www.whatisthegospel.org.uk
Two Views of The Gospel by Will Metzger
| Man-centered | God-centered |
| View of God | |
| Point of contact with non-Christians is love (God loves you). Therefore, God’s authority is secondary. | Point of contact with non-Christians is creation (God made you). Therefore God has authority over your destiny. |
| 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 accomplished for and applied to the same people. |
| God is a friend who will help you. | God is a king who will save you. |
| View of Humanity | |
| Fallen, yet has the ability (or potential) to choose the good. | Fallen, and will not come to God by own will power. |
| Seeks truth but lacks correct facts. | Mind at enmity with God; none seek God. |
| Needs love, help, friendship. | Needs new nature (mind, heart, will), 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 the power of sin. |
| Humanity is sick and ignorant. | Humanity is dead and lost. |
| View of Christ | |
| Savior from selfishness, mistakes, hell. | Savior from sin and sinful nature. |
| He exists for our benefit. | He exists to gather a kingdom and receive honor and glory. |
| His death was more important than his life. | His death and his life of obedience equally important. |
| Emphasizes his priestly office - Savior. | Emphasizes his priestly, kingly, prophetic offices. |
| An attitude of submission to Christ’s lordship is optional for salvation. | An attitude of submission to Christ’s lordship is necessary for salvation. |
| View of Response to Christ | |
| Invitation waiting to be accepted now. | Loving command to be obeyed now. |
| Our choice is the basis for salvation - God responds to our decision. | God’s choice is the basis for salvation - we respond to God’s initiative. |
| We give mental assent to truths of the gospel - decision. | We respond with our whole person (mind, heart, will) - conversion. |
| Appeal is made to the desires of the sinner. | Truths are driven home into the conscience of the sinner. |
| Saved by faith alone - repentance omitted for it is thought of as “works.” | Saved by faith alone - saving faith always accompanied by repentance. |
| Assurance of salvation comes from a counselor using the promises of God and pronouncing the new believer saved. | Assurance of salvation comes from the Holy Spirit applying biblical promises to the conscience and effecting a changed life. |
| Sinners have the key in their hands. | God has the key in his hand. |
| Home Gospel Basics Applying It Dangers Man Centred Evangelists Links | |
www.whatisthegospel.org.uk
