Social Gospel vs. Gospel of Christ

The purpose of the social gospel is social improvement: eliminating poverty, crime, war; improving race relations, education, and government. The purpose of the gospel of Christ is the salvation of men’s souls from sin, Rom. 1:16, 2 Th. 2:13-14. The motivation of the social gospel is a better earthly life: health, wealth, peace, freedom, enjoyment. The motivation of the gospel of Christ is fellowship with and devotion to God, the hope of heaven, and the fear of hell, 1 Tim. 1:12-14, 2 Co. 4:16-5:11, Mk. 16:15,16. The social gospel uses fleshly methods such as legislation, marches, sit-ins, relief programs, social get-togethers. The gospel of Christ seeks conversion of the heart to Christ, 2 Co. 10:3-5, Ac. 2:36,38. The standard of authority in the social gospel is philosophy, experience, feelings, dreams, and tradition. The standard of authority in the gospel of Christ is Christ, Mt. 28:18-20, Eph. 1:22-23. The emphasis of the social gospel is physical and temporal: human body, secular knowledge, possessions, positions, "get all out of life you can." The emphasis of the gospel of Christ is spiritual and eternal, Col. 3:1-3; 2 Cor. 5:7. The social gospel is a "different" gospel and those who preach it as the gospel of Christ are "accursed," Gal. 1:6-10.– Steve Fontenot

The Church of Christ in Humble meets at 621 Herman St., corner of Ave. "F" and Herman St., Sundays at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m..