Kalled,

On the other hand, I don't think the terminology "having a personal relationship with Jesus" is a Biblical way of summarizing the message of the gospel. (You'd agree with me, I'm just venting some thoughts here.) The essence of the gospel is justification, a doctrine most evangelicals don't even understand (myself included for many years). We do have fellowship with Christ, but this is a result of being reconciled to God through the propitiation of Christ's blood. I know Catholics who speak quite openly about their personal relationship with Jesus, and yet they still think they got there by their own works, and they still worship Mary, etc. etc. etc.

Ever since the 4 Spiritual Laws (likely before this, actually) evangelicals have consistantly framed the gospel in the terms of a broken relationship. i.e. You and God are separated, and although you REALLY want to be His friend again, you can't, unless you walk across the bridge of the cross, etc. At best, this "relationship" gospel presents only one aspect of the Biblical gospel, and even being so generous we really have to ask ourselves what kind of a gospel that is.

Last edited by Henry; Wed Feb 16, 2005 9:38 AM.
(Latin phrase goes here.)