Tim Challies recently reviewed Bill Farley’s new book Gospel-Powered Parenting, which he highly recommends for parents to consider checking out. After completing his review, Challies contacted Farley and asked him to address a few questions. Below is the first question and Farley's answer - I particularly appreciate the distinction between making good behavior the "main thing" or parenting vs. recognizing new birth as the "main thing." Amen! 1. Why the gospel? Why is the gospel the key to empowering parenting? What is the connection between the words “gospel” and “powered?” Paul tells us that “the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). We hear this verse and think the pulpit or witnessing, but parents should hear this and think family devotions. Parents convinced that God’s power is latent in the gospel center their families around the gospel. They are convinced that it provokes new birth, that it will knit their children’s hearts to God, and motivate godly behavior. Our children receive the “imperishable seed” of new birth through the message of the gospel (1 Pet. 1:23). Often parents don’t center their parenting in the gospel because either they don’t really understand the gospel, or they don’t believe that God’s power is latent in the gospel.
The gospel also protects parents from “moralism,” the idea that well-behaved children are the main thing. New Birth is the main thing. The morality of Christ imputed to your children is the main thing. It is not what our children do for Christ but what Christ has done for our children that is the main thing. Ironically, without aiming at it, gospel centered parents get godly behavior from their children.
In addition, the fear of God is the key to attracting God’s favor upon our parenting. Many think that the fear of God is an Old Testament concept. But the main place we get the fear of God is at the cross of Christ—the heart of the gospel.
Read the entire interview here and Tim's review of the book here.
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