Gilbert Beebe vs. John Clark

Elder Gilbert Beebe

(1800-1881)

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL AND TO WHOM IT IS ADDRESSED

From Signs of the Times -February 15, 1869 (see here)

Said Beebe:

"...there is no gospel in telling men what they can and must do, or be damned."

But, Jesus and the prophets and apostles did this very thing!

Said Beebe:

"To call on dead sinners to repent and believe the gospel implies ability in them to do so, whereas the gospel proclaims that Christ is exalted to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel and the forgiveness of sins."

That is Pelagianism and totally contrary to what Beebe's forefathers taught!

Said Beebe:

"The gospel which we preach is good tidings to the meek; but if any part of our audience are not meek, it is not gospel, or good tidings to them."

That was one of the propositions of the first Two Seeders! Gospel is only food for those already saved and for no other reason! So contrary to both scripture and old Baptist history!

1804-1882

Wrote Elder John Clark (companion and later opponent of Beebe):

"The theory that we must preach to men according to the power they possess to obey is sublimated Arminianism, and yet; the advocates of it are very afraid of being called Arminians...To preach to men upon the ground that they have power to do what is commanded, or to refuse to preach to them because they have not the power, shows that the confidence is in the flesh and not in God; that they depend upon the will of the flesh and not upon the power God, and that is the very essence, double refined, of Arminianism. The minister of Christ does not preach to any class of men upon the consideration of their ability or inability." (see my posting here for the entire citation)

Elder Watson also stated the same. They represent the truth that their forefathers taught and Beebe's idea is pure Pelagianism. Such "screwball" ideas!