The Lens of the Gospel

Naomi Middleton

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“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” - 1 Corinthians 13:12

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Eyeglasses (in all shapes and forms) are more than a stylish accessory—they literally change how we see the world. Sunglasses shield us from overwhelming brightness, while prescription lenses bring clarity to blurred vision. In the same way, the gospel needs to be more than just a story we believe - it needs to be the lens through which we are meant to view every part of life. It needs to change our perspective of the world.

When we truly grasp the full gospel story, it changes how we see everything—from our daily routines to our deepest struggles. The gospel becomes a lens that reframes how we interpret the world and our place in it. Through the storyline of creation, brokenness, and redemption, we begin to understand both the beauty and the pain of life in a new light.

Before we can view life through the lens of the gospel, we need to understand the full scope of the gospel story. It’s not just about a moment of salvation—it’s the sweeping narrative of God’s redemptive plan. It begins with creation, moves through humanity’s fall, unfolds in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and continues through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. It ultimately points to the future restoration of all things in God’s eternal kingdom. When we grasp this bigger picture, we begin to see how every part of our lives can align with God’s purposes and participate in His work of redemption.

Creation (Good)

Creation: It all begins with God’s original design. When we look at any area of life—a relationship, a job, a dream, even our identity—we can start by asking, “What did God intend this to be when He created it?” His design was perfect: full of peace, order, joy, intimacy, and purpose. Relationships were meant to reflect love and unity. Work was designed to be fulfilling and meaningful. Even our emotions and desires were meant to align with His goodness. Understanding creation helps us long for what’s right and good. It gives us a vision of wholeness, a reference point for what life should be.

God created everything good. The world began in wholeness—no pain, no sin, no brokenness. We were designed to live in harmony with God, others, and creation. That original design reveals God’s intention for beauty, purpose, and peace.

Fall (Brokenness):

But we don’t live in Eden anymore. Every day, we see and feel the effects of sin. That original design has been deeply fractured—by our choices and by the broken world around us. Sin distorts what God created to be good. Brokenness shows up in countless forms: the pain of betrayal in a relationship, the weariness of a job that drains instead of fulfills, the ache of insecurity or shame, the reality of illness or loss. Sometimes, it’s the result of our own sinful choices. Other times, it's the collateral damage from someone else’s sin. And often, it’s simply the cost of living in a fallen world.

But sin entered the world through disobedience, and everything changed. Brokenness now touches every corner of life. It shows up in our personal failures, in the suffering we see around us, and in the pain others inflict. No matter how it appears, sin always leads to separation—from God and from one another. This brokenness manifests in three ways:

General brokenness – the suffering that comes from living in a fallen world (e.g., sickness, death).
Specific brokenness – the consequences of our personal sin.
Collateral brokenness – the pain caused by others’ sin.

Naming this brokenness matters. When we recognize how far things have fallen from God’s original design, we begin to hunger for healing. And more importantly, we’re reminded that the brokenness we see is not the final word.

Redemption:

But God did not leave us in our brokenness. Through Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection—God made a way to restore what was lost. As 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 says: “Christ died for our sins... he was buried... he was raised on the third day.” Redemption is more than just our personal salvation. It’s about God’s plan to renew all of creation—and through Christ, we get to be part of that ongoing work.

This is where hope enters. The gospel tells us that God didn’t leave us in our brokenness—He stepped into it. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, God made a way to redeem what was lost. Redemption doesn’t just mean rescue—it means restoration. God is actively working to bring beauty from ashes, to make all things new. Every time a relationship is healed, every moment of forgiveness, every act of justice or compassion is a glimpse of that restoration. When an addict finds freedom, when a parent and child reconcile, when a community chooses unity over division—these are not just good moments. They are signs of the kingdom of God breaking in.

And while full restoration is still to come, we live in the already-but-not-yet—experiencing glimpses of redemption now while waiting in hope for the day when all things will be fully restored. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:12: “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”

Looking at life through the lens of the gospel gives us more than understanding—it gives us hope and purpose. It helps us make sense of pain, recognize beauty, and remember that life is not ultimately about us. We are part of something bigger: God’s redemptive work in the world.

So next time you put on your glasses, remember: the gospel is your truest lens. It brings clarity. It reshapes your vision. And it reveals the beauty of God’s story unfolding all around you. It how we throughtfully establish every area of life.