This book offers 57 ways to see the gospel anew. But not all of it resonates

In his latest work, Gospel Stories (10 Publishing), Andrew Wilson guides readers through 57 short narratives that illuminate the gospel.

Like a crystal refracting light, the gospel is revealed in various ways throughout scripture. Wilson’s aim is to: “increase our appreciation and enjoyment of the good news by turning the crystal”. 

He structures the book into five acts: (1) Creation and Fall; (2) Israel and History; (3) Poets and Prophets; (4) Jesus and Rescue; and (5) Restoration and Hope. This mirrors the common framing of the biblical storyline - Creation, Fall, Israel, Jesus, and New Creation.

Wilson, who is teaching pastor at Kings Church London, writes in a style that is both accessible and engaging. He balances theological depth with vivid storytelling, bringing scripture to life. His ability to weave humour, modern analogies, and cultural references (e.g., Fight Club, The Sixth Sense) into his points, along with biblical exegesis, makes the book highly engaging.

He balances theological depth with vivid storytelling, bringing scripture to life

Unfortunately the book falls short in three areas. 

Firstly, the book’s lack of depth. This is more like a “taster menu” than a full meal. Wilson introduces profound theological concepts but only scratches the surface.

Secondly, the book offers limited engagement with alternative theological perspectives. Like all of us, he is shaped by his own church background and theological position, but at times this limits the nuance of his discussions. For instance, his approach to atonement assumes a penal substitutionary model without ever mentioning other ways of understanding the cross.  

This is especially apparent in his discussion of justification. Wilson presents the traditional Reformed view: justification as a legal (forensic) declaration, where God declares the believer righteous by faith alone. Other scholars such as N.T. Wright and James Dunn have, in recent decades, challenged this framework. Is justification purely declarative (“getting saved”), or does it also involve covenantal and relational dimensions - such as being invited into a covenant of transformation? Wilson leaves these ideas unexplored, missing an opportunity for deeper engagement.

Thirdly, while Wilson’s biblical exposition is generally strong, there are places where it raises questions. One example is found on page 12, where he claims that being made in God’s image means - at least in part - that we resemble him physically (based on Genesis 1:26-27). But the Hebrew terms tzelem (image) and demut (likeness) suggest representation and similarity, not physical resemblance. In the ancient Near East, kings were often called the “image” of a god, meaning they were representatives or vice-regents, rather than physical copies. Moreover, John 4:24 tells us God is spirit, and Philippians 2:6-8 makes clear that Jesus’ human form was unique to the incarnation. Wilson’s claim here seems both theologically and exegetically questionable.

Wilson’s approach could suggest the gospel is a set of theological concepts - justification, atonement, reconciliation - rather than a continuous unfolding narrative

Of similar concern is Wilson’s foundational metaphor in the book - the gospel as a crystal. That is, the gospel is described as a multifaceted gem that refracts different colours depending on the angle. While this is initially appealing, it raises an important theological question: Is the gospel a collection of distinct parts, or is it a single, unified story? Wilson’s approach could at least inadvertently suggest that the gospel is a set of theological concepts - justification, atonement, reconciliation - rather than a continuous unfolding narrative with a beginning, middle, and end, culminating in Jesus as Israel’s Messiah bringing God’s kingdom. Thus, while Wilson’s metaphor helpfully highlights the richness of the gospel, it risks making it seem like separate doctrines rather than a single dramatic story.

Gospel Stories is at its best when its helping readers trace key themes, patterns, and fulfilments across scripture that they might overwise miss. It also strikes a healthy balance as its neither purely academic nor solely devotional. 

It’s also a book for a broad audience. Whether you’re a pastor, a lay reader, or someone new to Christian faith, Gospel Stories will offer something of value. It is deep enough for those familiar with theology yet accessible for those new to biblical interpretation.

Gospel Stories by Andrew Wilson is out now