John MacArthur’s TGATJ Anniversary Edition: Under Review for IDOTG Revised Edition
Many of you are aware I have been working on a revised and expanded edition of my book, In Defense of the Gospel (IDOTG). This process has gone well past the time frame I gave myself to complete the project. Many have called to ask me when it will be done and made available. Some, more than once, have called to encourage me to finish at my earliest convenience.
The main reason I have been unable to complete the revision is because of the necessity of addressing the Crossless gospel of the Grace Evangelical Society. Advocates of the Crossless gospel have steadily been retreating from the field of open debate of their views. The few remaining Crossless voices have become irrelevant! This is something I am very grateful for because it lessens the chances of any unsuspecting believers falling into the trap of the Crossless, gospel. (See the comment thread under Is REDEFINED Free Grace Theology- Free Grace Theology?
In all sincerity there have been times of frustration over having to devote so much time to the Crossless gospel, which kept me from completing the revision of IDOTG. In the back of mind, however, I knew the Lord’s timing is perfect and there must be some compelling reason for the delay in finishing the revision.
Well, I recently learned why I had this sense that the delay was not without purpose. Dr. John MacArthur recently released, The Gospel According to Jesus: What is Authentic Faith? This is the second revision of his original Lordship Salvation apologetic, The Gospel According to Jesus (1988). The Anniversary Edition contains new material not found in the previous two editions.
I have ordered a copy of the TGATJ:Anniversary Edition and will review it with an open mind. I will also read with a sharp eye to glean any material that will aid me in the development of Biblical Answers to Lordship Salvation for my revised and expanded edition of IDOTG.
This will, of course, be cause for another delay, but I am glad I waited on the Lord’s timing. I would have been disappointed had I rushed to completion only to have it come out just ahead of MacArthur’s new release.
LM
I want to remind guests that my primary concern with Lordship Salvation is over their interpretation of the requirements for the reception of eternal life. The results that should follow a genuine conversion to Christ are an important discussion.
ReplyDeleteMy primary focus and chief concern, however, has been on how Lordship Salvation defines the way in which they believe a lost man is saved from sin, death and hell and born into the family of God.
Lordship Salvation is a works based, man-centered, non-saving message that frustrates grace (Gal. 2:21). I will be reviewing the TGATJ: Anniversary Edition with an eye for any new material that touches on this issue specifically.
LM
The subtitle “What Is Authentic Faith” has a familiar ring to it.
ReplyDeleteWalter J. Chantry wrote a Lordship apologetic that was released in 1970. Its title is: Today’s Gospel: Authentic or Synthetic? I reference selections from Today’s Gospel in my book.
There may be no significance or connection there, but it did get my attention.
LM
Lou,
ReplyDeleteI've heard that at the recent Shepherd's Conference, MacArthur hinted at some of the updates in TGATJ Anniversary Edition. In one of the revisions He argues that a true Christian is Christ's slave (doulos), and uses Kittel's definition (see chapter 1). You may want to look into this in your review of MacArthur's book.
JP
JP:
ReplyDeleteThanks, I hope to have my copy tomorrow. I'll be giving it a thorough read.
LM
Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteIt's always good when your opponent shows his hand. It's a terrible shame that I should have to consider a Brother in the Lord an opponent...but even still my first love is The Christ.
I'll be grabbing this ASAP myself. A few in my ministry struggle with this issue and it's past time that I get back in gear on it.
Oh and Lou, get typing already... ;)
Blessya!
Kev
Just placed my order on Amazon.
ReplyDeleteI also ordered IDOTG Lou. I wanted to wait for the revised edition.. but I'll likely need it right away now.
I think it's a scam personally... ;) hehe J/K
Kev
Hi Kev:
ReplyDeleteYou wrote, “It’s a terrible shame that I should have to consider a Brother in the Lord an opponent...but even still my first love is The Christ.”
I agree and it not something any of us should feel any sense of joy over. I always remind myself that I am dealing with doctrine and that I must do what I can to expose it and the men who teach it so that no unsuspecting believers get caught up in the errors.
Furthermore, we have the unsaved to consider. The lost are not likely to be reading our blogs and books, but it is their eternal destiny that is at stake when we discuss the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
However, if our first loyalty is to the Lord and His Word we must obey the biblical mandates. Whether it is through the false additions of LS, or the reductionist assaults of the Crossless gospel, both must be biblically and vigorously resisted.
I trust you will find the original IDOTG a help and blessing as many who have read have indicated. The revised & expanded edition will be an improvement on several fronts.
I am typing as you mention, but I often feel the heart of Delitzsch (Keil & Delitzsch), of whom it was said, “Much of his teaching was worked out on his knees.”
Yours,
Lou
Dear Guests:
ReplyDeleteI want each of you to visit a blog that I have recently visited. The name of the blog is Heavenly Heartburn.
Brother Gordon Cloud wrote an article on the Gospel message that must be preached and received for the reception of eternal life. It is concise and balanced between the two extremes of Lordship Salvation and the Crossless Gospel.
In very few words, based upon Scriptural evidence which he provides, he presented the biblically defined Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was a blessing to read his article.
I encourage you to read Brother Cloud’s article, What Must I Do to be Saved?
LM
Man I am just so overjoyed to see men of God working together diligently and holding mens feet to the fire to make sure we proclaim this gospel message properly. Praise the Lord.
ReplyDeleteGrace upon grace,
Brian
Brian:
ReplyDeleteI trust you read the article I linked to.
It struck an excellent balance between the two extremes of LS & the CG in our evangelical circles.
Lou
Bro. Lou, thanks for the kind words and the link. As always, I appreciate your heart for the Gospel.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Gordon:
ReplyDeleteLikewise, and again I am grateful for your article on the Gospel.
LM