Dancing Around the Gospel...

Why does a proper understanding of the gospel matter? So that whether you're in season or out of season you won't sound like this...

Now, I know that many people want to bash Joel Osteen for being too mild when it comes to the gospel. For not addressing sin. For being too inclusive. I've done my share. If not on this blog or behind the pulpit, then in my heart for which I repent here and now. I don't know how I would act or what I would say if I was on national television with a guy like Larry King. I hope God would give me the grace to articulate the gospel in a way that would be honoring to Him and to His Word. Here's what some guys I respect had to say about the video...

Here's what Kevin DeYoung said on The Resurgence blog (a blog which all of you should read often). DeYoung's response is one of the best gospel presentations I've read:

I really don’t want to pick on Joel Osteen. It’s not easy to winsomely answer a question about the eternal fate of billions of people and do it on live television before the next commercial break. I give Osteen credit for understanding that you need faith and that real faith produces works. I commend him for calling people to believe in Christ.

But still, Osteen fumbled Larry’s question about the plight of those who do not know Christ. It’s one thing to be careful about saying who is or isn’t going to heaven. It’s another thing to repeatedly couch one’s answer in the language of "for me" or "as a Christian." This only serves to cement in postmodern heads that there are no metanarratives, only personal stories; no universal Truth, only community-specific truths.

Here’s what I wish Osteen would have said:

"You know, Larry, that’s a huge question. On one level it’s hard to answer because it feels like a trap. ‘Will he or won’t he condemn everyone to hell?’ Well, it’s not my place to give the final evaluation for anyone. And I don’t want to sit here and say that I deserve to go to heaven more than someone else.

"Because the fact of the matter is none of us can merit heaven. God is holy and we are not. No matter how sincere we are or how many good things we do, we can’t begin to approach the purity and perfection of God. So we need a Mediator, a go-between.

"The Bible teaches that God sent his Son to be our Mediator. He lived the life we couldn’t and died the death meant for us. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says he was counted as sin so that we could become the righteousness of God. This great exchange is only possible by faith. Even Jesus said that those who don’t believe in him stand condemned already.

"And not because they don’t believe. God doesn’t punish people for not hearing about Jesus. He punishes us for being sinful sinners, for twisting what he has revealed to us in creation and what our own consciences tell us we should do. Without Christ, there’s no bridge between God and man, there’s no hope for a personal relationship with God, there’s no chance of being forgiven.

"Look, I realize that’s offensive to many people. But our desire is not exclude anyone. That’s why Christians believe in sharing their faith and starting new churches. We want everyone to put their faith in Christ and be his disciples. That’s what Jesus told us to do before he ascended into heaven. But I can’t accept that good Buddhists or sincere Hindus are doing just fine, because I don’t believe Jesus is someone’s personal God. I believe he is God. He is more than a personal Lord. He is the Lord over everyone and everything whether they recognize it or not. I can’t fully honor Christ if I pretend he is just one option among many. To say what I think your viewers want me to say would be to deny all that I believe is glorious, precious, and unique about Christ.

"See, the good news is Jesus is not just my personal Savior. He is the Savior of the world. That means he’s not my possession that I try to monopolize. No, he possesses everything and will gladly forgive all who turn to him in faith and repentance. Apart from Christ, no one can be right with God, no Hindus, no Buddhists, no Muslims, least of all this sinful pastor. But in Christ, there is salvation, joy, and new life for all who believe."

Later Osteen issued a public apology for not standing for what he believes. I find this to be very humbling and honorable on his part. Here's what Dr. Mohler had to say about it:

Joel Osteen has issued an apology for his disappointing June 20 appearance on CNN’s Larry King Live program. The apology is published on the Joel Osteen Ministries Web site.
“It was never my desire or intention to leave any doubt as to what I believe and Whom I serve,” he stated. “I believe with all my heart that it is only through Christ that we have hope in eternal life. I regret and sincerely apologize that I was unclear on the very thing in which I have dedicated my life.”
Further: “I believe that Jesus Christ alone is the only way to salvation. However, it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to review the transcript of the interview that I realize I had not clearly stated that having a personal relationship with Jesus is the only way to heaven. It’s about the individual’s choice to follow Him.”
The statement reflected both humility and candor. “God has given me a platform to present the Gospel to a very diverse audience. In my desire not to alienate the people that Jesus came to save, I did not clearly communicate the convictions that I hold so precious,” he acknowledged. He also described the interview and its aftermath as “a learning experience” and expresssed his confidence that “God will ultimately use it for my good and His glory.”
Mr. Osteen’s statement is encouraging on several fronts. First, it is encouraging to know that the constituency of Joel Osteen Ministries was so upset about the interview. Second, Mr. Osteen’s statement includes a clear and unambiguous affirmation of the exclusivity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Third, the timeliness of the statement underlines the importance of the issues at stake. Fourth, Mr. Osteen’s apology is free from the evasions typical of the pseudo-apologies so often issued to the public. He did not say that “statements were made,” but instead acknowledged that he had failed to communicate Gospel truth. The humility and honesty of the statement serve to fortify its authenticity.
This is a reminder to all of us who appear in the media. Statements made to an audience of millions are difficult to retract and are often impossible to correct. When Mr. Osteen writes, “I hope that you accept my deepest apology and see it in your heart to extend to me grace and forgiveness,” the only proper response is to extend the very forgiveness for which he asks — and with equal humility. Other concerns can wait for another day.