Some Contrasts in Gospel Content

I am currently reading the fantastic book on Evangelism by Will Metzger titled Tell the Truth. Before we get to the matter at hand, the thing I want you (the reader) to decide ultimately what truth is to you. The reason this must be established first and foremost is that you have to be grounded in one truth, and one truth alone as your foundation, otherwise you will go down the paths of doubt and confusion. What do I mean by establishing the definition of truth? Well, to some truth may be relative, absolute, subjective, or objective, etc. One cannot have multiple versions of truth as their foundational  basis, their worldview if you will, and needs to adhered to when debating truth. This is especially critical of the Christians thinking, and needs to take it very seriously. Why? Because before being saved by God, by Christ, by the Holy Spirit, their spirit is dead in trespasses and sins. There is nothing good in anyone. This truth comes from the Bible itself, and it is the Word of God that is all absolute and authoritative truth in the Christians life. Many say they want the truth, they live truthful lives, yet, nothing can be further from the truth.

Take for example, a popular saying from a well known preacher, won't mention and names, but I am pretty sure just about everyone knows him or heard of him, and this is what he opens with all the time to get his people pumped up (although most of it is NOT true).

This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I can do what it says I can do. Today, I will be taught the Word of God. I boldly confess: My mind is alert, My heart is receptive. I will never be the same. I am about to receive The incorruptible, indestructible, Ever-living seed of the Word of God. I will never be the same . Never, never, never. I will never be the same. In Jesus name. Amen.

The Bible says we can do no thing apart from Christ and the Holy Spirit indwelling in us. That we are wicked, wretched, depraved sinners at enmity against God. Apart from Him, we are under the curse of His laws and deserve His wrath! So why all of (what the world calls these days) negativity? Because when we do not have a correct or a complete truth given to us, when we bypass the Word of God the way it was meant to be taught and preached, we end up with a lot of falsely converted people! Just to show you, look at the (imagine a better layout, sorry, but the points are still made) two gospel methods below. The left hand columns are man driven, man centered, and is NOT the true Gospel. The right hand column is of God and brings Him all the glory as it should. This here is the most important thing to 100% fully understand and base not only your truth upon, but who your faith truly is in, man (including you), or God! Those are the only two options, and every persons eternity fully depends on this when the Gospel is presented to them! Sure, there are those who do not believe at all, and never will, because God did not allow them the eyes and ears to understand their sin nature.

Think deeply on these things, PLEASE! If you were to die today, based on these two definitions of a Gospel of God that saves, would you be without a shadow of a doubt know that you are heaven bound? Get this clear in your mind, daily if you must! No one.... NO ONE is promised their next breath, a tomorrow, a do-over, and your life could be required of you today! Absolute truth DOES matter!

ME-CENTERED	GOD-CENTERED
VIEW OF GOD
Point of contact with non-Christians is love (God loves you). God’s authority/ownership is blunted. Love is God’s chief attribute. God is impotent before the sinner’s will. The persons of the Trinity have different goals when planning and accomplishing salvation than when applying it. Conclusion God is a friend who will help you.	Point of contact with non-Christians is creation (God made you). God has ownership rights over your daily life and destiny. Justice and love are equally important attributes of a holy God. God is able to empower the sinner’s will. The persons of the Trinity work in harmony—salvation is designed, accomplished and applied to the same people. Conclusion God is a king who will save you.
VIEW OF HUMANITY
Fallen yet has the ability (or potential) to choose the good and God. Seeks truth but lacks correct facts. Needs love, help, friendship and a new life. Makes mistakes, is imperfect, needs forgiveness for specific sins. Needs salvation from the consequences of sin—unhappiness, hell. Conclusion Humanity is sick and ignorant.	Fallen and unable to come to God by own willpower. Mind at enmity with God; none seek God. Needs new nature (mind, heart, will), regeneration. Rebels against God, has a sinful nature, needs reconciliation. Needs salvation from guilt and the enslaving power of sin, hell. Conclusion Humanity is spiritually dead and lost.
VIEW OF CHRIST
Savior from failures, sins and hell. He exists for our benefit. His death was more important than his righteous, law-fulfilling life. Emphasizes his priestly role—Savior. Conclusion An attitude of submission to Christ’s lordship is optional for salvation.	Savior from sins, sinful nature and hell. He exists to gather a kingdom and receive honor and glory. His death and his life of fulfilling our obligation to God are equally important. Emphasizes his priestly, kingly and prophetic roles. Conclusion An attitude of submission to Christ’s lordship is necessary for salvation.
VIEW OF RESPONSE TO CHRIST
Invitation waiting to be accepted now. Our choice is the basis for salvation. God responds to our decision. We give mental assent to truths of gospel —decision. Appeal is made to the desires of the sinner. Saved by faith alone—repentance omitted for it is thought of as “works.” Assurance of salvation comes from a counselor using the promises of God and pronouncing the new believer saved. Conclusion Sinners have the key in their hands.	Loving command to be obeyed now. God’s choice is the basis for salvation. We respond to God’s initiative. We respond with our whole person (mind, heart, will)—conversion. Truths are driven home into the conscience of the sinner. Saved by faith alone—saving faith always accompanied by repentance. Assurance of salvation comes from the Holy Spirit applying biblical promises to the conscience and effecting a changed life. Conclusion God has the key in his hand.