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We thank you for your visits to the In Christ Alone! web site. For the last 6 months (September 2008 - May 2009) we averaged 14,398 sessions (monthly), with an average of over 271,575 hits (monthly). Over the last six months we have enjoyed 86,386 visitors and 1,629,451 hits. Our biggest month for hits was March with 310,309 hits.

Thank you for making In Christ Alone! the ministry we pray it to be.

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New ICA! Podcast (10-26-07) I have some great news for visitors to ICA! Web site. You can listen to the teaching of Bernie Gillespie, Jeff Harkin and others by way of our new ICA! Podcast. We are planning a new podcast every week or two. So please stop back and check out the new episodes. And take the time to share your thoughts about what you are hearing. Let us know how we can make it better. To visit the Podcast page click the link New ICA! Podcast. You may need to download a QuickTime update, but it is easy and free. Special note: You can subscribe to ICA! Podcast by clicking the Subscribe button at the tope of the ICA! Podcast Homepage. Then you will get each new episode automatically downloaded to your player (iTunes, MusicMatch, et. al.). [You can download iTunes at iTunes download. It is made for Apple computers but it works great on any PC.]

Our god Is Sick (7-11-09)

Remissional Redundancy (6-16-09) The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ paid for all sins on the Cross. But some say that a person’s sins are not remitted until they are correctly baptized, citing Acts 2:38. Are there two different remissions of sin? Is there a remissional redundancy: one at the Cross, and another at the time of personal water baptism?

The Value of Preserving Historical Memory (6-5-09) It is incumbent upon the historians of any Christian group not to reject, out of hand, historical information that conflicts with present day conventions and traditionally accepted assumptions. Instead, they are responsible to preserve all their memories honestly, the acceptable and the unacceptable. It means to acknowledge and come to terms with elements of the past that challenge long-held customs, beliefs or traditions, out of respect for the truth of history.

Easy Believism: How Would 'Hard Believism' Affect the Gospel? (2-1-09) Those who challenge the teaching of salvation by faith alone in Christ alone use such loaded phrases as “easy believism,” and “cheap grace.” The insinuation is that salvation by faith alone is watered-down, lax, and morally weak. In the historic debate salvation by faith has been characterize as antinomian, i.e., lawless. It is assumed that Christians who believe they are saved by the sheer grace of God, with only naked faith in Christ, are ethically irresponsible and morally careless. They are seen as neglecting obedience to God and the necessity of good works. But if there is “easy believism,” then one wonders what “hard believism” would be like. How does one make believing harder? And should we make it harder?

Does the Word “For” in “For the Remission of Sins" in Acts 2:38 Signify that Water Baptism Remits Sin? (1-7-09) This paper address most of the issues in the interpretation of Acts 2:38. The UPCI teaches that this verse proves that water baptism remits sin. The Bible teaches that a believers sins are forgiven and remitted by faith in Christ alone.

The Cross in Eclipse: Reframing the Question “Is Oneness Pentecostalism Really Christianity Without a Cross?” (1-7-09)

This writing is my formal response to David Norris’s paper, “Is Oneness Pentecostalism Really Christianity without a Cross?” presented at the Urshan Graduate School of Theology Third Annual Symposium, “Exalting the Name,” in March, 2004. It is also a response to the panel discussion from the same symposium. I am frequently asked about my views on Thomas Fudge’s book, Christianity without the Cross and David Norris’ response paper at the UGST symposium. I realize it has been several years since Dr. Fudge’s book was published and Dr. Norris’ paper was presented. Still, I believe that many of the issues they raised are current, pertinent and require further discussion. Through this paper I will add my thoughts to the debate.

1 Peter 3:21 "Water Baptism and Salvation" (1-7-09) Does Peter teach that baptism saves us? Or does he teach us that Christ saves us and that baptism pictures salvation in Christ?

Mark 16:16 "He That Believes Shall Not Be Condemned" (1-7-09) Does Jesus teach us that baptism save us? Or does he teach us that we are saved by faith in him?

Where Do We Find the 'Plan of Salvation"? (12-31-08) This is fresh set of writings about a very important teaching (Gospels-Acts-Epistles) in the United Pentecostal Church.

This is a very important subject for those have been raised in the United Pentecostal Church. As a former UPCI ordained minister, I believed that Acts 2:38 was the New Birth and the plan of salvation. One of the ways I supported this doctrine was called Gospels-Acts-Epistles. GAE claims that we cannot find the plan of salvation in the Epistles and we must look to Acts - particularly Acts 2:38 - to find the way to be saved.

This is still regularly taught throughout the UPCI. In 1996 God opened my heart to understand the Gospel. I learned that Jesus is my righteousness and by faith in Him I am right with God. I shared (am sharing) the truths of justification by faith from Romans, Galatians, et. al., with many in the UPCI. One of the main rebuttals to this was the Gospels-Acts-Epistles way of reading the Bible. People from the UPCI wrote and said I could not refer to Romans or any of the Epistles because salvation is only taught in the Book of Acts.

In order to help many people who are misled by this interpretation I have written this paper. In it I share the problems of where we find salvation in the Bible, the definition of Gospels-Acts-Epistles, the history behind it, how it supports the UPCI doctrine of salvation, where we find salvation in the Bible and 24 reasons why GAE is incorrect as a way of reading the Bible.

If you would like to see an outline of the entire 24 reasons, "24 Reasons Why "Gospels-Acts-Epistles" Hermeneutic is Wrong (Outline)"

Justified But Not "Born Again" (Dec. 17, 2008) Can you be justified but not “born again”? Some say it’s possible. Oneness Pentecostals attempt to reconcile their view of Acts 2:38-is-the-New Birth with the traditional understanding of justification by faith alone in Christ alone. To do this they say a person can be justified, but not yet born again. Several connected to schools in the UPCI have developed an approach that a person is justified by faith, but still must follow the UPCI Acts 2:38 formula to be born again. For those who believe the traditional view of justification, this is obviously inconceivable. But in some strange way, the UPCI sees this as a solution to the differences between their view of Acts 2:38 and those who believe salvation is by faith alone in Christ.

Is Justification a “Component” of Salvation?  (Dec. 15, 2008) Justification by faith is essential to salvation. It is the center of one’s relationship with God. Failing to understand either the importance of justification or its nature is a serious problem. Ideas that cause us to misunderstand justification directly affect our faith and our saving relationship with God.

"Does Acts 19:5-6 Prove Acts 2:38 is the New Birth?" (Sept. 2, 2008) “Paul asked questions like ‘Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? Read Acts 19.” Doesn’t this show that Paul believed that Acts 2:38 was the New Birth? This does not prove that Paul taught or practiced Acts 2:38 as the UPCI believes it. A closer look shows that the situation in Acts 19 is not so simply explained. When Paul visited the men in Ephesus, he tested whether they had heard about Christ by asking them if the Holy Spirit had come to them. It was the Holy Spirit that always opened hearts to believe the Gospel (cp. Caesarea, Lydia, et. al.). It was the Holy Spirit that came on those who believed the Gospel. If they knew about the Holy Spirit, then they would necessarily know about Jesus and the Gospel. When they said they had not heard about the Holy Spirit, Paul knew that they were not believers in the Gospel.

"Justified at the Moment of True Faith" (August 25. 2008) Do the Scriptures teach that a person is justified by faith alone? Those who believe that salvation is not by faith alone, in the matter of justification by faith, attempt to redefine faith in a less than biblical manner. Others endeavor to make faith a mere part of the equation. The further questions are, does justification take place at the moment of truth faith in Christ? Is a person saved at the moment of truth faith in Jesus Christ? Simply reading the many passages below makes it clear that one is justified at the moment of true faith.

"Is Theology Unspiritual?" (August 20, 2008) In certain circles of Christianity, there is an often implied or blatant disdain of theology. One might understand the aversion to theology in contemporary culture, where privatized feeling is thought superior to traditional or consensual thinking. But, it is disturbing to find many, even conservative, Christians who align themselves with the culture by placing the practical, emotional, and experiential above “contending for the faith.” I am concerned that a growing of number of divergent Christian camps is tracking the culture by treating theology as politically incorrect. (Follow the link to read more).

"Initial Justification" (August 11, 2008) Does God declare us righteous “initially” but not later? I have found some in the UPCI (et. al.) using the word “initial” to qualify the meaning of the biblical word justification. What is at issue is the whole meaning of justification. Roman Catholicism teaches that justification is the process by which God makes one righteous. “It involves the infusion of supernatural grace that blots out sin, regenerates the soul and makes it worthy of the creator who fashioned it.” [Van Harvey, A Handbook of Theological Terms, p. 136.] In this view, justification is the same as sanctification, i.e., one is right with God on the basis of their own righteousness as aided by the Holy Spirit or infused grace. This is practically the same definition of justification held by the UPCI. That is why I say that the UPCI theology of salvation is foundationally Roman Catholic. View Initial Justification in pdf.

"Instantaneous Justification" (July 31, 2008) This is another unique phrase used to caricature the biblical idea of justification. The word instantaneous is added to justification as if there were several kinds of justification. The phrase “instantaneous justification” is redundant and misleading. One might be led to think there is one kind of justification that is “instantaneous” and another kind that is gradual or progressive. There is only one kind of justification in the Bible. The biblical justification is instantaneous, and does not need the unnecessary modifier. (Follow the link to read more).

"Re-Justification"  (July 29, 2008) am fascinated by the creative ways that theology students in the UPCI are handling the doctrine of justification. Because their doctrine of Acts 2:38 is-the-New Birth rejects the historic teaching of justification by faith there is an attempt to redefine or caricature justification into something the Bible or orthodox Christianity has never believed. This is leading to a few novel terms or phrases that reveal a misguided understanding of the biblical teaching of justification by faith. One of those is the phrase “repetitive justification”. (Follow the link to read more).

Updated (June '09) Check out the ICA! Weblog eJournal

This eJournal will be a place to share various and sometimes random thoughts, insights (or the lack of them), ideas, and questions about a diversity of topics. Here I will write short 'blogs' on salvation, grace, God, theology, Christian holiness, culture, legalism, Church issues, education, cross-cultural missions, everyday Christian living, Church history, freedom in Christ, et. al.

You can go to the current post The Value of Preserving Historical Memory You are also welcome to post your comments to any of my posts.

Updated (June '09) Check out ICA! eMail Weblog

Since blogging is becoming more popular, I thought that I would try to use a web log (blog for short) as a way to share my answers to "composite" emails. That is, I can take the common questions that many people ask and then answer them, on this web log, as though I am speaking to one person. (In reality, the "one person" is many people represented by their emails). So, friends, that is what I going to attempt. There will be trial and error along the way, but I believe it will be enjoyable and fun. This is an experiment. The goal is to keep in touch in a way that time allows. Through this ICA! eMail web log I can talk with you about various and random subjects related to the Gospel, theology, culture, Biblical studies, church life, grace & legalism, or important issues in living the Christian life.

Recent Blog: "Is Theology Unspiritual?"

ICA! Online Bookstore (7-1-03) We are excited to open our Online Bookstore as a service to you. This a step toward a greater availability of resources and materials from the ministers of ICA! You can purchase them through PayPal which is known as a highly reputable real-time payment solution for thousands of people who buy over the internet. Also, resources can be purchased by check through the U.S. mail.

At this time, the offerings are few. However, our plans are to make a greater number of resources available in the next months. Part of our plans are: 1) to greatly expand the books available; 2) provide a large number of audio tape and CD messages; 3) offer eBooks and eAudio messages which can purchased and downloaded online. 4) make free materials more easily organized and available.

If you have suggestions how this service can better serve you, let us know.

In Christ Alone! Ministry Presentation

Emailing Bernie Gillespie Please read this for our policy of responding to email. If you have sent email in the past read this letter by Bernie

Visit the Recommended Readings on Grace Page

For a list of books on Grace I recommend follow this link.

A Great Resource: Rich in Christ

I would like to recommend a great spiritual resource written by my friend Jack Teeple. Rich in Christ is wonderful and practical way to recall the promises of God give us through Christ. As Christians we are called to live out of the Gospel. To live out of the Gospel we need to remember the rich benefits we have in Christ. Jack's book helps us to do that.

"This book is an absolutely unique and fun way to memorize God's Word, and apply its principles to your life. It is filled with practical ways to overcome discouragement, temptation, and negative thinking. It can be used for individual study or as a discipleship tool for groups, and it is for people of all ages. The uniqueness of the book is its ability to equip the reader to memorize over 100 riches in Christ. This is accomplished through the use of the alphabet and "memory pegs." Children as young as six years old, and adults in their nineties have been able to memorize and benefit from their riches in Christ by using the methods found in this book Some folks are using Rich in Christ as a home schooling textbook. Your kids can learn over 100 riches in Christ."

Personal Revival

"Living the Christian Life in the Light of the Cross"

The subtitle of Stanley Voke's book provides the real theme of this tremendous little book. If this is one book I could recommend to everyone who visit this web site, this is it. This book not only succinctly teaches true faith in the Gospel, but it also teaches in one of the clearest expression, how to continue living in grace and in the light of the cross of Jesus. I give it a ten out of ten stars!

"This is the book for anyone feeling defeated by sin and yearning for a victorious Christian life! Stanley Voke's personal, relevant message is born of his own experience of great need met by great grace. "Each page explains simple, Biblical truths with the power to transform our lives through Christ. Here one finds how to live a life of personal revival -- a life of known forgiveness -- a life of righteousness, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17b) "The reader will discover that the way up to God's blessing is actually the way down! By taking the sinner's place at the foot of the cross you will find the grace of God there to meet your every spiritual need."   [From the back of the book]

"GOSPEL TRANSFORMATION." It is a 6 Unit, 36 Lesson comprehensive course "that centers on the transformation of Christians by the power of the Gospel." This could be used as a nine-month Sunday School curriculum, or a small-group study for youth, prison ministry, regular discipleship, even as a seminary-level training for personal formation. You can look at a sample of these materials at  GOSPEL TRANSFORMATION.

"SONSHIP." It is a 16 week course designed to teach Christians how to live out of the Gospel everyday. IT IS THE BEST DISCIPLESHIP MATERIAL I HAVE EVER SEEN. You can look at a sample of these materials at SONSHIP. IT IS A MUST STUDY FOR ANYONE LONGING TO GROW IN THE GRACE OF GOD.

Are You Looking for a Gospel Preaching Church? (3-25-03) ICA! has been very careful about recommending churches, denominations or ministries because of our convictions about the truth of the Gospel. A number have asked us to recommend a church they might visit in their search for a Gospel preaching church. It is not our usual practice to do so. ICA! is not a fellowship, church or denomination. We are a service to direct people to the Gospel of Christ and to a local church that preaches the Gospel. We are very thrilled with the ministry of one group in particular: Sovereign Grace Ministries.

This ministry is comprised of 50-70 churches, mostly on the Eastern half of the U.S. Some of their excellent qualities consist of: 1) the commitment to the centrality of the Cross of Christ, the important of justification by grace through faith in Christ alone, and the imputation of Christ's righteousness, for salvation and assurance; 2) the pursuit of passionate, celebratory worship of Christ; 3) the teaching of the continued filling of the Spirit in the believer's life; 4) the centrality of the local church in God's plan; 5) the essential quality of pastoral leadership in building the local church toward maturity in Christ-likeness; 6) the continued role of Spirit-gifting for the ministry of the local church; 7) and, the vitality and call to church planting around the world. I give my highest recommendation to these churches.

You can view a list of their churches to see which one may be closest to you at Sovereign Grace Churches. You will find an excellent resource of Christian articles at their online magazine Sovereign Grace Online. May God continue to provide His rich blessings to the leaders, members and work of this ministry!

Valuable Resources at the LINKS page

New God with Us (6-5-09)

New All That Believe are Justified (6-5-09)

Chasing After Money & Work (11-9-07)

Idolatry Behind Our Sins (11-4-07)

Bound by Our Past (10-28-07)

Divine Organism (9-6-06)

A Passionate Encounter (9-3-06)

Two Parts of Faith (7-8-06)

Walk by Faith (7-8-06)

We Exist for God (6-24-06)

For past quotes go to Archives

New Self-Knowledge (2-19-05)

New Union With Christ (2-19-05)

New  The Golden Key

How Deep the Father's Love for Us written by Stuart Townend who also wrote In Christ Alone (5-30-06) If you believe that Jesus' wounds have paid your ransom, you will treasure this marvelous song of the Gospel.

Give Me Jesus performed on separate CDs by Fernando Ortega & Pete Shambrook (6-07-05) A simple and wonderful old spiritual, Give me Jesus expresses the faith that in Jesus all facets of life are fulfilled by Jesus alone. I say amen, amen, amen!

Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus) by Chris Rice (2-26-05) This is a very powerful and moving song that traces the movements of God's grace in our lives. Read this many times, get the music and listen to it over and over. It will richly and deeply touch your heart with the Gospel.

For past songs go to Archives

The Snake on the Pole  by Don Matzat (posted 10-03-05) In this excellent parody Don Matzat has powerfully illustrated the ways many well-meaning people have allowed tangential issues to take the central place of simple faith in Jesus Christ. Looking at the snake on the pole was the only thing that saved Israel from the deadly serpents. The only thing that saves us today from the deadly venom of sin is to look to the Cross of Jesus and believe in him. We need to stop finessing the snakes and look the Cross.

Worship that Befits Jesus Christ  by Bernie L. Gillespie (8-23-05)

Get Your Salvation Right  by Bernie L. Gillespie (5-31-04)

Eternal Life  by Bernie L. Gillespie (10-30-03) This article is from 1997 and was first published in the In Christ Alone! Newsletter. I believe it is an important piece because it deals with a question very important to all of us: "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

Faith is a Gift  by Bernie L. Gillespie (10-14-03) We must be careful how we define saving faith. In the Book of Ephesians, Paul pictures faith as a gift. This places the initiative with God and makes even our faith a work of God's grace. Since faith is a gift it cannot be a product of our obedience, works, or self-righteousness. Instead, it is a testimony of the glory of God.

Does Faith + Obedience = Justification?  by Bernie L. Gillespie (10-14-03) Are we saved by faith alone or faith + obedience? What does the Scripture teach?

For past article list go to Archives

Hermeneutics & Biblical Theology (1-03-05) What is your principal hermeneutical orientation? In this article Baugh argues for the "Redemptive Historical" approach. As he states: "One of the key convictions of [Geerhardus] Vos and all who follow is that we must conform our hermeneutics to that of the Bible. And if Jesus displayed a Christocentric, biblical theological hermeneutic on the road to Emmaus and elsewhere, then it is normative for us as well. Any other hermeneutic is lacking an essential ingredient."

FOCUS:  (5-05-04)  "Will the Real Justification by Faith, Please Stand Up"

Archives  These are links or articles which were posted in recent months which you may have missed and are of interest to you.

If you are having any trouble downloading any of the articles below, please contact me. They are in PDF (portable document) format. They can be read by opening them in Acrobat Reader. You can obtain a free download of Acrobat Reader from this link: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html  If for some reason you are not able to work with PDF and would like each article to open as a web page (in HTML) please let me know through the feedback page. Thank you. Bernie Gillespie