stafford – timothyjohnstafford.com Twitter & Instagram: @GoneTimothy 📻 Listen to curated playlists on our Spotify channel: Voxology Radio Follow the convo: Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: Voxology Podcast Twitter: Mike Erre As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy