Categories of Truth We Teach and Preach

Interesting and does have certain application in reminding us to preach the Gospel according to Christ not our personal convitions or preferences. Though I'm not sure why he had so many items on his list...seemed to be too indepth and added to my confusion because to me it seemed that quite a few of the points were rendundant or so minor in the differences that it became too much info...know what I mean?

 

I think that's a pretty good chart.

 

My problem is the common definition that he gives for conviction. Whether one dies for a conviction is not the test, IHMO. We do hold real convictions, I believe, that many would stop short of giving one’s life.

Let me illustrate. Baptism by immersion is a conviction for Baptists, IHMO. However, would you die for it? Felix Mantz did but would you?

David Gibbs popularized the definition of conviction as something you’re willing to die for, I believe. However, I must respectfully differ. He did not carefully think this through and confused the ability to withstand duress with the sincerity and certitude of the belief. Some may die for something out of pigheaded stubbornness and cussedness, not conviction. Many real Christians have recanted their convictions under coercion. Peter, who so wonderfully professed Jesus as the Christ and promised to never desert him, subsequently denied our Lord under the tough circumstances. Which of us can say with certainty that we would not be so weak under the same provocation? Even though Peter publicly denied Christ, we cannot say that he did not simultaneously believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Thus, we cannot say that just because one is not willing to die for the public proclamation of a belief, that it is not a conviction. Conviction has to do with what you believe, not what you necessarily do under duress. The test of conviction is sincerity and genuineness, not the ability to withstand torture and tolerate pain.