A NARROW DOCTRINE

By Elder Charles Holmes

The Primitive Baptist people have been accused of believing in a narrow doctrine. After
hearing a leading Baptist minister on national television a few days ago, I have learned that
we are not the ones that believe in a narrow doctrine.

This Baptist minister mentioned stated that Jews and Arabs are not going to Heaven, unless
they have his views on the scriptures. He also stated that no one is saved in Heaven unless
they hear the gospel and accept Christ as their savior. Truly, the doctrine of Fuller and
Carey has ended up being a narrow doctrine.

An account of the redeemed family of God is stated in Revelation chapter 7, verse 9, and
says that it is a number that no man can number. Revelation chapter 5 verse 9 states there
are those redeemed to God by the blood of Christ out of every nation, kindred, tongue and
people. This narrow doctrine has not, and will not reach all those mentioned here.

We should be looking for those that manifest the fruit of the spirit of God; love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, and faith; Galatians chapter 5 verse 22. Millions of God's people
are tied up in false religions and practices throughout the world.

This narrow doctrine being taught today states that a person must hear the gospel and
believe the gospel in order to become a child of God. The gospel as a means of bringing
eternal salvation to sinners was one of the factors that divided the Baptist in the mid
eighteen hundreds. The Apostle Paul asks a question in Romans chapter 3 verse 3. "For
what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?"
Verse 4 states, "God forbid" meaning, "certainly not."

The work of the Holy Spirit is effective in giving eternal life to God's people throughout the
world. This we know by the way people show love to their fellow man. The words of Jesus
are found in Matthew, chapter 7 verse 20; By their fruits ye shall know them." Many of
these humble poor are an oppressed people at the hands of wicked and ungodly tyrants.

This narrow religion would say - No preacher, No gospel, No believing the gospel - No
salvation, so millions are doomed to eternal torment.

This teaching would say that Christ cannot save without the efforts of men, a narrow
doctrine indeed.

By Elder Charles Holmes