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The statement focuses so strongly on justification that sanctification and life in the Spirit seem truncated. Why is this?

This is a valid point. We need to say more about sanctification and perhaps can do so in some future document. In his Galatians commentary, Calvin observed that while we are justified by faith alone, the faith that justifies is never alone. But, as Jim Packer has reminded us, there are moments in the history of the church when the primacy of God's grace must be emphasized against elements that would dilute or qualify it. In our present culture of postmodernity, we must not neglect a leading word about justification.

What would you say to the evangelical critics of this statement?

I hope they may reconsider their reservations and join others in affirming the gospel in this way. No one claims that this statement is an infallible artifact of revelation. We recognize that some things may be differently and better said. The gospel must be articulated and lived out with integrity by every Christian, and we encourage others to write their own statements of the gospel. I am glad that CT is publishing several short statements of the gospel we have received from a variety of believers across the evangelical spectrum. "The Gospel of Jesus Christ" is not a church confession or a test of fellowship. It is a summons to affirm and stand together with other believers. Jesus calls us all to unity in the truth, to be of one mind in things of first importance. This is one effort to be faithful to that calling.

Evangelicals and Catholics Together: A New Initiative | "The Gift of Salvation" is a remarkable statement on what we mean by the gospel (July 8, 1997)

If I'm an Evangelical, What Am I? (Aug. 9, 1999)

Why We Still Need Moody | A look at the man who invented modern evangelicalism. (Dec. 22, 1999)

Why We Still Need Luther | Four hundred fifty years after his death, Martin Luther can still inspire and guide us. (Oct. 28, 1996)

A Theology to Die For | Theologians are not freelance scholars of religion, but trustees of the deposit of faith. (Feb. 9, 1998)

What I'd Like to Tell the Pope About the Church | Responding to the main criticism Catholics have against evangelicals: that we have no doctrine of the church. (June 15, 1998)

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February 7 2000, Vol. 44, No. 2