Christian unity is important. And unity in the gospel is essential. Yet that unity was tested by the release of two documents. Evangelicals and Catholics Together and The Gift of Salvation, which appeared to surrender the doctrine of sola fide (faith alone). Then a new level of unity was achieved with the release of a statement called The Gospel of Jesus Christ: An Evangelical Celebration. This sequel to Sproul's popular Faith Alone includes the complete text of The Gospel of Jesus Christ along with thorough, point-by-point discussion and exposition. The significance of this latter affirmation is summed up by Christianity Today which noted that 'a number of people have been stunned by the broad acceptance of this statement.' It has been signed by 'Methodist and Presbyterian, Pentecostal and cessationist, Baptist, Lutheran, Anglican and free church' leaders. As Sproul explains, unity in the gospel touches the soul of the church itself and all of its members. 'To be faithful to the Great Commission,' writes Sproul, 'we must get the gospel right.' |
