David Alvord distinguishes between false gospels that appeal to human emotion and the true gospel that demands regeneration and faith in Christ's sovereign work. The author argues that messages emphasizing God's universal love and human choice in salvation do not require the Spirit's work and produce false assurance, whereas the true gospel presents God's predetermined redemption of His chosen people through Christ's imputed righteousness, requiring genuine repentance and trust in God's mercy alone. Alvord contends that authentic gospel responses demonstrate recognition of God's sovereignty in salvation and personal dependence on Christ's work rather than human decision-making.
What does the Bible say about the gospel and response?
The Bible presents the gospel as a truth that demands a response based on God's sovereignty, not merely a plea for acceptance.
Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 1:4-5
What does the Bible say about the difference between gospel and commands to respond?
The Bible highlights a distinction between the true gospel and the responses it demands, emphasizing the necessity of regeneration for genuine faith.
Scriptural passages underpinning this truth include Romans 8:28-30, which speaks of God's foreknowledge and predestination of His people to adoption through Jesus Christ. Additionally, Ephesians 1:4-5 reveals that God chose individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, thereby emphasizing His sovereignty in redemption. Genuine responsiveness to the gospel aligns with the truth that those who are called are the ones whom Christ died for, as they are granted faith to believe and repent.
Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 1:4-5
How do we know that grace is sufficient for salvation?
Grace is sufficient for salvation as it relies solely on the completed work of Christ and not on human effort.
Romans 3:22-24, Ephesians 2:8-9
How do we know that regeneration is essential for salvation?
Regeneration is necessary for salvation as it transforms individuals to genuinely understand and believe the gospel.
Moreover, Ephesians 2:1-5 explicitly states that we were dead in our trespasses and sins, but God, rich in mercy, made us alive together with Christ. This act of making alive is the work of regeneration, signifying that prior to this divine intervention, no one can respond to God in faith. The transformed heart, which is inclined toward God, is necessary to accept the truth of the gospel, thereby affirming that regeneration is indispensable for salvation.
John 3:3, Ephesians 2:1-5
Why is it important to understand the difference between the gospel and commands to respond?
Understanding this difference clarifies the true nature of salvation and the need for divine regeneration.
John 3:3, Ephesians 2:1-5
Why is it important for Christians to understand true versus false gospels?
Understanding true versus false gospels is crucial to ensure proper responses based on the truth of Scripture.
The implications of recognizing differing gospels are significant. The true gospel drives home the reality of God's grace and the necessity for a response that stems from His mercy, not mere human decision. Believers are thus encouraged to ground their faith in the biblical narrative and doctrines that emphasize God's authoritative work in salvation, ensuring they do not fall into the presumptions of a gospel that fails to convey the full counsel of God's revelation. This understanding fosters a robust faith built on the solid foundation of God's truth rather than fluctuating emotional responses.
2 Corinthians 11:4, Galatians 1:6-9
There is a difference between the content of a gospel preached and the subsequent commands to respond to that gospel truth. Problems arise from having different gospels which elicit different responses.
Who wouldn't feel happy believing the message that God loves and wants to save everybody? One doesn't need to be regenerated to respond positively to this falsehood. Who wouldn't respond joyfully to the message that God loves them and wants to save them from hell? One doesn't need the internal work of the Spirit to think that this proposition is true for them and all people. Who would not experience peace in accepting a message that God has a wonderful plan for their life? One doesn't need regeneration to believe that this is true since, given the reality of hell, it is not true for all. Who wouldn't be glad concluding from the message that Jesus died for "sinners" that He died for me? No person requires regeneration to make a false conclusion based on a half-truth.
If I believed the message that Jesus paid the penalty for everyone's sin and therefore he really did pay for my sins and that I do not have to worry about hell (since, BECAUSE I believe this, it will happen for me), then that would make me respond with joy. However there are people who have made this logical conclusion based on these false premises and yet, in spite of their "good feelings", Christ has not died for them! Believing something is true doesn't MEAN it is true and doesn't MAKE it true, but who cares? As long as it makes you happy thinking it?
The truth God reveals in regeneration seldom if ever brings immediate happiness. It brings the fear of God, a revelation of sinfulness, the dread of judgment, and the reality that since God has already chosen and paid a price for a people, you therefore can't (really and truly can't) do anything to save yourself and must look to God for mercy in Christ, hoping that Christ has died for you, depending on God alone to impute to you a righteousness that you can't produce, (this is what Grace and Grace ALONE means), trusting as your only hope the work that Christ did for His people and mentally pulling that work to your own heart to be your own salvation. This response stands in marked contrast to the PRESUMPTION many carry with them their whole lives due to "responses" to gospels that are not true.
The gospel is not a plea or God begging you to make a decision for Him, but it is the presentation of the truth and then the demand for a response based on that truth. Now compare responses to these two different messages. Would they not be completely different responses?
Message one: God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. But you are a sinner and can't get to heaven. But Jesus died to pay for your sins. But it is up to you to take this salvation for yourself by believing he DID die for your sins. IF you do this then Jesus will come into your heart and when you die you won't go to hell. What is your response to this wonderful news? Your response makes the difference.
Message two: Before eternity God, having determined to glorify Himself by the demonstration of his Mercy and Justice, decided to redeem a remnant of humanity for salvation and judge the rest according to their sins. Christ, representing all these chosen people whom the Father gave to Him to redeem, had the sins of these imputed to Him on the cross and he paid the penalty for their sins and theirs alone. This TRUTH about the person and work of Christ is the gospel. In time those whom Christ has redeemed are regenerated to believe this truth and to cast themselves on God's mercy. What is your response to THIS message? Do you reject the God who is sovereign in salvation? Do you accept God's way of salvation? Are you pleased that God saves in this way? Would you be pleased to be saved by God in this manner? If so, fly to God to be reconciled. Seek the revelation of His Son in you. Fix your hope firmly on His work alone. Your response is an indicator.
David A. Alvord
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