Eight Reasons Why Christians No Longer Need the Same Gospel That Saved Them
1. When we are saved, we are washed and do not need another washing: John 13:9-11.
2. When we drink of the gospel, we never thirst again: John 4:13,14.
3. When we eat of the bread of life, we never hunger again: John 6:35.
4. When we are saved, we receive all of the fullness of God: Ephesians 1:19, 20.
5. We are called to move forward from repentance of dead works and on to maturity: Hebrews 6:1, 2.
6. Reconciliation only occurs once: 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.
7. The gospel is a foundation that we build on—you don’t continue to build the foundation: 1Corinthians 3:10-15, Romans 15:20.
8. Peter said he wanted to spend his last days reminding believers to add certain things to their faith. If PTGTY (preaching the gospel to yourself) is the paramount vessel for sanctification, why would that not be his emphasis in the time he had left? 2Peter 1:5-17.
Satire: New Calvinists Start 12-Step Program for Righteous Christians
New Calvinists, firmly in control of Christian counseling in our day, have started a 12-step program for Christians addicted to righteousness. According to David Powlison’s research and development team at CCEF, the addiction begins with a literal translation of the Bible. Apparently, the addiction is most prevalent among lower income Christians who can’t afford CCEF and NANC materials that keep Christians updated in regard to the latest Christocentric metaphysical interpretations. This marks a new focus by CCEF towards the ignorant laity.
Powlison joins colleague Paul David Tripp in this new program that targets the longstanding problem among Christians of not interpreting the Bible in its “gospel context.” Consequently, the writings of the apostle Paul are interpreted literally in regard to his assertion that Christians are “enslaved” to righteousness (ROM 6:17,18) and able to please God by obeying Scripture. Particularly troublesome is Paul’s message to those who are obeying: do it “more and more” (1THESS 4:1). While Powlison acknowledges that the enemies of the “vertical church” have been sufficiently neutralized, there is an unfortunate remnant suffering in the shadows caused by obedience in our “own efforts” that eclipse the Son.
As Paul David Tripp explains on page of 64 and 65 of How People Manifest the Saving Works of Christ in the Spirit Realm, Christians are still enemies of God, spiritually dead, alienated from God, suppress the truth in unrighteousness, and “enslaved.” The problem, asserts Tripp, is that many well-meaning Christians confuse that Christocentric reality with the apostle Paul’s description of the unregenerate throughout the New Testament.
PPT has obtained a tape of a weekly meeting associated with this new program:
Group leader: “We have a new visitor with us tonight. Jake, would you like to introduce yourself?”
Jake: “Uh, uh, I, uh, Hi, uh, my name is Jake, uh, I, I, I, I am righteous.”
Group: “Hi Jake.”
Group leader: “Is there anybody here who might encourage Jake?”
Group member: “Hi Jake, I’m Kippy, and I have been righteousness-free for five years now. You can do it Jake! Like us, you can stop trying to be the gospel and instead let Jesus show forth His righteousness in your realm.”
Applause from group.
PPT has also obtained the 12 steps associated with this new program:
1. Admit that you are righteous. Overcoming denial is the first step.
2. Begin using the Bible to plunge the depths of understanding in regard to your wickedness.
3. Burn all to-do lists at home, work, and at church.
4. Buy and read all new releases by John Piper.
5. Join a gospel-centered church.
6. Obey the elders for weekly absolution.
7. Tattle on anyone seen frowning during a sermon.
8. Stop hanging on to anything that gives you joy other than Christ. Most New Calvinist churches have covenants that allow you to sign all of these things over to the church.
9. Avoid all persons who are addicted to righteousness as you once were. Remember, bad company corrupts good orthodoxy.
10. Refute challenges with a list of quotations from 45 Reformed dead guys. This list can be obtained from your local New Calvinist elder.
11. Ignore guilt associated with unrighteousness, this is the flesh tempting you to focus on something you may do rather than what Jesus has done.
12. Preach the gospel to yourself daily. As you then partake in deep repentance, the works of Jesus are offered to the Father and you are once again justified.
paul
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