SOCIAL GOSPEL?

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins…

1Corinthians. 15:3a

The cruel excesses of the Industrial Revolution generated a reaction within many Progressive Era churches known as the “Social Gospel Movement,” which offered mankind a purported “social salvation.”

Contemporary manifestations of the Movement still advance the thesis that society is best served when the Church’s primary emphasis is directed towards the effective realization of social justice through such devices as political activism, reform campaigns, and civic involvement. Such advocacy is asserted to constitute the Church’s true mission—as opposed to diverting valuable resources upon such “distracting” enterprises as personal evangelism and Biblical indoctrination (contra Matt. 28:19-20). Further, the happy fruit of such activity will be a Millennial Dawn—arising not through the supernatural activity of Christ, but through the good agency of an enlightened humanity (i.e., postmillennialism).

In response: Christians should indeed charitably provide material benefit and tangible support unto others (Acts 2:45; 9:36; 2Cor. 8:1-5), in imitation of the ethic of their Divine Master (Acts 10:38; Luke 6:31)! An idle faith that is devoid of practical concern for others misrepresents the benevolent character of God (Matt. 5:45), and is thus odious, ridiculous, and shameful (James 2:15-16).

But regarding the Gospel message, what remains central and paramount? Paul identifies that which is of “first importance:” the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1Cor. 15:3-4).

Modern “social salvation” schemes ignore the Biblical emphasis upon the personal salvation of individuals from the just wrath of a Holy God (Matt. 3:7; Rom. 5:9; 1Thess. 1:10b; Rev. 6:16-17). Our basic problem is rooted in sin—not in imperfect social environments or inequitable institutions. The Answer remains Jesus Christ—and Him crucified (John 3:16; Rom. 6:23; 1Cor. 2:2)!

Terry L Reese