The Dilemma of the Objective Gospel

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By Colin and Russell Standish

The terms "objective gospel" or "objective salvation" are often used interchangeably. This teaching is linked to the concept of a justification-alone salvation. Well we remember one renowned Evangelical preacher declaring that there is no difference between the drunk in the gutter and the converted man, except that the latter has accepted Christ's salvation. Such a statement indicates the speaker's lack of confidence in the saving grace of God which has transforming power in the life of the Christian. This is the crux of the claim of those promoting an "objective gospel." But such a claim cannot be sustained in the light of Holy Writ. Certainly Scripture does declare that there is no basis either in the works or in the transformed life of the Christian that merits his salvation. Salvation is merited only through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

But while the only basis of our salvation is the grace of our Savior, the transformed life is one which loves God and obeys His precepts.

And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments. Exodus 20:6

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth Him also that is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous. 1 John 5:1-3

The Gospel Transforms

The Scripture is rich in its declaration of the transforming power of the gospel and of the subjective changes in the life of the converted man and woman.

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Titus 3:5

We are assured that Jesus came to save us from sin, not in order that we might continue in sin.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Romans 6:1-2

Paul asserts that the power of the gospel is not unto unrighteousness but unto righteousness.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. Romans 1:16-18

Salvation is not apart from nor separate from the transformation of man from sin unto righteousness, and from iniquity unto a godly character.

Conditions for Receiving the Gift of Salvation

There are many subjective conditions that are set forth in order that we may receive the free gift of the saving sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Some of these conditions are presented below.

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Titus 2:11-12

There are those who declare that to place obedience to the commandments of God within the saving acts of God or as a condition of salvation is to be guilty of legalism. Typical of this viewpoint among Evangelicals is this assertion:

Nothing can be more unscriptural in itself, or more pernicious to the souls of men, than the substitution of the gracious work of the Spirit in us, for the vicarious work of Christ for us as the ground of our pardon and acceptance with God. James Buchanan, The Doctrine of Justification, p. 401

The problem with the above analysis is that it presents the work of the Holy Spirit in us in contrast to the work of Christ for us. This author has wholly failed to recognize that the gift of Calvary encompasses both the justifying work of Christ for us and His sanctifying work in all who believe. How else can we understand the following texts?

And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him. Hebrews 5:9

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:12

It is not legalism to humbly obey God's commandments in love to our Savior (John 14:15), for countless Scriptures admonish such obedience under the power of the Holy Spirit. Legalism is the belief that one's good works earn us this salvation, thus taking credit for that which Christ alone has accomplished for us.

False Shepherds Give Many a False Assurance

Sadly, in a majority of pulpits, pastors are confidently assuring their parishioners that they not only may, but will be saved in their sins. It is not that these pastors are directly encouraging sin in the lives of their church members, but they frequently assert that to hold to any concept suggesting that God's people will have day-by-day victory through the power of the indwelling Christ is to deny the free gift of salvation. That assertion is wholly erroneous, for the free gift of salvation includes not only the forgiveness of our sins, but also the power to resist the temptations of Satan, thus resulting in a life of purity and of good works.

It is a sad commentary on the present state of Christianity, that all too many pastors themselves fall into great sin; and in some cases their congregations, blinded by the theological principles these pastors have espoused, are willing to continue to accept the ministry of profane and unconverted men. We deal with the issue of the saving grace of Jesus Christ but we often forget the very meaning of the word converted. Conversion is not simply an objective heavenly record, though that is a reality; the very word entails a transformation, a metamorphosis from a life of sin, selfishness, and rebellion to a life of harmony with God, selflessness and righteousness.

Thus conversion accomplishes, not a mere modification of one's former life, but a total transformation; for the Holy Spirit now dwells within and empowers the life. There are those who claim that unless we persistently and deliberately reject the salvation of Christ we will all be saved. They place no emphasis upon the acceptance of salvation, the acceptance of the ministry of Christ in the life.

The chief editor of the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible illustrates this view when he states that the NIV "shows that great error which is so prevalent today in some orthodox Protestant circles, namely the error that regeneration depends upon faith . . . and that in order to be born again man must first accept Jesus as Savior" (Edwin Palmer, The Holy Spirit, p. 83). But such a view is not sustained by God's Word.

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him? Hebrews 2:3

The very words of Jesus Himself demand a response from the individual.

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17

There must be an active acceptance of Christ and His power in our lives before we can be saved. There is much cheap "grace," easy "salvation" in evangelical Protestantism today. But that kind of "salvation" certainly was not taught by Jesus.

Then said Jesus unto His disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? Matthew 19:23-25

Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And He said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke 13:23-24

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Matthew 7:21

Saved Unto Good Works

What is difficult for many Christians to understand is that while salvation is wholly of God through Christ, and that we are not in any way saved by our own works of righteousness, nevertheless true salvation brings the revitalizing of the character.

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Titus 3:5

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: for it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

For salvation to be authentic there are accompanying good works.

But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:9-12

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:21-27

Objective Truths in Scripture

(1) Jesus died to save the world.

And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. John 4:42

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. John 12:47

For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17

(2) God's grace is exceedingly abundant to every sinner.

For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ. . . . Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. Romans 5:17, 20

And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:14

(3) God's love for the whole human race is unconditional.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:10

The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. 1 John 3:1

(4) Man is justified and sanctified through the blood of Jesus.

Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Romans 5:9

Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate. Hebrews 13:12

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10

An Incomplete Gospel Widely Taught

These objective truths, however, require the subjective response of each individual before salvation can become a reality. The objective aspects of the gospel are never divorced from the subjective aspects. Thus Evangelicals have rightly noted these truly objective truths of salvation, but have failed to acknowledge that the gospel is not complete without the subjective experiences of salvation. We must remind ourselves of these crucial texts:

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10

The Gospel Has Power to Transform Sinners

The transformation of life brought by the gospel is wonderfully demonstrated in the experience of Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus had lived a life of selfishness, of deceit and of dishonesty. But when confronted with the call of Jesus upon his life, Zacchaeus' transformation was evident to all who were present.

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:8-10

The demonstration by Zacchaeus was consistent with the message of Paul.

And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him Hebrews 5:9

None of us will be saved unless the love of Christ is in our heart. This love will be manifest in our love for our fellow men, and in works of righteousness. Without these there is no salvation. The concept that salvation is purely an objective act accomplished on Calvary and recorded in the books of heaven, falls short of the glorious concepts that are taught in the Word of God. Thus it is said of Jesus,

That He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:74-79

Salvation will not come to men and women unless they have the Holy Spirit in their lives. This salvation is built upon their love of the truth and their submission to the indwelling power of the grace of God.

To give eternal life and a heavenly home to those who persist in sin would be to thwart the plan of salvation, which is designed to rid the universe of sin and sinners. God never manipulates. At His coming He will not force a sinner into sinlessness. We may seek God's power to overcome sin only in these days of probation. God in His wisdom gives us the choice. For those who will to obey, He supplies the power.

The foundation of our salvation is devoid of any contribution of our own; nevertheless God's plan for His people is the purification of their hearts so that their heavenly citizenship will be assured. No unregenerate sinner will ever enter the kingdom of heaven.

The transforming power of God's grace was abundantly seen in the life of our maternal grandfather, John Bailey (1865-1949). For well over half a century, Grandfather strenuously opposed God's call upon his life. His violent Irish temper was exacerbated by his heavy alcohol consumption. Our dear grandmother, Alice, a faithful servant of God, suffered much domestic persecution for her faith until her death in 1942. But God is not willing that any should perish, and in 1947, Grandfather yielded his life to his heavenly Father. As teenage lads, we lived with him, since our parents cared for Grandfather. What a change of character the Holy Spirit wrought in his life! He even remembered for the very first time that his grandsons had a birthday. Our memory is of a loving Grandfather and our praise goes to our God.

To learn more about the danger of the false doctrines seen in the Evangelical movement today and the extent of their spread order your own copy of the entire book The Evangelical Dilemma, by Colin and Russell Standish, from which this article was taken. This book is available through Hartland Publications: PO Box 1, Rapidan, VA, 22733. Phone: 1-800-774-3566. Or order online at www.hartland.edu

In our next e-magazine we will pause in this series to share a letter of concern from a Seventh-day Adventist sister to the leading brethren.

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