Today's Gospel: Authentic or Synthetic?

by Walter J. Chantry

Alt Cover: ISBN 0851510272 (ISBN13: 9780851510279)

Differences between much of today s preaching and that of Jesus are not petty; they are enormous. This powerfully written book has a message which goes to the heart of the contemporary problem in a way that conferences and commissions on evangelism have failed to do. Its expository approach is particularly valuable.

Genres: Theology, Evangelism, Nonfiction, Christian, Church, Christianity

93 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

Walter J. Chantry was born in 1938 at Norristown, Pennsylvania, raised in the Presbyterian Church; graduated B.A. in History from Dickinson College, Carlisle in 1960, and a B.D. from Westminster Theological Seminary in 1963, from which time he has been pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Carlisle. He is married with three children.

Rev. Walter J. Chantry served as pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Carlisle, Pa., for thirty-nine years. Following that he edited The Banner of Truth magazine for almost seven years.

Reviews

[Michael Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book for all believers, especially for pastors who should be preaching a clear, biblical gospel.

[Kevin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ FOR CHRISTIANS. I first read this book about five years ago and just re-read it. Walter Chantry is a modern day prophet. Even though the book was written in 1970 you would have believed it was written in the past 2-3 years. A great exposition of what is wrong in modern day American evangelicalism and the woes and shortcomings that follow. Short and easy to read that will challenge you and give a charge to not surrender in biblical convictions and teaching.

[Julian Seibel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auf dem deutschen Büchermarkt ist dieses Buch vom 3lll-Verlag erschienen. Der Titel des Buches lautet „Evangelium „heute“ - Authentisch oder angepasst?

Die erste Ausgabe erschien bereits 1970. Beim Lesen könnte man meinen, dieses Buch wäre erst vor einigen Monaten geschrieben. So aktuell ist der Inhalt für die heutige Christenheit. Der Autor geht auf die Begegnung zwischen Jesus und dem reichen Jüngling ein. Anhand dieser Begebenheit zeigt er das heutige falsche Verständnis vom Evangelium und seine tückischen, gefährlichen Auswirkungen auf das Seelenheil des Einzelnen auf. Sehr pointiert geht er dabei auf die Verzerrungen des Evangeliums ein. Dieses Buch schafft Klarheit, was das wirkliche Evangelium ist und was es bedeutet. Das Evangelium ist radikal und klar. Eine klare Buchempfehlung für jeden Christen.

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though perhaps a little “cranky” at times, this brief treatment of evangelistic preaching (drawn primarily from Christ’s encounter with the rich young ruler in Mark 10) is superb. Directly confronting the tepid and compromised message of twentieth century parachurch evangelicalism (unity at the cost of truth), Chantry puts forward a thoroughly biblical evangelism. Included in his exhortation is a call for preaching the whole counsel of God, including the law, the gospel, the necessity of repentance together with faith, and the need for regeneration.

As a final comment, this is a well written book in effective terse, pointed, and parsimonious prose.

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chantry's blistering assault on easy-believism sometimes runs to frightening overstatements.

[Laura McCarter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful little book that forcefully address many problems with modern methods of evangelism while walking through Christ's conversation with the Rich Young Ruler. It is accessible and clear and remains timely though a few decades old.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an effort to see more people become Christians, Chantry argues some churches have unintentionally sabotaged the very Gospel message itself. As a result, many believe they are in Christ when they are in fact not. Using Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler, Chantry articulates proper evangelism and preaching. Tremendously encouraging, clarifying and, frankly, convicting as well. Chantry has penned a book I wish I’d read years ago, and one I highly commend to you.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Cliff Dailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the midst of the 1970s when Evangelical agencies were exploding in effort, Chantry writes this extended exhortation to remember Jesus Christ’s interaction with the rich young ruler in Mark 10. Chantry is rubbing against the salesmanship mindset of the gospel, which still shows it’s face today, honestly. The claim is that even past the 4 step method of evangelism at the time, there still lies a man-centered gospel. Instead, Christian’s should look to the great Evangelist who is Christ Himself to follow. For example, Jesus begins with the rich, young ruler by speaking of God’s attributes so that the young ruler may know who is holy, good, and just. Secondly, Jesus applies the law in love to this rich, young ruler by applying the last of the 10 commandments to this ruler’s life. In effect, the ruler recognizes that the holy God who gave the law demands repentance and a turn in faith to God (which is what Jesus began his ministry by saying at the beginning of the gospel of Mark). Chantry continues to point out the need for the Spirit to assure the believer in their secured faith, not a prayer prayed to reference salvation. How could we reference a work of man for salvation, and how could we not reference the testimony of the Holy Spirit in our lives for salvation (Romans 8)? Chantry ends by noting a distinction between thinking “What must I do to become saved?” and “How do I know I have done what I need to be saved?” Briefly put, after this read, I will work to always preach the whole counsel of God to the unbeliever and the believer alike (Attributes of God, sinful man, mercy and grace through Jesus Christ).

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, succinct, punchy, and true. Chantry takes on "evangelism techniques" of the fundamentalist churches with this exposition of Christ's interaction with the rich young ruler. He argues against the "pray the prayer" and "walk the aisle" mentality. He argues against the "once saved always saved" teaching for anyone who has uttered the magic prayer formula. He dismantles the category of "carnal Christian" using Biblical texts. Lastly, He demonstrates God's sovereignty over salvation.

Chantry certainly has an unashamed, if somewhat combative, writing style. The good news is that he speaks truth about the scripture and backs it up.

Anyone who has friends who are fundamentalist or who is in or comes from that church background would benefit from reading this book. Still just as relevant today as in 1970, sadly.

[Ethan McCarter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful little work for understanding the pitfalls of modern evangelism and how Christ evangelized. It's a little outdated in certain areas, there's numerous references to "modern" issues of the 20th century, but the gist of the message is excellent. Chantry can come across a little gruff, but he's approaching the issue from a place of concern. His basis from the rich young ruler of Mark 10 is well applied and understood and driven. The writing style is pretty good for such a short work, and he gets at a lot of issues such as the nature of assurance, the usage of the law in evangelism, and the absolute necessity of repentance in salvation. I'd highly recommend this book for a person coming out of broad evangelicalism or has grown up in an environment that uses altar calls, anxious benches, and hand raising to count for salvific experiences.

[Mike H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me by a friend and has been very impacting to read. This book urges the reader to search within themselves and ask the hard question am I truly saved.
We've been taught that a simple prayer in church is all that is required which can almost lead to making the decision and living out our faith on our terms. This is a frank and straight forward book about really examining your heart and relationship with God.
I believe this book is a must read.

[Edwin Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short book,but jam packed with profound truths. The writer goes through the interaction Jesus had with the rich young ruler and shows his readers how Jesus approached evangelism. This book is a rebuke to much of the modern day gimmicks used in evangelism. I’m almost certain Paul Washer read this book prior to going on stage to preach his famous youth message (I don’t know why you’re clapping. I’m talking about you!” 😂

[Hezekiah Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent argument against many twentieth century evangelistic techniques that would get results by compromising the gospel. He examines Jesus' conversation with the Rich Young Ruler to evaluate the true means of presenting the gospel. My only critique of this book is that he might be painting with too large of a brush, but overall a very helpful and convicting book for all Christians.

[Patrick Hamblin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that was given to each of our church's small group leaders since we are doing a study on evangelism this year in our small groups. Short book that gets to the point that the message often heard of easy believism is not gospel and distracts people from a gospel of repentance. Recommended for church leaders.

[Benjamin Clow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and clear description of a fundamental error present in a lot of modern evangelical churches, which end up not preaching a full Gospel. The author teaches the correct view, while going through Jesus's own way of teaching the Gospel to the rich young ruler. Written in 1970,but oh so relevant to today!

[William Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Today's Gospel was pretty predictable. The read was fine, but included nothing that we all haven't heard numerous times. My biggest hangup was some of Chantry's explanation of law. I do agree with his premise, however, in that preaching and evangelism have gotten off track and tend to focus on believe with very little repent.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bellissimo anche in italiano.
Questo libro è una lettura obbligatoria per tutti i credenti e quelli che vogliono capire meglio le fondamenta della fede cristiana e dell evangelizzazione.
Io lo farò leggere a più persone possibili!

[Todd Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite the good read. Honestly, hard to believe this book was written decades ago. It is still extremely relevant today.

The author exposits Jesus's interaction with the rich young ruler. And, he does quite a marvelous job.

Easy read. Definitely recommend.

[Peter LeDuc · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOT ON!

[Carolina Alvarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lectura sencilla de entender, importante para recordar o aprender sobre el evangelismo bíblico y no en moderno

[Luke Schmeltzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short little book addressing the crisis of easy-believism and decisionism in evangelism. It was good, but I think he might be a better preacher than writer.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book is powerful. Clear, concise presentation of the true Gospel. Biblical and doctrinally sound. This little book portrays the young rich ruler in the Gospel of Mark in such an illuminating way. You will never look or hear about the “Sinners Prayer” the same way again.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today's Gospel
Walter Chantry
To date this book continues to influence the way I talk to people about the Lord and what I specifically say. It cuts to the heart of how poorly I viewed what Christ did and how I spoke about the Gospel. It was as if Rev. Chantry was speaking to me. I enjoyed the learning of the major and slight flaws we make when telling others about Christ. His book made me realize it is so much more than I can ever express and yet so necessary to try to put into words what the Lord did do and accomplish. Truly a book that would allow almost anyone who does not know the Lord to crave the way of salvation He provided. It was a book that truly influenced my faith when I was a new believer and still does today. One of the most important things I learned from Rev. Chantry was state what the Bible really says not what people think it says and always remember the gospel is not my standard of measurement but God's standard.

[Rick Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book more than 30 years ago and recently re-discovered it. This book has been a major force in how I have lived my life.

Mr Chantry gives one of the most compelling discussions of the rich young ruler story, found in Mark 10, that I have seen. He boldly proclaims what is wrong with the way the gospel is presented today and comparess that to the way Christ and the apostles presented the gospel. This is a book that might anger you a bit at first, it did me, but when you compare what is taught in this book with the gospel itself, your anger will change dramatically. Anyone who is a Christian should read this book and seriously think about what is taught in it. You can buy it here.

[Christopher Goins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walter Chantry can make a metaphor sizzle. Furthermore, his writing is biblical. This book was basically an exposition of Jesus's encounter with the Rich Young Ruler. Chantry casts that passage as an evangelistic encounter and casts Jesus as the Master Evangelist. According to modern evangelistic methods, didn't Jesus fail? Wasn't the rich young ruler the evangelist's dream? He walked up to a master missionary and asked 'what do I do to inherit eternal life?'...Don't all church people want evangelism to be that easy? Don't we all want to bring into the faith the man or woman who is most enthusiastic about God?

Modern evangelism may have given the rich young ruler four spiritual laws; Jesus gave him a rebuking.

There is much more in this book. Pick it up.

[David Herndon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was startling to think that this was first written in 1970. It is so relevant and fresh that it could have been penned today. Although written as a book, it could have very well been a series of sermons. It is one of the best expositions of Mark chapter 10 that I have read. If you like David Platt's Radical, you might be surprised to read this book and see the same things being said thirty years earlier. I heartily recommend this as a good read

[Bob Bingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a large book, but it packs so much solid truth into its pages. Chantry uses the event of the rich young ruler coming to Christ to launch into a hard hitting exposure of the shallowness of today's so-called gospel preaching. The book was first published in the 70s, but it is still very much current. I point to the reading of this book as the most important thing that started me on the path out of the IFB.

[Robert Coss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically, this book is about why Jesus never asked another such questions as "Do you believe that you are a sinner? Do you believe that Jesus died for sinners? Will you accept Jesus as your personal Savior? Pray this prayer after me." I found the book helpful in understanding why there is no power in the church anymore. Chantry pulls to the surface the chemicals that make the gospel explosive. He has reminded me of the points I need to carefully make when preaching the gospel.

[YoungBishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Differences between much of today's preaching and that of Jesus are not petty; they are enormous. The chief errors are not in emphasis or approach but in the heart of the Gospel message'. Great read.