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We reject any view of justification which divorces it from our sanctifying union with Christ and our increasing conformity to his image through prayer, repentance, cross-bearing, and life in the Spirit.

16. We affirm that saving faith includes mental assent to the content of the Gospel, acknowledgment of our own sin and need, and personal trust and reliance upon Christ and his work.

We deny that saving faith includes only mental acceptance of the Gospel, and that justification is secured by a mere outward profession of faith. We further deny that any element of saving faith is a meritorious work or earns salvation for us.

17. We affirm that, although true doctrine is vital for spiritual health and well-being, we are not saved by doctrine. Doctrine is necessary to inform us how we may be saved by Christ, but it is Christ who saves.

We deny that the doctrines of the Gospel can be rejected without harm. Denial of the Gospel brings spiritual ruin and exposes us to God's judgment.

18. We affirm that Jesus Christ commands his followers to proclaim the Gospel to all living persons, evangelizing everyone everywhere, and discipling believers within the fellowship of the church. A full and faithful witness to Christ includes the witness of personal testimony, godly living, and acts of mercy and charity to our neighbor, without which the preaching of the Gospel appears barren.

We deny that the witness of personal testimony, godly living, and acts of mercy and charity to our neighbors constitutes evangelism apart from the proclamation of the Gospel.

As evangelicals united in the Gospel, we promise to watch over and care for one another, to pray for and forgive one another, and to reach out in love and truth to God's people everywhere, for we are one family, one in the Holy Spirit, and one in Christ.

Centuries ago it was truly said that in things necessary there must be unity, in things less than necessary there must be liberty, and in all things there must be charity. We see all these Gospel truths as necessary.

Now to God, the Author of the truth and grace of this Gospel, through Jesus Christ, its subject and our Lord, be praise and glory forever and ever. Amen.For a list of those who drafted and signed the statement, click here."The Gospel Of Jesus Christ: An Evangelical Celebration" is copyright © 1999 by The Committee On Evangelical Unity In The Gospel, P.O. Box 5551, Glendale Heights, Il 60139-5551

You may obtain reprints of this special supplement by writing to CT Reprints, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188, or by e-mailing cteditor@christianitytoday.com with "Gospel reprints" as the subject line of your message. The cost (including postage and handling) is $8 for 10 copies, $18 for 25 copies, $32 for 50 copies, $57 for 100 copies, $200 for 500 copies, $375 for 1,000 copies. Prices are good for one year from the date of this issue.Evangelical Christian leaders who wish to add their names to the endorsing committee should write to the Committee on Evangelical Unity in the Gospel, P.O. Box 5551, Glendale Heights, IL 60139-5551.

Related Christianity Today articles include an introduction to The Gospel Statement, written by Christianity Today executive editor David Neff, an interview with Timothy George about the history and meaning of the statement, letters responding to the statement, and

"What's the Good News? | Nine evangelical leaders define the gospel."

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

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June 14 1999, Vol. 43, No. 7