Dear Editor,

The “debate” (as engaged by GES) seems to be developing into one of “choosing up sides” for the bigger team. Each “side” is sure of its right position as they interpret Scripture. No one seems to listen to what the other is saying—except to pounce upon perceived negatives….

Could Philippians 2:1-3 [which concerns the need to be like-minded and of one accord] apply in any degree to both sides?

The editor’s response to KFH in the February 90 GES News contains a rather dogmatic, unequivocal, and exclusionary statement in the last sentence [“Those, however, who have always believed in some form of Christ-plus gospel have never been saved in the first place”]. Can one really be that positive in making such a closed statement?

Perhaps you may wish to remove my name from your mailing list.

In His Love and Grace,
JEC
Houston, Texas

We live in an age of toleration. There is, of course, something good about that. We should tolerate many differences between us and others.

In the church Democrats and Republicans, rich and poor, pre- and post-tribulationists, tithers and non-tithers, dunkers and sprinklers, carnivores and vegetarians, can overlook their differences and fellowship together. We can and should overlook a lot of differences in grey areas (1 Cor 8-10).

However, there are some things Scripture tells us we cannot overlook. One of those is a person’s view of the gospel. Second John 10-11 says, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” John teaches that the gospel is certainly one issue over which we should take a strong stand.

My remarks to which you refer regarding the need to trust in Christ alone in order to obtain eternal life are indeed narrow. They do exclude many. Yet that is the gospel. It is a narrow way which few find (Matt 7:14). Jesus said that no one comes to the Father but by Him (John 14:6). The gospel of commitment salvation is not the gospel.

I do not want to remove your name from our mailing list unless that is your desire. We are happy to send our material to anyone who wants it. It is our hope and prayer that people who believe in commitment salvation who read the GES News would come to change their minds and accept and promote the absolutely free gift of eternal life.

–Ed.