For example, the Roman Catholic Church, the New Perspective on Paul, and legalism in its many forms add to the gospel. Even if there is an acknowledgement of what Christ has done, it is not all sufficient to make us right with God. However, liberal theology takes way from the gospel by teaching that we don’t need redemption in the first place. We may need a life coach. We may need some encouragement, but we aren’t as bad as the Bible has made us out to be. But what about systems that do both?
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you,let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:6-9
In Sunday’s sermon on this text, Pastor Ryan did not mince words about the serious responsibility of being true to the gospel. He said there are two ways it can be distorted – adding to it or taking from it. For example, the Roman Catholic Church, the New Perspective on Paul, and legalism in its many forms add to the gospel. Even if there is an acknowledgement of what Christ has done, it is not all sufficient to make us right with God. However, liberal theology takes way from the gospel by teaching that we don’t need redemption in the first place. We may need a life coach. We may need some encouragement, but we aren’t as bad as the Bible has made us out to be.
But what about systems that do both? I picked up Christless Christianity again and read these words:
There is no condemnation in Osteen’s message for failing God’s righteous law. On the other hand, there is no justification. Instead of either message, there is an upbeat moralism that is somewhere in the middle… God is a buddy or partner who exists primarily to make sure we are happy. “You do your part, and God will do his part.” “Sure we have faults,” he says, but “the good news is that God loves us anyway.” 1
“I am hoping to help you look inside yourself and discover the priceless seeds of greatness that God has placed within you. In this book, I will reveal to you seven keys that you can use to unlock those seeds of greatness, allowing them to burst forth in an abundantly blessed life…. Remember, God has put in you everything you need to live a victorious life. Now it’s up to you to draw it out… What does it mean to become a better you? First , you understand that God wants you to become all that He created you to be. Second, it is imperative that you realize that God will do his part, but you must do your part as well.”2
So who needs a savior to die in my place when I have seeds of greatness already inside of me? Who needs forgiveness when sin is just not living up to my own potential? I’m actually pretty good on my own, but if I don’t do my part, “God” won’t do his. Even pagan religions realize there is something to be saved from even if their solutions fail. But Osteen and his ilk offer no hope in this regard at all. There is nothing to be saved from in his universe, and the best they can offer are empty cisterns that hold no water and can never satisfy. And this is doubly damning.
1. Christless Christianity, Michael Horton, Baker Books, 2008, pp. 69-70.
2. From Become a Better You by Joel Osteen, quoted in Christless Christianity, pg. 81.