CONTENDING FOR THE GOSPEL

CONTENDING FOR THE GOSPEL:

FOLLOWING PAUL¡®S EXAMPLE IN THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS

by

David Anthony Palmer

B.A., California State University, San Bernardino, 1998

A Thesis

Submitted to the faculty

in partial fulfillment of the requirements

for the degree of Master of Arts in Religion

at Reformed Theological Seminary

Charlotte, North Carolina

June 2011

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ABSTRACT

Contending for the Gospel

David Anthony Palmer

The gospel is the heart of the Bible. It is the message of God¡®s gracious salvation

to lost sinners. It centers upon the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is a

message that is received by faith alone and never by merit or works. Yet throughout

church history, including our own time, the gospel has been attacked by those who desire

to change it from a gospel of grace in Christ to a man-centered gospel of merit or

performance. Therefore, the gospel must be contended for by those who cherish it,

understand it, and are willing to fight for it. All believers must contend for the gospel of

Jesus Christ.

God has given the church a clear example of how to contend for the gospel in the

Apostle Paul. Particularly in his letter to the Galatians, Paul uses various methods to

show the Galatians the centrality of the gospel, its message and focus, its only right

reception by faith, and its reality as lived out in community. God also has providentially

given the church leaders throughout history who have stood firm on the biblical gospel

and contended for it against all who would corrupt it.

With the exposition of the gospel in Scripture, and the examples given by God,

Christians today can and must confidently hold fast to the gospel in the presence of

aberrants who continue to distort its message. By remembering God¡®s truth, remaining

faithful in Him, and reaching out to others with the good news of salvation, we can make

an impact for and with the gospel of Christ. Let us contend earnestly for His glory!

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DEDICATION

To my gracious bride, Laura:

For patiently and lovingly encouraging

me throughout school and ministry.

I love you

To my Pastor, Ron Finch:

For imparting into me a love

for the Scriptures and a passion

to know and teach it rightly.

God¡®s blessing be upon

you and Gwen

CONTENTS

Chapter

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................1

2. WHAT IS THE GOSPEL WORTH CONTENDING FOR? THE MESSAGE OF

JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE.................................................................................6

The Condition of Man: Total Depravity ..................................................................9

The Salvation of God: Gospel and Grace ..............................................................12

The Declaration of God: Justification and Faith ....................................................15

3. HOW TO CONTEND FOR THE GOSPEL: PAUL¡®S EXAMPLE IN

GALATIANS .......................................................................................................................20

Stressing the Doctrine of Justification by Faith Alone ..........................................21

Emphasizing Paul¡®s Own Reception of the Gospel ...............................................27

Calling Out the Purveyors of a False Gospel .........................................................32

Prompting Believers with Soul-Penetrating Questions..........................................36

Seeking the Realization of the Gospel in the Unity of the Body of Christ

And Its Leadership .................................................................................................40

Battling for the Practical Nature of True Christian Liberty against Legalism .......47

4. WHO HAS CONTENDED FOR THE GOSPEL?

EXAMPLES FROM CHURCH HISTORY ........................................................................53

Augustine vs. Pelagius ...........................................................................................53

Luther vs. Roman Catholic Theology ....................................................................58

Machen vs. Liberalism ...........................................................................................63

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