( Part 1 may be found by clicking here. )
View of Christ
Man-Centered Gospel |
God-Centered Gospel |
| Savior from selfishness, mistakes, hell. | Savior from sin and sinful nature. |
| He exist for our benefit. | He exist to gather a kingdom people and receive honor and glory to Himself. |
| His death was more important than His life. | His death and life of obedience are equally important. |
| Emphasizes His office of Priest. | Emphasizes all His offices – Prophet, Priest and King of kings, Lord of lords. |
| An attitude of submission to the Lordship of Christ is optional for salvation. | An attitude of submission to the Lordship of Christ is necessary for salvation. |
View of Response to the Gospel
| Invitation waiting to be accepted. | Loving command that must be obeyed now. |
| Our choice is the basis for salvation. | God’s electing choice is the basis for salvation – we respond to God’s initiative. |
| We give mental assent to the truth of the Gospel. | We respond with our whole person (mind, heart, will) – regeneration and conversion. |
| An appeal is made to the desires of the sinner. | Truths are driven home into the very inner core being, the conscience, of the sinner. |
| Saved by faith alone – continuing repentance is omitted for it is thought of as “works.” | Saved by faith alone – saving faith is always accompanied by continued, lifelong repentance. |
| Assurance of salvation comes from a counselor using the promises of God and pronouncing (popishly!) the new ‘believer’ saved. | Assurance of salvation comes from the Holy Spirit applying biblical promises to the conscience and effecting a changed inner and outward life. |
| Sinners have the key to salvation in their hands. | God alone has the key in His hand. |
