‘IN DEFENSE OF THE GOSPEL’
January 21, 1967, pp. 7-8

(In response to two writers concerning their teachings about Calvinism)

I want to be as clear and frank as possible. The motivation of consequence is not gospel at all; it is law. To insist on this motivation as the answer to man’s problems is to fail to make the transition from law to gospel, and the book of Romans may as well have never been written.

To obey the law simply out of regard for the consequences is legalistic self-love; it reverses Romans 3:28.

What kind of motivation distinguishes the believer from the unbeliever, who may outwardly obey the law for fear of punishment but inwardly hate it? It is the motivation of grateful love, not of fear (or greed). The Christian obeys the law not because he fears the consequences if he does not, but because he delights in the law and just wants to obey it (Romans 7:22; compare Psalm 1:2; 119:97). The ultimate test of Christian faith and love is the willingness to obey regardless of the consequences. As a matter of fact, fear of punishment cannot motivate the Christian to do good works, for those who dwell in Christ by faith have no punishment awaiting them anyway (Romans 8:1). The Christian is not a sullen slave who obeys only to escape the whip; nor is he a greedy hireling who does what he is told only to collect his promised wages. Rather, he is a saved and grateful sinner who loves his Lord and Saviour so much that he will joyfully do anything for Him.

Consequences are important, to be sure; and we must not forget them. And just to be realistic, we must recognize that even Christians, while in the imperfect earthly state, still find themselves motivated by such considerations to a greater or less degree. But such motives alone are not gospel at all. The gospel-motive is love and must be primary in the Christian’s life, even if vestiges of the law-motive remain. But our goal is to rid ourselves of the latter, and to make love for God alone our motive for obedience.