Man-Centered vs God-Centered Gospel
September 24, 2009 4 Comments
View of God
Man-Centered Gospel |
God-Centered Gospel |
|
Point of contact with non-Christians is love (God loves you). |
Point of contact with non-Christians is creation (God made you). |
| Love is God’s chief attribute. | Holiness and love are equally important attributes of God. |
| God is impotent before the sinner’s will. | God is able to empower the sinner’s will. |
| The persons of the Trinity have different goals in accomplishing and applying salvation. | The persons of the Trinity work in harmony – salvation is accomplished for and applied to the same persons. |
View of Man
| Fallen, yet has the ability (or potential) to choose the good. | Fallen, and will not come to God by his own will and power. |
| Seeks truth, but lacks correct facts. | Mind at enmity with God. None seek God. |
| Needs love, help, friendship. | Needs a new nature (mind, heart, will) accomplished by regeneration. |
| Makes mistakes, is imperfect, needs forgiveness. | Rebels against God, has a sinful nature, needs reconciliation. |
| Needs salvation from the consequences of sin – unhappiness, hell. | Needs salvation from guilt and power of sin. |
| Humanity is sick and ignorant. | Humanity is dead and lost. |
Related Posts:
Man-Centered vs God-Centered Gospel (Part 2)
Rick Warren: Don’t Go To Another Bible Study, Just Serve Others
The Gospel As Told By Paris Reidhead
This is a good way to put it. Our former church was man centered, and yes, it was very much as your list states. Our new church is God centered, and you’ve struck exactly on the differences.
This is great Joel! I love these side by side comparisons. I would like to use this sometime in my teaching.
Blessings,
Cary Paulk
A good comparison grid. But I would say the holiness of God is more important attribute of God than love, because the love of God is that He is holy and glorious. His holiness will enterntain our souls forever, and I think that is what ultimately loving towards us.
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