Dear Pacific Union Member:

It seems light is the popular term in everything that has to do with less fattening foods. Light salad dressing, light margarine, light peanut butter. To make something light, you leave certain things out and substitute other things. Less oil, more water. Less sugar, more artificial sweetener.

Some would like to do the same with the gospel. The terms are different, but the concept is the same. Away with anything too heavy (obedience), and in with something lighter — like love and forgiveness (grace). By tipping the scales away from a balanced view, you get “gospel light.”

Much of the Christian world has accepted a concept of Christian living that puts most of the emphasis on forgiveness of sin, acceptance and God’s understanding; all elements of grace. But the idea of needing to change our thoughts and actions to conform with a set of divine rules for living has often been relegated to negative territory called “legalism.”

What’s left is a gospel that includes forgiveness, but does not require specific conduct change. The emphasis is on relationships — and while having a relationship with Jesus is all important, it is not something to be left open to personal definitions. “Gospel light” is a carefree gospel with none of the sacrifice of having to change my lifestyle.

Trouble is, It Does not Exist

While God is loving, forgiving and merciful, and does want a close relationship with us, He also understands the nature of sin. The heart of sin is selfishness, everyone doing what pleases themselves, with little thought of how it impacts others. So after Jesus forgives us our sin, He calls for us to make changes in our thoughts to harmonize with His (Romans 12:2).

Changing our behavior is hard work. It means denying ourselves some earthly pleasures, giving up some things we hold dear, and at times being very out of sync with people around us (Romans 7:24). That is the full gospel that builds spiritual heavyweights. It is a life-long process of change made possible by the Holy Spirit — a process called obedience and sanctification (Ephesians 4:22-24).

It is just as impossible for God to have a heaven of joy and peace with everyone doing things as they please, as it is to have a peaceful earthly society without rules. I pay taxes in the amount I choose. I pay utility bills according to my own rates. I drive by my own rules, knowing the judge will always understand my excuses, and forgive the fine. I steal a little, curse a little, lie a little and practice a little adultery. Since the law of God no longer applies to me, and I live under grace, I am always forgiven, and there are no negative consequences. Sound ridiculous? Yet this is exactly the philosophy I hear from some Christians.

Here is the Truth

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to Him. Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ” (Colossians 2:6-8, NLT).

Sincerely Your Friend,

Tom Mostert, President

Pacific Union Conference

P.O. Box 5005

Westlake Village, CA 91359