VI. The 3rd & 4th Theological Statements

VI. The 3rd & 4th Theological Statements Briefly Examined



‘Standard reformed’: The gospel is ‘‘if… then “ If you respond, then God will do something wonderful for you. You must believe in order that you may have eternal life from God.
1689 Baptist: The gospel is “because… therefore” Because God has done this wonderful thing to you, therefore you respond. God has bestowed you with eternal life, therefore you believe.

‘Standard reformed’: Gospel preaching is necessary because it is the instrumental means for the regeneration of the spiritually dead elect.
1689 Baptist: Gospel preaching is necessary because it is instrumental means for the conversion of the ignorant, uninformed regenerated elect.


The third and fourth charges are related, so they are considered together. In my response to these two charges, I will need to repeat some of the things already mentioned in the replies to the first two charges. This is because the gospel and the preaching of the gospel are closely related to the subjects of faith and repentance. Sometimes repetition is necessary and useful.

The 3rd and 4th theological statements expressed in your letter are as follows:
3. The ‘Gospel’ – the gospel is that if the sinner turns from his sins and trusts in Christ alone for salvation he will be saved. The gospel is therefore good news to sinners that they may be saved.
4. The Purpose of Preaching – that we have been given the Great Commission to go into all the world to make disciples of all the nations. We therefore preach the gospel so that sinners might come to faith in Jesus Christ and be saved from eternal damnation.

Concerning your third and fourth complaints let me consider them by asking these questions:
1. What is the gospel?
2. To whom is the gospel to be preached?
3. Who are able to turn from their sins and trust in Christ alone for salvation?
4. Are such persons already saved in some sense?
5. How is a sinner saved from his eternal condemnation?
6. How does a sinner’s turning from his sins and trusting in Christ alone for salvation save him?
7. What is the divinely ordained purpose of the gospel preaching?
8. To whom is the gospel good news?
9. To whom is the gospel foolishness?

These may be basic questions, and some may feel insulted when they are asked these questions. Please be assured that insult is not intended. I ask these questions in an effort to promote thinking and learning, in an attempt to rightly divide the word of truth (2Tim 2:15). Some have complained that these are ‘irrelevant’ questions asked to trap them. No question will ever trap a man. However, his deficient and inconsistent beliefs will! In any case, please remember that these questions are legitimately drawn out from your statements of belief. You are free to make such theological statements, but that liberty entails a solemn responsibility to answer the questions raised concerning the statements made. If one is not prepared to do so, the just and wise alternative is for him to refrain from making such statements. Let us consider each question briefly.