The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is holding its annual Pastors’ Conference June 8-9 in Baltimore. This year’s event is called “Show Us Your Glory”.
We have written several articles at ExPreacherman that document the SBC’s long history of perverting God’s gospel of grace with man-made add-ons. Following is one of the more recent articles:
The SBC teaches that one must “turn from sin” and “make a commitment to Christ” in order to receive God’s free gift of eternal life. This counterfeit gospel has ensnared millions of people over the years, including many of the current16 million members of SBC –affiliated churches.
For anyone unfamiliar with the SBC’s false gospel, following is an excerpt on how to become a Christian from the SBC website (I have put in bold those things that are add-ons to the gospel):
Are you ready to accept the gift of eternal life that Jesus is offering you right now? Let’s review what this commitment involves:
I acknowledge I am a sinner in need of a Savior – this is to repent or turn away from sin
I believe in my heart that God raised Jesus from the dead – this is to trust that Jesus paid the full penalty for my sins
I confess Jesus as my Lord and my God – this is to surrender control of my life to Jesus
I receive Jesus as my Savior forever – this is to accept that God has done for me and in me what He promised
The SBC teaches a false plan of salvation that is known as “bi-lateral contract salvation” or “Lordship salvation”, in which a lost person receives eternal life by promising to exchange future works (in the form of turning from sin and committing to obey and follow Christ) in addition to faith in Christ.
By contrast, the Bible teaches that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (see Ephesians 2:8-9).
This year’s SBC Pastors’ Conference appears to be a further indoctrination exercise, as the slate of speakers and sponsors is replete with pastors who have made careers of preaching this false gospel, writing books that promulgate their heresies, and otherwise “evangelizing” the world with their false gospel that cannot save lost people and that destroys the assurance of believers.
So, who are some of this year’s “all stars”?
Speakers:
JD Greear – author and Lordship “salvationist” who believes that we must have the right “posture” toward Christ to receive God’s gift of eternal life and to prove that we have received it.
Francis Chan – pastor and author of “Crazy Love”, a Lordship “salvation manifesto.
David Platt – pastor of The Church at Brook Hills, and author of the book “Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream”.
Rick Warren – Lordship “salvationist”, ecumenist, new age nutritionist, and author of “The Purpose Driven Life”
https://expreacherman.com/2011/03/03/909/
https://expreacherman.com/2011/01/11/rick-warren-and-his-latest-apostate-health-efforts/
Sponsor:
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association – headed by Billy Graham, internationally acclaimed “evangelist” and Lordship “salvationist”, affectionately known as “the Protestant Pope.”
https://expreacherman.com/2013/10/09/lordship-salvations-billy-graham-sets-trap/
This year’s conference seems oriented toward further galvanizing the pastors of America’s largest protestant denomination into doctrinaire Lordship “salvationists.”
In an online article from May 29, 2014, “The Christian Post” reported that membership among churches affiliated with the SBC has declined for the seventh straight year. That is great news. The bad news is that the SBC still has 15.7 million members who are teaming up with this apostate organization to frustrate grace.
And, with their numbers dwindling, the SBC will be ever more tempted to join hands with other false religions in promoting salvation by works.
Notes From A Retired Preacher 
Preston, that is the conclusion I came to, after being shaken by it, also.I believe it was an answer to prayer.
Speaking of that, here’s an article on why IFB numbers are dropping too. Notice in this quote where, once again, the emphasis lies…and where it doesn’t:
“In some parts of this nation of ours the name Baptist has all but lost its meaning because of the willingness, yes, rather the fervent desire to drag anyone into the membership of the church on almost any terms. Thus, many so-called Baptist churches have ceased even to inquire what kind of a baptism a person has before receiving him into the membership of the church. And while this is not generally the case with most organizational Baptists in the South, it is true that many of the Baptist churches of the south, in their zeal for numbers, have ceased altogether to exercise any church discipline upon erring members.”
http://www.pbministries.org/Theology/Davis%20Huckabee/Sermons%20To%20Baptist%20Churches/ch17_independent_baptists.htm
Hint: in that whole long article, the words “gospel” and “Christ” used only once. “Believe” is used six times but none of them in the context of the Gospel of grace.
Greetings,
Do you know how the SBC (and Independent Fundamental Baptists, too) calculates its membership numbers?
As with most denominations, they reckon members and fellowship primarily on the basis of a work of the flesh. Don’t take my word for that: notice on their own chart what is emphasized and, far more terribly, what they don’t even mention as a factor in their numbers:
You’ll see it plainly stated in this article, too (be sure to read the links therein):
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/is.the.southern.baptist.convention.in.terminal.decline/55989.htm
I could tell you a horrific story about an IFB church my wife and I attended briefly some years ago, which lines up 100% with the unintentionally sad content of these articles.
That is exactly the part that makes me laugh, and I can’t always help but think of the light sarcasm, and maybe a chuckle when they cast him out of the synagogue. Can hardly wait to meet him too.
I can only imagine , but I would of loved to see the look on the Pharisees faces when he said this to them
“will ye also be his disciples?”
Funny you should use that Curtis, the Lord works in mysterious ways. I love John 9, and I loved the blind man in the story and his question to the Pharisees who had already asked him, the people witnessed to it, then went and asked his parents and then asked him again. He stood his ground on the truth.
25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?
27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples.
29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.
30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
I did a video post last night on the Pharisee and contained some of those verses, made me smile 🙂 Thank You Lord for Your goodness to us.
I have found so far in a doctrinal statement’s under salvation when I see “repentance toward God” or ” “But, as a repentant sinner you can receive it from God” more than not this is backdoor LS they may agree with biblical repentance but works is evidence of salvation.
Just keep giving them heaven John Inc . I was pondering this morning that I was blind to the clarity of the Gospel . praying for you John that you speak as you ought to
Joh 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Luk 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Luk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Turning from sin and self-sufficiency? See… this is where the call upon the name of the Lord and confessing Him as Savior and Lord…. it’s not even correct order of that misused verse (Rom 10:9).
Cry out to God to save you of your sins?
If someone would just start reading in John, go ahead on to Acts, see where anyone was crying out to God to save them of their sins. I wish they would provide a ‘Biblical response’ instead of their own words.
What can they not trust and believe that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation?
I submit they do not believe it. Otherwise they would preach the Gospel, Christ and Him crucified, without their excellent speech or their wisdom, but declaring the testimony of God. This is how people can KNOW they are saved. Paul was determined to know nothing among them, except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. He was there in weakness, fear and a lot of trembling, but He did not use enticing words of men’s wisdom, but as the Word says, “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
I am not sure, but I believe he is referring to the gospel as He already referred to it in 1 Cor 1:17-18. It is the “power of God”
My niece is visiting this week. She and my sister attend an SBC church in West Columbia, SC called Greenhill Baptist Church. Its website has the following section called “Know Jesus?” It makes me sooo sad! I will highlight the obvious errors in bold. This is just pure works for salvation. It isn’t a back-door assault on the gospel. It is a full frontal assault.
Know Jesus?
What is the Gospel?
The just and gracious God of the universe looked upon hopelessly sinful people and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, to bear His wrath against sin on the cross and to show His power over sin in the resurrection so that all who have faith in Him will be reconciled to God forever.
A biblical presentation and a biblical response to the Gospel includes five key elements. These five key biblical elements are:
The Character of God
(Romans 1:18-20, 2:1-16, 3:22-24, Isaiah 43:6-7)
Biblical truth:
God is the just and gracious Creator of all things.
Biblical response:
Realize that we belong to Him, are accountable to Him, and are created to glorify Him.
The Sinfulness of Man
(Romans 1:21-25, 3:9-20, 3:23, 6:23)
Biblical truth:
We are each created by God, but we are all corrupted by sin.
Biblical response:
Admit areas of rebellion, be honest with God about sin, and turn from it.
The Sufficiency of Christ
(Romans 3:21-26, 4:25, 5:6-10, 5:18, 8:1-4)
Biblical truth:
Jesus Christ alone is able to remove our sin and reconcile us to God through His death on the cross. He alone satisfies the wrath of God for our sins. He alone gives victory over sin by His resurrection.
Biblical response:
Recognize that we are helpless to be reconciled with God apart from Jesus Christ.
The Necessity of Faith
(Romans 1:17, 3:20-31, 4:22-25, 6:11-14, 8:10-11, 10:9-13; Eph. 2:8-9):
Biblical truth:
We are reconciled to God only through faith in Jesus. There is nothing we can do to become right with God. It is all the work of His grace.
Biblical response:
Faith that leads to salvation involves turning from sin and self-sufficiency. We turn to Jesus and trust in Him as Lord, confess Him as Lord and Savior.
The Urgency of Eternity
(John 3:14-16, 36, John 10:27-30, 17:3, 1 Tim. 1:16-17, Heb. 9:12, 1 John 5:11-13)
Biblical truth:
Our eternal destiny is dependent on our response to Jesus. Trust in Him by faith and receive eternal life; reject Him and receive eternal death.
Biblical response:
Cry out to God to save you of your sins, put your faith in Jesus Christ and confess Him as Savior and Lord.
Anybody that goes to that convention will probably think there going to hell after listening to these guys even if they thought they were saved at one time. I wonder what there going to add on to salvation this year as this is the A team of lordship salvation just missing their coach jmac.Preston if you get in there you’ll be like a fish out of water. p.s. I see your from Baltimore
(sorry about that)
Kimberly, welcome! We are glad you are here.
Kimberly,
We are SO happy to see you here.. You are in good company.
Thanks for your testimony and your consistent stand for the simplicity that is in Christ. We appreciate you!!
We also pray you will subscribe to our posts and stick around commenting regularly. We have some wonderful Grace folks here.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Amen Abe
The common ground that could unite all religions of the World system under one rule is Lordship for favor with God . As long as they not mention the blood of Jesus His deity and His “it is finished” from the cross they can all get along..
joking aside I would rather enjoy the company of one soul who believes THE Gospel. Than a multitude who promote A gospel message.
I still get all worked up when I am around a false Gospel messenger and would rather spare myself the frustration.
(only to become a “messenger” for a cooperating church). I am a non conformist so there goes my invite
But if God would arrange it for me to address the assembly I would ask / pray for wisdom for the words to speak.
Psa 131:1 A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.
Psa 131:2 Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.
Psa 131:3 Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever.
Good day,
I spent 10 minutes on the SBC annual meeting website. It looks like June 10th and 11th. I cant find a way to purchase a ticket (only to become a “messenger” for a cooperating church).
I will try to search more later. if anyone can “find a way in”; let me know. If it is Gods will; I will be there.
Kim,
I am tooo old for double dares; they dont work on me. HOWEVER, triple dares….I cant resist!!! 🙂
Wow, what a lineup of false teachers. Every LS “big hitter” is there, it seems. What, they couldn’t get MacArthur to come?
The SBC is done. These LS guys are like jesuit agents infiltrating a camp. They are basically agreeing with catholicism and the false LS “gospel” of catholicism, to drive people to works and away from the finished work of Jesus. And the SBC is doing nothing to stop it. Think the jesuit thing is just crazy talk? Look how Rick Warren went on the catholic network (EWTN) and praised catholicism’s doctrine, the pope, some nun, and the whole network. Look how Francis Chan apologized for a speaker he once invited that exposed catholicism as false. Calvinism is a stepping stone to Rome.
Preston and Curtis, would love to be there… I would love to ask questions from the audience…. So many come to mind about Warren, about Chan, about Platt…. but the bad part is all the people they will be misleading… Maybe a picket sign? 🙂
HI Brothers…. Blessings to you all! Growing up in Baptist Churches, I will have to say that I had NO CLUE how to Prove ALL things… and ‘holding fast to what is GOOD’ was basically listening to men’s words and believing that they are teaching truth… OOOOOPS!!!
Well, I feel very blessed and actually privileged to have had my eyes OPENED to the deceptive jargon of these men AND women alike who continue to say things that are NOT even in the Bible to be saved… I think the saddest part is when I think of all those times I told others(mostly children) these “catch phrases” in order to be saved! Lord open their eyes to Your Truth as well by the WORD ALONE!! In Jesus Name AMEN!
Curtis and Preston, I double dog dare ya to go… take notes and ask them… “WHERE is THAT teaching in the BIBLE???”…. VIDEO it and upload it to YT immediately in the parking lot after you have gotten kicked out 😉 hehehe
Getting others to BELIEVE you when you say, “repent of sins” and “ask Jesus into your heart isn’t even in the Bible” is such a CHORE… they look at you in total disbelief… (I am thinking of myself when I heard someone tell me that… oh my!) To UNDUE leaven is FAR more work then telling someone the Gospel who has never heard from men/women before! Telling my family that we had it ALL WRONG was embarrassing to say the least… but it HAD TO BE DONE! I got Saved when I was 3…but, then all the “add ons” came later which after 40 years of “wrong teaching”…WHEW… I now have the CHILD LIKE FAITH in the SIMPLICITY of the GOSPEL message again! Makes me wish I had gone DEAF after I was saved so that I wouldn’t of had all this garbage for all those years! SIGH….well, at least my kids will KNOW and those I tell NOW will know…
Thank you so much for telling TRUTH on this site… such a REFRESHING YUMMY thing!
God Bless you!
Hey Preston I am about 1.5 hours from Baltimore , Lets both go together it will be a hoot .
Wonder how long it would last till we get booted out for sharing the gospel ?
Preston,
Why would you want to attend such an apostate meeting?
Now, if you had free reign to ask them pointed questions, maybe… But after your first question, you would be shown the door!! 😎
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
good day,
I live in Baltimore, I wonder if I can get in????????
Excellent, John.
One wonders if the Baptists even have a clue what these speakers promote. Thanks,
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack