T h e C h r is t ia n gospel is the center and the cir cumference of Christian evangelism. There are other so-called gospels; we must beware of them. The true gospel not only gloriously answers the need of man, it also offends some men. The gospel is to be recognized not only by its wonderful con tent but also by its opposition. In these days of ecumenicity when it is popu lar to discount our differences, it is in the interest of truth—if without bitterness or rancor—we point out the teaching of the Bible concerning the offense of the cross. May God help us from being per sonally offensive. May He likewise save us from toning down the distinctives of the Christian faith. So let me say clearly, there are some things I do not believe. I do not believe that the God of the Bible is dead. I do not believe that there is no hell. I do not believe everybody is going to heaven. I do not believe in an ecumenicity that concludes everybody’s religion is as good as anybody else’s. I shall respect each man’s right to his faith or even lack of it. But that does not mean tha t I shall not attempt to convert him. I ’ll oppose any attempt to coerce him, or force him by physical or other means to a decision against his will. For I believe
God wants only the glad-hearted, willing surrender of a heart to Himself. Having said what I don’t believe, let me change what I have said to what I do believe. I do believe tha t the God of the Bible lives. I do believe there is a hell to be shunned. I do believe there is a heaven which men may enter if they come God’s way. I do believe in an ecumenicity among those who accept the Lord Jesus Christ, who base their faith on the divine revelation of the inspired Scripture. You may be aware of the fact that in some circles this belief tha t men are lost unless they know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour is branded as intolerance, as bigoted, as narrow, and as even anti-minority groups. Behind the repudia tion of this teaching of Scripture that all men are lost is the idea that human brotherhood involves endorsement of other religions as legitimate and soul-saving. This I do not buy. I ’ll be a gentleman. I’ll be friendly. I ’ll go out of my way to help those of other faiths, but I must not say that other faiths lead to God and heaven. And I deny that this is anti-racial. It is religious, not racial. My love, for example, for God’s ancient people and for men everywhere is manifested in the desire to help
MARCH, 1970
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