(Chart Adapted From Will Metzger’s book, pp.32-33 in Tell The Truth)
VIEW OF GOD:
|
Man-Centered |
God-Centered |
| Point of contact with Christians is love (God loves you). Therefore, God’s authority is secondary. | Point of contact with non-Christians is creation (God made you). Therefore, God has authority over your destiny (Romans 1:18-21). |
| Love is God’s chief attribute. | Holiness and love are equally important attributes of God (Romans 2:1-5). |
| God is impotent before the sinner’s will. | God is able to empower the sinner’s will (John 1:12-13). |
| The persons of the Trinity have different goals in accomplishing and applying salvation. | The persons of the Trinity work in harmony—salvation accomplished for and applied to the same people (Ephesians 1:3-14). |
| God is a friend who will help you. | God is a king who will save you (Zechariah 9:9; 1 Timothy 1:15-17). |
|
VIEW OF |
HUMANITY: |
|
Fallen, yet has the ability (or potential to choose the good. |
Fallen, and will not come to God by own will power (John 6:44). |
|
Seeks truth but lacks correct facts. |
Mind at enmity with God, none seek God (Romans 3:10-12). |
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Needs love, help, and friendship. |
Needs new nature (mind, heart, will) regeneration (Jn. 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17). |
|
Makes mistakes, is imperfect, needs forgiveness |
Rebels against God, has a sinful nature, needs reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-19). |
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Needs salvation from the consequences of sin—unhappiness, hell |
Needs salvation from guilt and the power of sin. |
|
Humanity is sick and ignorant |
Humanity is dead and lost (Eph. 2:1-6). |
|
VIEW OF |
CHRIST |
|
Savior from selfishness, mistakes, hell. |
Savior from sin and sinful nature. |
|
He exists for our benefit. |
He exists to gather a kingdom and receive honor and glory (Revelation). |
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His death was more important than his life. |
His death and his life of obedience are equally important (2 Cor. 5:21). |
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Emphasize his priestly office. |
Emphasizes his priestly, kingly, and prophetic offices (Hebrews). |
|
An attitude of submission to Christ’s lordship is optional for salvation. |
An attitude of submission to Christ’s lordship is necessary for salvation (Rom. 10:9-13). |
|
VIEW OF |
RESPONSE TO CHRIST |
|
Invitation waiting to be accepted now. |
Loving command to be obeyed now. |
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Our choice is the basis for salvation—God responds to our decision. |
God’s choice is the basis for salvation—we respond to God’s initiative. |
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We give mental assent to truths of the gospel—decision. |
We respond with our whole person (mind, heart, will)—conversion. |
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Appeal is made to the desires of the sinner. |
Truths are driven home into the conscience of the sinner. |
|
Saved by faith alone—repentance omitted for it is thought of as “works” |
Saved by faith alone—saving faith is always accompanied by repentance. |
|
Assurance of salvation comes from a counselor using the promises of God and pronouncing the new believer saved. |
Assurance of salvation comes from the Holy Spirit applying biblical promises to the conscience and effecting a changed life. |
LifeCoach4God 