Read the series so far.

In previous essays I have suggested that organizations like The Gospel Coalition and Together for the Gospel, while certainly centered in the gospel, are actually committed to a system of faith that is more specific than the gospel itself. This system is broad enough to allow differences over the mode of creation, the continuation of miraculous gifts, the correct observance of the ordinances, and the proper order of the particular church. Curiously, however, it is so narrow that it excludes or treats prejudicially those gospel believers who question Calvinism, Lordship salvation, or inaugurated eschatology.

These organizations certainly have a right to adopt a doctrinal system that is more specific than the gospel. That is not the problem. So what is it? First is the apparent lack of candor in claiming the moral high ground of the gospel while actually defending a system that goes well beyond the gospel—particularly if gospel people who differ with that system are made to feel unwelcome. Second, some of the points upon which these organizations have chosen to take a stand (e.g., Calvinism or Lordship salvation) are less important than some of the areas in which they have agreed to allow diversity (e.g., continuationism or a form of progressive creation that is “not quite” theistic evolution). Third, since I do not agree with these organizations in some of their commitments, I can only conclude that my voice is not really welcome among them. This consideration does not have to stop me from attending a meeting or two and benefitting from the sessions. It does, however, stop me from coming into too-close association or identification with these organizations. In other words, I cannot “join” them (the word join being understood not in the sense of putting my name on a membership list, but in the sense of unreservedly joining hands to promote all of their distinctives). Read more about Why I Do Not Join Popular Gospel-Only Organizations, Part Three

Most evangelicals think that The Gospel Coalition and comparable organizations exist exclusively for the proclamation, explanation, and defense of the gospel. These organizations present themselves as clarifying voices in an age when many evangelicals have embraced doctrines and practices that obscure or damage the gospel. To the extent that TGC and other organizations have devoted themselves to the defense of the gospel, they should be applauded by all gospel believers.

Organizations like The Gospel Coalition have been marked by broad fellowship within the bounds of the gospel. For example, its leaders include Baptists, Presbyterians, and even Anglicans, among others. Clearly one need not affirm a particular polity in order to identify with TGC.

The Gospel Coalition also displays considerable diversity on other theological issues. Leaders like C. J. Mahaney and John Piper affirm that at least some miraculous gifts are available today. In an interview with Eric Metaxas, Tim Keller said that he affirms a version of “progressive creationism” that is “not quite” theistic evolution. No one would argue that these divergences are merely incidental, but they are thought to be acceptable in a coalition that centers upon the gospel. Read more about Why I Do Not Join Popular Gospel-Only Organizations, Part One