Eternal, Timely

pinoybaptist · Dec 24, 2007

I am posting herewith excerpts of an Article by Elder Michael Gowens on Eternal and Timely Salvation for those interested in reading what Primitive Baptists believe about the 2 aspects of salvation.
I realize not all will agree since in this fallen world, and especially among Baptists, everyone is opinionated and thoroughly convinced that what he believes is true and all others who do not believe as he does are either (1) of the devil, (2) out to lead him to perdition, or (3) thoroughly heretical, or (4) all of the above, plus some.
However, discussions, of the friendly sort, help us grind our irons.
So, for what it's worth, here it is:

Stretch your mental muscles for a moment. Is there a difference between reality and a person’s

perception of that reality? If I fail to perceive the reality, does my subjective failure to understand what is real affect whether or not it is real?

Let me be a little more specific. Does the objective

fact of redemption by Christ depend on man’s subjective perception or understanding of that fact? If so, then wouldn’t it be true that perceptiondetermines reality?

1

The Bible teaches both that God has redeemed sinners and that He has
revealed redemption in the gospel (Eph. 1:7-8). My question is, “Does

a person’s ability to understand the message of the gospel

determinewhether or not he is really redeemed? Does perception determine

reality?”

I maintain that the gospel is a declaration of something that is a reality. By its very nature, the gospel dispenses information— indeed,
“good” news of the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. I insist,
therefore, that the gospel and man’s subjective response to it is

not God’s

vehicle for making salvation an objective reality. Christ’s death alone is

the means of redemption. Through His finished work on the cross,

redemption has been accomplished for all of the elect. If I am correct that
perception does not determine reality, then what is God’s purpose in
revealing the fact of redemption in the gospel, if it is not to make
salvation a reality? His purpose in reporting the good news of
redemption accomplished is to call upon those He has redeemed to
respond in grateful and believing obedience so that He might be
glorified even now. In other words, the gospel informs the mind of the
objective fact of redemption so that the believer may render the worship

may render the worship and service to God in this present life that He so justly deserves.

Click to expand...

LINK HERE AS WELL....

There are 14 pages in pdf so I really don't blame you if you don't take time to read, and immediately just do a critique.

canadyjd · Dec 27, 2007

pinoybaptist said:

I am posting herewith excerpts of an Article by Elder Michael Gowens on Eternal and Timely Salvation for those interested in reading what Primitive Baptists believe.....
Click to expand...

What does Elder Gowens say about I Cor. 1:21 "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe"

or

Romans 10:13-14 "for 'Whoever will call upon the name of the LORD will be saved' (14) How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher".

It is clear from these passages of scripture that

1. God's plan for the appropriation of the salvation found in Jesus Christ is through the preaching of His Word, i.e the Gospel.

2. Salvation is not possible without hearing and responding to that very same Gospel. (i.e. "will be saved" as a future condition based on their belief in Christ)

Does Elder Gowens address these passages?

peace to youraying:

Eternal, Timely

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Eternal, Timely

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