Those Evangelistic Laws
This was posted on a Facebook friend’s status:
“[The 4 spiritual laws and sinner’s prayer] is not the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that methodology and evangelism has done more to hurt this country than every heresy introduced by every cult combined. Millions of people in this country whose lives have never been changed believe themselves born again because we have so reduced the gospel of Jesus Christ that it means now nothing more than a simple decision that will only take five minutes of your time.” ~ Paul Washer
To review, the four spiritual laws are:
- God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life. (John 3:16, John 10:10)
- Man is sinful and separated from God. Therefore, he cannot know and experience God’s love and plan for his life. (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23)
- Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin. Through Him you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life. (Romans 5:8, I Corinthians 15:3-6, John 14:6)
- We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives. (John 1:12, Ephesians 2:8,9, John 3:1~8, Revelation 3:20)
It is hard to argue with them individually but surely, as Mr. Washer points out, they do not go far enough. The study of John 15:1-11, gives us the 5th Law. That 5th Law is that we abide in Christ and all that means according to Him.
John 15 is the passage where Jesus, walking through a vineyard with His disciples, metaphorically describes Himself as the True Vine, His Father as the Vinedresser, and His people as the branches. For the branches to bear fruit they must abide in Christ (He must be the source of their nutrition). Abiding is apparent by obeying His commands and bearing fruit.
Where is “obedience” in the four spiritual laws?
In John 15:16 Jesus tells them that they had not chosen Him, He had chosen them. The four spiritual laws leave us to make a decision that does not acknowledge God’s work in us. We would not respond to the Truth of the Bible if God did not give us understanding through the Holy Spirit.
Where is God’s sovereignty in expecting salvation from the four spiritual laws?
If all we have to do is hear a truth and pray a prayer – easy – I can spend eternity in heaven and live God’s wonderful plan for my life. Where is God’s sovereignty in that thinking? It reminds me of the “Get out of jail (Hell) free” card in Monopoly.
What’s missing is the “fruit.” Fruit comes from abiding in Jesus here and now -and His abiding in us. It necessarily will include pruning, hardly ever a fun process, so that we will bear even more fruit for Him. If we “lead” someone to Christ with the four spiritual laws and expect to see her in heaven – we have no idea if we have produced fruit, because we have no idea if she will produce fruit. Time will tell.
Where is the fruit-bearing in the four spiritual laws?
There will be no fruit for the one who simply says a prayer and can’t wait to meet Jesus. If, or when, we see obedience to God as the fruit of abiding, we can rejoice with the angels!
Amen.
Thanks, Melissa.
Yes, “easy believism” has lulled many into a false sense of security.
As James wrote, “Even the demons believe and shudder” (James 2:19).
That is what it is, Ava, So scary to think about how many feel secure and are not. There are others who are just not growing and so are losing out on the abundant life God promises (which don’t think is just a promise for financial gain).
I used to mistakenly believe it was enough to believe. Now I understand that when I believe, that is the first step. I must also repent and walk in the ways of my Lord all of my days.
Beth, I had not seen Paul Washer’s thoughts. While I was very involved in CRU during college, it is something to think about presenting the full picture of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I like how you talked about obedience and the fruit…both of which are key essentials in a believer’s life.
And I’m reminded what another Paul said in Galatians: “Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? (Gal. 3:3); “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:25)
Great observation on the Galatians verses, Karen!(Wish I had thought of them!).
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Jessica, I remember being taught that salvation is the bottom rung of the ladder. I see it clearly now.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Amen. So many now try to sugar coat the gospel so that the true faith is list to them.
I love seeing the reference to Paul Washer. Your post reminds me of Jesus’ words (paraphrased): “Many will say, ‘Lord, Lord,” but Jesus will respond with, ‘I never knew you.'”.
There is so much more to following Jesus than simply saying a prayer. While the 4 Spiritual Laws starts the process, it is not the end and certainly does not teach discipleship and sanctification. This is a problem with the church at large. Discipleship is missing. Public transformation and commitment are lacking. It’s why we have fragile, carnal Christians in churches today. Great post! And spot on!
So true, Marcie, May the Lord open our eyes to His word and help us to live by every Word He’s left us! Thanks for the comment!
You bring up a very critical point, Beth, and this simplified teaching has certainly become a problem in our churches. I agree that it is too simple to just say believe. I have also heard the opposite: that if we are not obedient, we are not saved. There is danger on both sides. Sanctification is a process. We may not be very obedient upon first believing, but obedience should grow with each day as the Spirit works in us. We obey (grow) over time, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.
James 2 offers a great explanation of how this works:
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?
15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.
16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
Stephen, I think this is why it tragic that we have lost the idea of discipleship in our churches, which is also a factor of the “I’m saved, just waiting for Jesus to return” mentality. These verses from James seem to make the point that if we have faith there will be works. Sanctification is a process but I do believe we should see spiritual growth, slow process that it may be!
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.John 15:8
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. John 15:16
Thanks for the comment!
Yes, Yvonne, May the Lord open their eyes!
Thanks Linda, I have a lot of respect for Paul Washer. It is true that many will be surprised. May the Lord have mercy!