Nothing but the Gospel: Can we be Saved Through Creation, Other Religions, or Human Philosophy?
Floyd Talbot
Synopsis "Nothing but the Gospel: Can we be Saved Through Creation, Other Religions, or Human Philosophy?"
Today's Christians live in a religiously pluralistic and diverse environment. Pluralism is a hot topic in our post-modern society. That is, we receive pressure to be all-inclusive and to embrace diversity. This pressure does not stop with culture, race, or specific behaviors. Religious pluralism is also included in this list. Such pluralism suggests that we should be accepting of other religions and their teachings as well as embracing more than one way to God and His salvation. Otherwise, we are labeled intolerant and narrow-minded. However, must we accept this mindset? This book tackles these challenges. A tug of war continues to exist over two positions within Christian circles: 1.Exclusivism - One who does not know God must encounter the proclaimed gospel to come to a saving knowledge of him. 2.Inclusivism - Those who have never heard the gospel can come to a saving knowledge of God without hearing the gospel. Rather, they can go to heaven by responding to the light from creation, other religions, human reason, or philosophy. One of the major consequences of these two positions concerns the person and nature of God. This book engages in a lengthy discussion about how each position treats God and the difference such treatments of Him make. It addresses such questions as "Is God fair? Can we trust Him? Is God in control of the future, specifically our destiny, or does He share control and power with His creation, specifically humanity?" The environment of inclusivism has an increasingly negative influence on evangelical churches and whole denominations, leading many astray. It is of utmost importance for Christians to understand influences speculative philosophy and false teachings have on faith. This book also affirms that only the gospel "is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16). Salvation requires the right power. The Scriptures declare that the source of that power is in the gospel, and it begins with the righteousness of the triune God. Getting the God of our faith right insures that we come to an accurate understanding of salvation. This book discusses these two essential attributes of God, His power and righteousness, for salvation.
