Adrian Warnock, the British psychiatrist and self-described Reformed Charismatic - which is not at all the same as a reformed charismatic - has posted The Simple Gospel in 10 Points, which he contends is the essence of the gospel message. He also provides a link to one of his sermons drawn from Acts 2 (download) that elaborates on this assertion.

Having a great admiration and affection for Adrian, I would like to respond to his Simple Gospel. Let me make clear at the beginning, however, that I agree doctrinally with much of what he states and that, with regard to our differences, I do not believe he is completely wrong and I am absolutely correct. We look at the biblical data through different interpretive lenses (hermeneutics) and thus come to different conclusions. Such differences, however, should not create distance between believers: differences may distinguish us from one another, but they should never unnecessarily divide us.

In the two-part response that follows, I will interact with his ten points, analyzing them as I go, making observations, and suggesting my own perspectives. I will conclude (in the second post) with what I believe to be the essence of the gospel, i.e., the answer to the jailer’s question, “What must I do to be saved?”.

Here are Adrian’s 10 Points:


1. Everyone has Sinned
2. God hates sin
3. Sin must be punished
4. Jesus took the punishment instead of us on the cross
5. Admit you have been naughty
6. Believe that Jesus took your punishment
7. Say sorry to God
8. Ask God to be in charge of your life
9. Be baptised (note the order here)
10. Receive the Holy Spirit

This list is certainly specific and involved: there is much theology here reflecting Adrian’s tradition and beliefs. The central point in the present discussion, however, is this: Must a person believe all of these points and go through this process in this particular order for salvation to occur? I would argue that they do not.

Salvation is from beginning to end a work of God. As people who are dead in sin, an unbeliever is completely unable to contribute to his or her salvation: God does it all, from calling to conviction (our experience of repentance) to the provision of faith and, finally, to glorification (this list is not exhaustive). God enables us to believe; the Holy Spirit is the Agent of salvation. With all of this, I think, Adrian would agree.

And, although I do not want to put words in his mouth, I believe he would also agree that the gospel does not ultimately consist of a set of principles, doctrines, or beliefs that must be accepted or to which a person must submit themselves. The gospel is about a Person: Jesus Christ. It is about faith in God, a living Being who has made it possible for us to be saved. Salvation is a relationship with Him and not adherence to a set of theological constructs.

This is not to disparage systematic theology, doctrines, or creeds: knowledge of such things is important for growth and maturity in the Christian life. These truths are incidental, however, to the gospel message that leads to salvation.

For the sake of brevity, allow me to illustrate my point with two examples, one from the Old Testament and one from the New. (I am not attempting to build my argument on illustrations or historical records, but only trying to provide windows through which a little illumination might shine.)


After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”
Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”
And Abram said, “Since You have given no offspring to me, one born in my house is my heir.”
Then behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “This man will not be your heir; but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.”
And He took him outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”
Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. - Gen 15.1-6 (NASB)

What was it that Abraham believed? If you go back to Adrian’s list, how many of his points appear in this passage? I do not see any. It is possible, of course, that God took Abraham aside at some point prior to this moment and explained all of those things, but (1) it would seem that God would include such an important conversation in the biblical record and (2) this would be an argument based on eisogesis, i.e., reading into the text what is not there.

The second illustration comes from the Book of Acts when Peter goes to Joppa in answer to the prayer of Cornelius, a Gentile:


Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.
“The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all) — you yourselves know the thing which took place throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed.
“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
“We are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross.
“God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.
“And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead.
“Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message.

- Ac 10.34-44

In comparing record of salvation with Adrian’s list, we find more correspondence with his points and the experience of Cornelius’ household. But what is also evident is that not all his points were present and that salvation occurred before Peter even had an opportunity to call for repentance and faith! There does not appear to be any mention of substitutionary atonement, either, or an admission by the people that they were sinners.

I believe it was the last sentence Peter uttered just prior to being interrupted by the Holy Spirit: “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” The people believed in God, i.e., Jesus Christ. It was faith in a Person once again. The people were saved because the Holy Spirit was at work convicting the people of sin, righteousness, and judgment (Jn 16.8-11). Were they consciously aware that they were repentant or exercising faith at that moment? The text does not say. I would argue, though, that the object of their faith was Jesus Christ.

The verse that I would present as providing the essential answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” is found in Rom 4.5. An exposition of that verse will be the subject of the next post.

Part 2: The Simple Good News


2 Cor 1.13