Customer Reviews
Cogent and highly convincing - By: Kurt A. Johnson, 29 Jun 2004 
In this fascinating book, Dr. John MacArthur looks at the Gospel (literally the proclamation of redemption) proclaimed by Jesusin his earthly ministry, & compares it with the gospel preached by many modern Christian churches. Latein the twentieth century, many American churches began to embrace a message that taught that the mere intellectual assent to the idea of the deity of Christ was sufficient for salvation, while any sort of repentance & submission to Him as Lord was a mere work, unnecessary for & totally irrelevant to the Christian. Working through the various scriptural passagesin which Jesus spelled out salvation, Dr. MacArthur shows that such "easy-believism" is contrary to the true Gospel, & leads far too many to a broad road that leads to damnation.
Dr. MacArthur is a wonderful preacher & teacher, who is an expert at handling the Word. I found his arguments to be cogent & highly convincing, & like a bracing cup of hot chocolate on a winter's day. If you are interestedin a Biblical look at Salvation, then you must get this book. I highly recommend this book to all Believers.
A concise articulation of the heart of Christ... - By: , 29 May 1999 
and how we become like Him (Eph 5:1-2). MacArthur is almost tersein his analysis, lacking the loving grace of the Lord. But let's face it, he's a man. But the Word is clear & his teaching of the Word is precise.
His primary flaw isin his points involving the "elect". Like many Calvinists, he makes the error of assuming it is the purview of man to know the mysteries of the Lord (like knowing the true heart of an individual). We are blessed by His gracein salvation that is as individual as our fingerprints or our personalities. There is one faith, one baptism (of the Holy Spirit) but it is manifestedin the believerin any number of ways. The one-talent Christian is not blessed like the 10 talent Christian. The thief on the cross did not experience the sanctification of St.Paul or Son of Thunder John. They all are with Himin Paradise this very day, though their works were all different.
Certainly a life of apostasy after a profession of faith is an outward sign (though not sure-fire proof) of non-regeneration (question his analysis of Judas Iscariotin Chapter 6, though his conclusion is probably accurate). Paul admonishes the Corinthians to be discerning & judgemental of those that claim to be brothers but live like the lost. But certainly we are to emulate the Lord in His unceasing devotion to the lost.
MacArthur's work is excellent, just not perfect. I have learned much from this volume. I remain convinced, however, that it is the work of God to know a man's heart. It is the resposibility of the believer to ask forgiveness & say "YES, LORD". Then by His Spirit we may live the life of obedience & bear fruit that will last. Discernment through a glass darkly is ALWAYS suspect in fallible man, saved & learned (like Dr. MacArthur) though he may be.
It is not the work of man to reject the wealthy young man of Matthew 19:16. That is the work of God. The work of man is best describedin Matthew 28:19-20. Note that He commands us "...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." The regenerate heart will learn to obey through the service of the mature believer. Don't expect infants to run the marathon, Dr. MacArthur. But thanks for being true to Matt 28:19 by faithfully teaching us to obey His commands. That's how it's done!
Please read this book! - By: , 22 Mar 1999 Before I read this book I was your average "Sunday morning Christian". I did not really know what it meant to be a Christian. This book opened my eyes to see the real meaning of Christianity (a personal relationship with Jesus Christ). A life of love, submission, commitment, & surrender to Jesus Christ.
John MacArthur is one of the greatest Bible teachers of our day, I highly recommend this book for your reading.
Changed my ministry philosophy - By: , 27 Aug 1998 This book changed my view of the gospel. I had beenin youth ministry for 2 years when I first read "The Gospel According To Jesus". The result was that I saw a cogent defense of a Biblical, historic, doctrine of salvation for the first time. The contrast with the current "Easy-Believism" taughtin churches, schools, & study Bibles was very refreshing. I poured over the Scriptures listed on every page - & fed them to the youthin our church. If you want to have a better ability to share the gospel with Biblical accuracy - you need to read this book!
The best book ever written on saving faith - By: , 07 Jun 1998 The Gospel According to Jesus is a must read for every Christian. John MacArthur,in his usual easy to read & clear way, hits the central tenet of Christianity, how does an individual inherit eternal life? Many folks, including pastors & other church leaders, believe surrendering to Jesus Christ as Lord is optional for saving faith. They claim all that is necessary is to accept Jesus Christ as Savior & if, laterin your life you submit to His Lordship, so much the better. MacArthur, using the words of Christ Himself, shows there is no salvation without a willingness to follow Jesus as Lord. The message of this book is timeless, since it is supported with a plethora of scripture references. I heartily recommend the book to any Christian desiring to communicate the Gospel accurately. This book, along with a companion volume entitled Faith Works (The Gospel According to the Apostles), are indispensible toolsin the Lord's work.
