The Gospel According to Jesus: What Does Jesus Mean When He Says "Follow Me"?

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

The first edition of The Gospel According to Jesus won wide acclaim in confronting the 'easy-believism' that has characterized some quarters in evangelical Christianity. This expanded edition deepens the debate over 'lordship salvation' and the biblical understanding of faith and works in adding three new chapters and an appendix. The new chapters: - The Vine and the Branches - The Promise of Justification - Tetelestai! The Triumph is Complete -- The appendix contains answers to the most often asked questions on the subject of what Jesus really meant when he said 'Follow me.'

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Louis Lapides · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am half way through MacArthur's book. This is the second time I am reading it. I am reading it again because a lot of people, mostly charismatics, have accused MacArthur of false doctrine based on this book.

MacArthur goes through all of Jesus' teaching on salvation and how one makes a commitment to Jesus as Redeemer and Lord for salvation.

I have not found any false teaching unless one believes Jesus is guilty of false doctrine. Perhaps those who accuse MacArthur of teaching a false gospel known as "lordship salvation" based on this book should re-read the gospels and understand the commitment Jesus required in order for one to be one of His followers.

Now that I finished reading GAJC I highly recommend every follower of Jesus read this book. Do you think you really know the gospel Jesus taught or the gospel according to today's modern evangelical movement?

Perhaps some of us are fearful to read the gospel Jesus taught lest we find we are not in the faith, but caught up in an experience that is not the gospel as found in the NT.

This book does not contain false teaching as some Christian leaders have said, but it contains the gospel that perhaps today's leaders do not want to teach lest they lose followers and/or money.

Read this book. Question it. Interact with it. Your spiritual life will be transformed.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very detailed book on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I very much appreciated and have more of a appreciation of the Old Testament. MacArthur shows the Jesus as the Prophet, King and Priest and how it is reflected in the Gospel. You are reminded when Jesus said the way is hard and narrow and the Easy Believeism that is so prevelant has many on the easy way. It is interesting to read others reviews on this and the rejection of Jesus Lordship. You begin to see it is a breaking of our will, a giving up of our spirit, a realization that we are broken and it is only by prayer and the holy spirit that we can begin to bring ourselves under his Lordship. We must remember Jesus was not seeking admirers; he was calling followers and not casual followers. MacArthur went into great detail on the young ruler and the pride of the young ruler that he was not able to follow Jesus. He goes on to say that no one can come to Jesus for salvation only on the basis of psychologial needs, anxieties, lack of peace, or a sense of hopelessness, etc... Salvation is for people who hate their sin and want to turn away from the things of this life...Another great insight is about grace, we need to understand the implications of God's law, which the rich young ruler failed to realize. He failed to know the Fathers heart and the son's purpose.

[Jethro Wall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not a MacArthurite by any stretch of the imagination, but I’m glad I read this.

I’m thankful for the influence MacArthur had on my theology back in the day and this book offered some great food for thought, and some helpful reminders of Jesus’ more confrontational words throughout the gospels. Good conviction and encouragement was had.

Yet, there were still moments where I had a few reservations. A lot of this book was a defence against modern and fluffy evangelicalism, which is all good and well, but it did get a little repetitive. That sort of old-man-negative-demeanour can be draining after a while (one of my qualms with MacArthur). Would have been cool to have more gospel, rather than so much defence of it. Maybe that wasn’t the point.

And then there were moments where I thought maybe faith and works were blurred slightly, but he did always seem to come through and uphold justification through faith alone which was nice (obviously).

Anyway, those are my thoughts.

“… even the lowest of sinners may be ushered into heaven from the very doorstep of hell.”

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh...it was a really repetitive work that really rehashed themes from Bonhoeffer's "Cost of Discipleship" and Luther's "whole life is repentance" concepts. I didn't find myself bothered so much as bored with MacArthur's presentation of the subject matter. There are a couple times where he moves towards Lordship as a condition of salvation. I think MacArthur would be better in these instances to state it as something of a pre-understanding issue.

For example: in order to be saved from sin one has to believe that they have sinned. Sin, as an offence against a holy God is a rebellion against His Lordship. Saving faith demands a number of key elements of pre-understanding (e.g., Jesus as sufficient substitute, etc.), and some understanding of the problem of sin is part of this. The corollary to the problem of sin is the Lordship of Christ. By approaching it in this way, we can avoid both making a "Lordship confession" some sort of condition for salvation, but yet expect that all who come to faith really have to understanding of the Lordship of Christ in contrast to their own personal rebellion against His sovereignty. So, while salvation is solely conditioned on faith, there are some foundational understandings that are necessary prior to saving faith, a faith that results in true believers becoming disciples of their Lord and Savior. I'm still not settled on this approach, but I'm hesitant regarding making things "conditions" for salvation other than faith.

[Amanda Geaney]

"It may surprise you to learn that Scripture never once exhorts sinners to "accept Christ." The familiar twenty-first-century evangelistic appeal in all its variations ("make a decision for Christ"; "ask Jesus into your heart"; "try Jesus"; "accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior") violates both the spirit and the terminology of the biblical summons to unbelievers.
The gospel invitation is not an entreaty for sinners to allow the Savior into their lives. It is both an appeal and a command for them to repent and follow Him. It demands not just passive acceptance of Christ but active submission to him as well." John MacArthur, The Gospel According to Jesus

"The mark of a true #disciple is not that he never sins, but rather that when he does sin he inevitably returns to the Lord to receive cleansing and forgiveness."

"Law always precedes grace: It is the tutor that leads us to Christ (Gal. 3:24). Without the law and its effect on us that God designs, grace is meaningless. And without an understanding of the reality and gravity of sin, there can be no redemption."

"A Gospel the deals only with human needs, only with human feeling, only with human problems lacks the true balance. That is why churches are full of people whose lives are essentially unchanged after their supposed conversion."

"The call to surrender to Jesus' lordship is part and parcel of His invitation to salvation. Those unwilling to take on His yoke cannot enter into the saving rest He offers. ... The imagery of the yoke itself argues against the notion that one can take Jesus as Savior and not as Lord."

"Righteous living is an inevitable by-product of real faith (Romans 10:10)."

"Much of modern evangelism is building on sand. It allows no time for conviction of sin, no opportunity for deep repentance, no chance to understand why we must come to grips with the reality of our lostness, and no occasion for the Holy Spirit to work."

[Jessie Lenford · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This, then, is the gospel we are to proclaim: That Jesus Chris, who is God incarnate, humbled Himself to die on our behalf. Thus, He became the sinless sacrifice to pay the penalty of our guilt. He rose from the dead to declare with power that He is Lord over all, and He offers eternal life freely to sinners who will surrender to Him in humble, repentant faith. This gospel promises nothing to the haughty rebel, but for broken, penitent sinners, it graciously offers everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).” pg 210

[Orlando Acevedo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lordship salvation is biblical, as MacArthur illuminates; so this book should have been titled something akin to that topic. For a complete view of the "gospel" please read Scot McKnight's The King Jesus Gospel where he writes that salvation is but one part of the full "gospel" story. For a beautiful and engaging read on sanctification (which MacArthur largely deals with) please read NT Wright's After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters.

[Blue Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

MacArthur's most famous work that easily incapsulates the heart of his ministry in preaching and writing the past 50+ years: defending the true Gospel of Christ.

Great Quote that summarizes the book whilst describing Lordship Salvation (genuine salvation): "Real salvation cannot and will not fail to produce works of righteousness in the life of a true believer. There are no human works in the saving act, but God's work of salvation includes a change of intent, will, desire, and attitude that inevitably produces the fruit of the Spirit. The very essence of God's saving work is the transformation of the will, resulting in a love for God. Salvation thus establishes the root, that will surely produce the fruit."

Spurgeon: "We cannot be saved by or for our good works, neither can we be saved without good works."

[Travis Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend. Talks primarily about lordship salvation, and brings a lot of biblical foundations.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book dealing with soul-winning and salvation. MacArthur deals with Lordship salvation and gives a good defense of what he believes. This book is also practical in that he gives many examples of people who say that they are saved, but do not seem to grow in their faith. In America, it seems 90 percent of the people believe that they are on their way to heaven, but most cannot give a Scriptural reason for that belief. The book comes with a good Bibliography, footnotes, Scripture Index (which I believe is very important), Subject Index and a question and answer section provided in the second edition containing questions that people wrote to MacArthur after reading the first edition. I also marked this as a good reference book that people need to give the right answers to people who disagree with you as you use this book.

[Sylvain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent retour au source, replace les Écritures à la première place en soulignant les points ou le message contemporain s'est éloigné de l'évangile selon Jésus.

J'ai particulièrement apprécié les passages ou l'auteur souligne l'importance la Seigneurie de Christ et aussi sur la nécessité de la repentance.

Comme dernier sujet important il explique très bien la distinction entre ceux qui se croient sauvé et ceux qui le sont.

[Anete Ābola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible to have Jesus as a Saviour and not as Lord? MacArthur shows from Scripture that it is not possible. He also shows from church history that "his view" is the usual, historical view of Scripture not a new interpretation.
This is so useful for every christian, but especially any in a leadership position, however small. Every christian should be sure how salvation works and what are the fruits of salvation + how to talk about Jesus to nonbelievers.

[Red · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of the most controversial books in American Christianity. This book argues that to gain entrance into heaven, a person must believe certain facts about Jesus Christ AND commit to following Christ as Master. This belief is usually referred to as Lordship Salvation.

Those opposing the author, John MacArthur, are usually American dispensationalist types. They argue that to insist that people follow Jesus Christ as Master in order to go to heaven is the same doctrine of the Roman Catholic church: that one must believe in Jesus Christ and do good works to enter heaven. These American dispensationalists usually dismiss MacArthur's arguments by saying that certain parts of the Bible don't apply to Christian's since the God of the Bible deals differently with people in different times/dispensations. Therefore, all biblical texts that seem to go against the dispensationalists are swept aside by them.

Other opponents of John MacArthur are those who believe in the "carnal Christian theory". They argue that a Christian can theoretically not follow Jesus Christ as Master but still go to heaven in the end. They base their argument on a faulty interpretation of I Corinthians 3.

The dispensationalist and faulty 1 Corinthians 3 beliefs are commonly referred to as Easy Believism.

I personally belong to neither of these groups. I am going to heaven only because of the death of Jesus Christ, the God-man Savior. However, I also believe that Christ will make sure that each of His people will become more and more holy in their everyday lives throughout their Christian journey on earth.

Perhaps I will one day write a more in-depth critique of John MacArthur's work. Below is some more information about this book.

Layout of the book
MacAthur divides his book into six parts that are described below.

Part 1: An introduction to MacArthur's view that deciding to deny ourselves and follow Christ is how we are justified.

Part 2: Arguments for MacArthur's position based on sermons by Jesus.

Part 3: Arguments for MacArthur's position based on parables of Jesus.

Parts 4 and 5: Systematic arguments for MacArthur's position based on stuff that Jesus says in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. MacArthur also relies a lot on the other books/epistles of the New Testament, along with writings by other theologians.

Part 6: Arguments for MacArthur's position based on writings by the apostles, past church leaders, as well as a Q and A that MacArthur provides in response to common questions.

Depending on which edition you're reading, MacArthur provides an introduction and prefaces that give further background to the issues at hand. I have the anniversary edition, published in 2008, so it came with prefaces for the first, second and anniversary editions.

If you don't want to read the whole book but wish to get a good idea of MacArthur's arguments, you just need to read sections 1 and 4 (the latter is the longest section in the book).

[Levi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rather old book by John MacArthur was a read that rocked me to my core. I had previously heard of MacArthur's controversial doctrine of "lordship salvation" from persons (or persons who knew such persons) who clearly had a bone to pick with him.

But I am convinced that MacArthur's theology is grossly misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, MacArthur does not espouse a works-based-salvation theology. Rather, he advocates for a doctrine as old the New Testament itself: "You shall know a tree by the fruit it bears."

In a nutshell, MacArthur's main beef is with ministers who refused to question a person's mere assent to basic theological facts (i.e., the so-called Four Spiritual Laws) as being equal to saving faith. Instead, says he, we will know if a person is saved if their actions reveal a changed heart. They are not saved if they insist that they are saved but to do nothing to demonstrate such a reality.

What MacArthur's ideological opponents have wrong is that they believe that he is espousing a "faith plus works" theory of salvation. Such a view is obviously heretical, but this man is no heretic. MacArthur would be a heretic if he stated that we will be saved if we do enough good things meriting salvation, our faith be darned.

But MacArthur plainly does not say this. Instead, he says that faith is good, but it will be known to be genuine, saving faith if a changed life is the result. Such a change can only be effected by the Holy Spirit, a doctrine which no one doubts.

I therefore highly recommend this book as a good kick-in-the-pants for the spiritually lazy. It sure did for me.

[Malia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had questions I didn't know how to word and concerns that hadn't quite taken shape. The church, some of the Christians I know, the whole religious scene in America--they seemed hyped up instead of internally ignited. But the gospel needs no exaggeration. It requires no introductory joke or luring snacks and films. Many say that becoming a Christian is simple. Yes, it is! But be advised that "simple" means CLEAR...and it does not mean "easy."

MacArthur combats easy believism with strong exposition from the New Testament. He examines Jesus' own words: His conversations, His parables, and His preaching (primarily the Sermon on the Mount). What emerges from this in-depth study of the gospel according to Jesus is a clear definition of the good news: Following Jesus means belief and surrender. It must result in life change.

Reading this amazing book has challenged me to rethink many things: evangelism, youth groups, church ministry, missions, the fruit of the Spirit, confrontation, judging, wealth, poverty, etc. Of course, it breathes life into my faith and into my day-to-day, but at the same time, it saddens me for the many who are deceived about the gospel--those who must think themselves "saved" because of an experience but have no connection to the Lord.

I must recommend this book for everyone. While reading it, I was compelled to read through the Gospels, some of Paul's letters, and all of John's epistles. I wouldn't be surprised if you found yourself doing the same.

[Ryan Coon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one book that every pastor should read. You might not agree with his premises or conclusions, but you need to understand MacArthur’s position shall we say, “from the horse’s mouth.” I think that if those critical of MacAruthur on this issue would carefully read what he wrote, paying special attention to what he says he is not saying (i.e., that he is adding works to faith) then much of the controversy and confusion would be cleared up. Personally I tend to agree with his premises (that salvation is a supernatural work of the Spirit of God that inevitably produces faith, repentance, and subsequent obedience/surrender). I am still clarifying my thoughts on how he fleshes these out in the book, but by and large I find myself in agreement with him even if not in every detail. The book certainly helped me to think more carefully about how I present the gospel and what I look for in signs of spiritual life of those responding to the offer of the gospel, and for that I certainly am grateful. The gospel that is presented in todays fundamentalist and evangelical circles is most definitely a mixed bag. Most, in my opinion, have allowed the undercurrents of easy-believism (if not in its full form) to water down the gospel message. This book serves as provocative call to reexamine the gospel we preach to be sure that it does in fact line up with the gospel Jesus proclaimed.

[Sharon Barrow Wilfong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an astute book that thoroughly examines the Biblical view of salvation. He deftly uses scripture to assert that the Bible clearly states one cannot be saved without a changed life as evidence. There are a lot of churches preaching that one can be saved and continue to conform to worldly thinking and living. They call these people "sterile Christians". In other words they are saved even though there is nothing in the behavior or talk to show it.

MacArthur clearly examines this false teaching and provides irrefutable Scripture that shows that a faith without works is a dead faith. Works do not justify, but they sanctify and one cannot have one without the other.

I like the quote in Chapter 12 that says the problem with the contemporary church is that it does not present the Gospel clearly enough for the non elect to reject it. "The gospel our age has popularized is a sugar-coated placebo designed more to soother sinners than convert them."

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not always a fan of John MacArthur's writing but the last couple books I've read of his have been fantastic. I always love his sermons, of course. This book was exceptionally good and clear with regard to the Gospel. I heard a sermon today on 1 Peter 1 that could have simply made the point that salvation must be accompanied by works and a change in life. John makes this point so well and backs it up with Scripture, church tradition, and the Apostle's writings. Excellent book that should be one of the first read by new believers and ministers.

[Dan Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came away from this book with my understanding of MacArthur’s reputation verified: a deep knowledge of God’s Word coupled with an unflinching harshness against anything that may not line up with his particular understanding of it.

[Timothy Crockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave it a five because of the way it was written the material addressed much of the falsehood regarding JMAC on the issue of Lordship and the doctrine itself. Never ceases to amaze me how some folks get hooked into group think without having all the information.

He takes on the issue of Lordship and the charges against him head on. By his own admission this wasn't a term he thought up, this was an accusatory term thrown at him because of his biblical convictions on it. His work is replete with sound reason and scriptural support for his findings.

I would encourage anyone caught up in this debate to read this book.

As far as the book is concerned. It is an easy read with only 282 pages not including an extensive bibliography, scripture and subject index. I always find these useful when do research on a subject.

The book overall was very informative what I thought very helpful was the Appendixes which included:

1) The Gospel According the Apostles
2) The Gospel according to Historic Christianity [Lordship is not a NEW thing is seen and has been taught throughout church history]
3) Answers to Common Questions

Anyway, all done here now off to my next book!

[Derek van Vliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

It comes as no surprise that this book serves as the bedrock for MacArthur's ministry.
Most things in this book I have listened to by his sermons. And His study bible mentions a lot of the points. I already knew most of the things mentioned in the book and already familiar with. However I can say it has been a wonderful journey. To see where all things start is wonderful. And this book still deserves wide recognition till today and the future. 'Easy believism' still plagues Churches in the world. Softening the Gospel and antinomianism is a very present threat. This book makes it clear and obvious to all who hold a 'no-Lordship-salvation' view is just sorely mistaken and unbiblical. Erroneous views are crucial to the Gospel and strikes at the very core. I am grateful for MacArthur's stand for the truth of God's word.

[Sydneyann Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Game changer book in my life. I had a friend give me this book a couple years ago as one of the most important and impactful books she has read in regards to her faith in Christ. I have to agree, this is a game changer for me too. There are some things I think the author takes a little of an extreme interpretation on, but overall this book is one I think every one should consider reading.

[Billy Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book focusing on the Lordship of Christ. Many times I was moved to step back and consider how other material things in my life are so often taking the seat which should be occupied by Christ alone. Tough book to read in bug chunks as, in classic MacArthur style, it is quite bulky and the content is full on. That being said it is a great read and a well needed kick up the backside.

[Kellen Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quintessential treatise on lordship salvation. MacArthur uses scripture to dismantle and rebuke easy-believism, the teaching that all one needs to do to escape eternal hell is to believe a few facts about Jesus without the need for repentance and turning away from sin. As scripture clearly establishes, Christians are doulos (slaves) meant to serve Jesus, our kurios (Lord).

[Alyosha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure, I only read the first 4 chapters of this book followed by the closing 2. I just wanted to get a better grasp on the innumerable scriptural refutations to the anti-Lordship position there are. Needless to say John does a fine job dismantling the ludicrous idea that saving faith does not entail obedience to Christ as Lord, of course, this is not a difficult thing to dismantle. The gate is narrow, folks.

[Vianny D'Souza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! It's more above how the Gospel should be presented and what it actually is. Brilliant examples given from the parables as to how Jesus proclaimed his Gospel. I also loved the small sections on the gospel according to the apostles and according to church history towards the end.

[Jonathan Hastings · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s good! He is correct, but quite redundant. The book could have been half the size. I especially appreciate his exposition throughout

[Stacy Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!!

[Josh Kleckner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was skeptical, but actually enjoyed

[a_tps_person · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid.

“The Lord will not save those whom He cannot command. He will not divide His offices. You cannot believe on a half-Christ. We take Him for what He is — the anointed Saviour and Lord who is King of kings and Lord of all lords! He would not be Who He is if He saved us and called us and chose us without the understanding that He can also guide and control our lives.” ~ A.W. Tozer