Roger Olson's “litmus test” for “true Christianity”

[Hans Deventer]

Haven't been reading his blog lately, but I already regret it. This one is goooood.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogereo...-christianity/

[Kyle Borger]

Very good read. This is the question I have asked recently. If there were a group of people on a deserted island are we saying that God has no right to call them to Him unless someone goes there to tell them about Jesus? Could God not reach out to them in relationship within their culture? Are we to say that God can't do that? Are we saying that God won't do that or doesn't want to do that?

I suppose it would fit better for us to say that God wouldn't if we conclude that God only saves those He calls and that He only calls those who are saved and know about Jesus. If God doesn't send someone then He doesn't love them and they are destined to an eternity without God. In other words, I don't love those people so I will not send anyone to them.

I really can't accept that God isn't calling all of his children to Him at all times.

However, this thought is where some are accused of saying that Jesus isn't the only way. Don't misunderstand the position. It isn't to say that Jesus is unnecessary. Jesus is. Without Jesus we have an imperfect relationship with God. Jesus is the bridge. Let's not forget that Jesus is God and that God reached down to man in a way that we would better be able to live in relationship.

Did God not love the people before Jesus? I would say that what we must understand is that God lives in relationship with us individually and as a people. There are many things God does relationally with us as a people that is meant to prepare our future with him as individuals. Prior to Jesus God was preparing the way and He called to His people in relationship in a different manner with a different covenant. Now He calls us within the context of Jesus as the covenant.

So on the deserted Island, perhaps you have Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit working together to make these people aware of their presence. They just don't know the names or have the same experience that we do, because their experience is within their culture. Does this remove Jesus from the equation? Absolutely not, Jesus is essential based on the new covenant. But are we to say that God would not call His people even in the absence of the Bible?

I believe that God has the right to do as He pleases and is actively calling His children even before they become aware of who Jesus is. If there is a group of people who will never have access to Jesus due to the disobedience of other Christians, then just perhaps, just maybe, God helps them find Jesus without us.

[Jim Chabot]

Real good stuff Hans! Then again, how can you go wrong.

While I didn't quite follow him completely where he minimizes the value of "fire insurance" I think that he was spot on as he rightly acknowledges that regeneration is a necessary side effect.

Honestly, I think that Wesley would have failed Roger's litmus test prior to Aldersgate.

[Randy Wise]

Very good read. This is the question I have asked recently. If there were a group of people on a deserted island are we saying that God has no right to call them to Him unless someone goes there to tell them about Jesus? Could God not reach out to them in relationship within their culture? Are we to say that God can't do that? Are we saying that God won't do that or doesn't want to do that?

For those who have never heard the gospel I state they will come before the Lord and He will make a judgment concerning them and nothing is hidden from Him. I do not state they are saved. I do not state that they will perish.

Randy

[Susan Unger]

I've thought about this alot the last decade or so after having to deal with too many over zealous baptists or baptarene friends. It always leaves me exhausted. Studying the concept of the Kingdom of God, instead of fire insurance, has really been helpful for me. It is why studying the beatitudes for a class last year was so enlightening. Salvation is not about 'fire insurance' but about one's walk with God in this life and the one to come.

[Jon Bemis]

Salvation is not about 'fire insurance' but about one's walk with God in this life and the one to come.

Yes!!!