The apostle Paul gave the gospel the first place in his preaching, endeavored with all his might to proclaim it clearly, and even went so far as to pronounce
a curse upon all those who would pervert its truth. Yet how sad it is that many, even among those considering themselves evangelicals, have reduced the gospel message to a few trite statements to be repeated, and view conversion as a mere human decision. In True Conversion, Paul Washer challenges such
easy believism as he examines the real meaning of things like faith, repentance, and receiving Christ. He also deals extensively with the effects of saving grace that God promises in the new covenant; namely, the creation of new hearts and new people.
“Christians today seem to have the false impression that the gospel is all about us—a wonderful plan for our lives; a means of finding peace, joy, or personal fulfillment; the way to get to heaven. Those blessings (and many more) are aspects of every true gospel-believer’s birthright, of course. But they are not
the point or the main objective of the message. The gospel is about God and His eternal glory. That is where it starts, and that is where it takes us in the end.
Preached rightly, the gospel convicts and humbles every human heart. It underscores the exceeding sinfulness of our sin. It rebukes even our most laudable works of righteousness. The gospel is simple enough for a child to grasp, but its truths are inexhaustible. “In short, the gospel is the best of all good news and the most important message anyone has ever proclaimed. Paul Washer strikes all the right notes in this powerful, biblical study.”
— John MacArthur, pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and author of The Gospel according to Jesus
“Style-conscious evangelicals have done a lot of tinkering in recent decades to try to make the gospel seem more appealing or more palatable. All the sharp corners have been carefully sanded off and the message made as small as possible. It has then been wrapped in thick layers of foam so that no one can ever be hurt or offended by it. Paul Washer unwraps the gospel and displays its various facets in all their vivid glory. This book is a thoughtful, poignant reminder that the message Christ commissioned us to proclaim is neither spongy nor trivial. Nor can it be improved by human revision. The gospel may be a stumbling block to some and seem like foolishness to others—but to those who are called, it is the power and the wisdom of God.”
— Phil Johnson, executive director of Grace to You
About the Author
Paul Washer ministered as a missionary in Peru for 10 years, during which time he founded the HeartCry Missionary Society to support Peruvian church planters. Paul now serves as one of the laborers with the HeartCry Missionary Society. He and his wife Charo have three children: Ian, Evan, and Rowan.
