A recent reader of my blog accused me of not believing the gospel, of being a “false teacher.” She was well-intentioned, I am sure, but her comments really tapped into a source of insecurity for me: “Is it true that my beliefs have led me too far outside of ‘the gospel?’ Is she right in publicly rejecting me as ‘not a Christian?’” I would still defend my place within the Christian tradition and in the church; but, after some consideration, I think my friend may have spoken more truly than she realized: I don’t think we believe the same gospel.
In the next several posts I will attempt, as respectfully as possible, to work out a few of the areas in which I think we may disagree about what the gospel is. While I do believe that my friend is mistaken on some of these points, let me be quick to point out that she evidently has a heart concerned with truth and genuine submission to the message of Christ. I have hope that what we have in common in Christ is enough to keep us loving and respectful towards one another when we disagree in matters of doctrine. It is more than likely that I am wrong on some, if not all, of these points; but I would like to take an opportunity to raise some questions about what we, with such certainty, refer to as “gospel.”
The next post in the series can be found is here.
I’m really glad you’re doing this series. The gospel is something I think we’ve really gotten away from talking about very much for some reason. I wrote about that feeling last night here: http://theworldisnotsosimple.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/a-feeling-of-being-alone/
I have not seen the ladies responce and so respond to what I have experienced over a lifetime rather to to her charge. I admit that I believe in another gospel than the one I was taught 60 years ago. As Ii understand the gospel, it is not believe and do the correct things but believe in the correct one; that is, put your trust, your confidence, your aligence in Him and His sacrifice. That does not mean that her “misunderstood gospel” can’t save, I believe it does because our savior looks on the intent of the heart and rewards those that believe in Him.
I didn’t know you knew her too. I just went through eight months of that. Thanks for writing on the subject. God bless.