Two Quotations from Charlie Bing

I think that the current debate in Free Grace theology is causing the Checklist Evangelism side to become increasingly polarized in their understanding and position. I have argued before on this blog that there is no basis for assurance in objective Scriptural passages for the converts of Checklist evangelism, for there is (are) no passage(s) that precisely state the same things they are requiring the lost to do to have eternal life. But equally, the most beloved evangelistic verses taken from the Gospel of John are disappearing from their discussions at a very rapid rate. I have written a post arguing that Checklist Evangelism robs the Free Grace world of the single most fruitful passage in evangelism, John 3:16:

Are We Robbed of John 3:16? -- What does 'Believing in Jesus' Really Mean?

This is a timely article, one that, if you have not read it, you must, and if you have, please review again!

Much like those who believe in particular redemption and unconditional election are uncomfortable with John 3:16, so are those in Checklist Evangelism (CE). These CE advocates believe that Christ's message and promise of life, that had the authority of God the Father (and also being His very words), must be relegated solely to the 3 1/2 years that Jesus was on the earth; they only had a 3.5 year shelf life, and are considered operative only in a prior dispensation.

In light of their increasingly stronger convictions concerning the words of Christ in the Gospel of John, that John is merely giving a history of how people were born again in the earthly ministry of Christ, that Jesus' words are not for the lost in this age, and that the Gospel of John was not written with an evangelistic purpose, the Checklist Evangelists are distancing themselves from John 3:16 and the promise of Jesus Christ. This is a most tragic situation, but is the logical ends of their position.

John's Gospel really does not have any relevancy anymore. It seems that 1 Corinthians, a book written to born-again believers, is the end all in this discussion, trumping the words of Christ in the Gospel of John. This is ok for me that they do this, for they are in all reality painting and retreating themselves into a deep corner, one from which they will not easily be extricated. John 3:16, to them, does not explain for us how to have life in this dispensation so they are left to totally disregard it.

I, for one, will never abandon Christ and His words from the Gospel of John, for Jesus says that His words "are life" and have the authority of God the Father.

John 3:16: The same yesterday, today, and forever.

Oh, yeah. I got so preachy that I forgot to include the quotations I wanted to give from Charlie Bing:

#1) I believe that a person is saved when they believe in Jesus’ promise to give them eternal life.

#2) On the other hand, simple salvation means that a person can believe the promise of John 3:16 and be eternally saved.

See how far the Doctrinal Legalists have removed themselves from such articulations! They of, of course, do not want to be seen as "Promise-Only" advocates! I guarantee that Charlie Bing would have to deeply qualify these statements (where they weren't in their contexts) in order to now identify with them, or he would just altogether reject them.

I am a proud advocate of a "Promise-Only" soteriology. You see, Jesus promises eternal life to those who believe in Him. I believe in Him, entrusting my eternal destiny into His hands according to His promise, therefore I am the beneficiary of it. Christ, according to His promise, is my sure and secure hope. Christ, according to His promise, has given unto me eternal life.

Do you want to be sure you have eternal life?

Take Jesus at His word and believe in Him. No one has ever put their trust in Him for eternal life and been rejected. He ever lives to make good on His promise. You can take that to the bank.

Your Free Grace Theology Blog host,

Antonio G. da Rosa