Guard the Good Deposit

18 • Guard the Good Deposit: The Great Tradition for the Whole Church

Great Tradition is the record and fruit of the ancient church guarding the good deposit. We have several incredible gifts that we take for granted because of the Great Tradition. The list of New Testament books, the doctrine of the Trinity, the doctrine of Christ as the God-Man, and the basic services and celebrations of the Church all trace their origin to the Great Tradition. Each of the gifts, not explicitly contained in the Scriptures, enables us to faithfully believe, live, and proclaim the Scriptures. The Great Tradition is the legacy of early Christian engagement with Scripture that shaped the Church. The early church used the text of the Bible to work out their theology, worship, spirituality, and witness. Retrieving the Great Tradition actually demands that we demonstrate our respect for the authority of Scripture in every area of life and faith. Is this rigid man-made religion? Does retrieving the Great Tradition threaten the freedom of the Spirit? Friends, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom!” (2 Cor 3.17). We must reject legalism in every form. We must not accept man-made rules and regulations. Christian freedom, however, is the freedom to represent. The faith was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). We are recipients of the faith, called to faithfully guard the good deposit and entrust it to others who will be faithful.