Gospel According to Chronicles (Sunday, June 8th, 2025)

Introduction

What is the Gospel according to the Chronicles? That’s not a question we often hear, because many believers overlook this part of Scripture. But Chronicles is not a mere historical appendix—it is a powerful retelling of Israel’s past that invites us to embrace our identity, our calling, and our future.

The Hebrew Bible, also known as the Tanakh, concludes with the book of Chronicles. It opens with Adam and ends with the decree of Cyrus: “Let him go up.” From creation to return, the Chronicler tells a gospel-shaped story—a story of God-made covenant, God-given identity, and God-driven hope. It reframes Israel’s past not to dwell on failure, but to restore purpose and invite renewed faithfulness.

So, what is the Gospel according to the Chronicles?

1. We Are God’s People

1 Chronicles 1:1

“Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah.”

Chronicles begins with Adam, not Abraham or Moses. This matters. The Chronicler is showing the post-exilic community that their story stretches back to creation. They are not just a scattered remnant; they are part of the human story, the covenant story, God’s story.

This genealogy reminds the exiles—and us—that we belong to God. Our "failures" do not erase our identity. Even after exile, even after judgment, we are still His people.

As Paul writes in Romans 5, Adam was the head of the old humanity, but Christ is the head of the new. The gospel starts with a God who remembers His people and keeps His promises. We are not abandoned. We are His.

2. Who We Are Drives What We Do (Worship and Beyond)

1 Chronicles 11:1–9

“Then all Israel gathered together to David at Hebron and said, ‘Behold, we are your bone and flesh... And the Lord your God said to you, "You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel.”’” (vv. 1–2)

Chronicles emphasizes David’s kingship not as a political triumph, but as a covenantal turning point. He is chosen by God, affirmed by the people, and centered not in power but in worship. David captures Jerusalem and makes it the dwelling place of God’s ark—the center of worship.

Verse 9 says, “And David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him.” The Chronicler is showing us that it’s not about military genius—it’s about God’s presence.

Worship is not a side activity. It’s central to the identity and mission of God’s people. The temple is the anchor of national life—not the palace, not the army, but the place of prayer, praise, and sacrifice.

This principle remains true: who we are shapes what we do. And if we are God’s people, our lives must be oriented around Him. Worship is our identity and our calling.

3. We Are Not Done Yet

2 Chronicles 36:22–23

“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing: ‘Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, "The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may the Lord his God be with him. Let him go up."’”

Chronicles ends not with a conclusion but with a commission. “Let him go up.” It’s an unfinished sentence, an open invitation. The exile was not the end. The temple would be rebuilt. Worship would be restored. God’s promises still stand.

The gospel according to the Chronicles says: God is not done with you. Your story is not over. There is more to come.

This is the story of grace. Though we fail, God restores. Though we stray, God invites us home. Though the temple was destroyed, God provides a new beginning.

Ultimately, this points to Christ. He is the greater David, the true temple, and the One who leads us in the final return—not just to a city, but to God Himself. As John 2:19 shows, Jesus is the new temple. In Him, we worship in Spirit and truth.

Conclusion

The Gospel according to the Chronicles is not merely history—it is resilient hope.

We are God’s people.

Our identity shapes our worship and work.

And our story is not finished.

The final line—“Let him go up”—is for every believer ready to rise from ruin, return to worship, and rebuild their life around God’s promises.

Let us go up—not to Jerusalem, but to Christ. Let us rebuild not with human strength, but in worship and covenant faithfulness. For our God is not finished yet.