Here is J.C. Ryle demonstrating that, in his blinded estimate, the efficacious atonement of Jesus Christ is NOT an essential gospel doctrine (i.e., not all believers believe in the efficacious atonement of Jesus Christ, and if one does NOT believe in the efficacious atonement of Jesus Christ, he is NOT necessarily unregenerate):
“Finally, has any one been accustomed to regard Wesley with dislike on account of his Arminian opinions? Is any one in the habit of turning away from his name with prejudice, and refusing to believe that such an imperfect preacher of the gospel could do any good? I ask such an one to remould his opinion, to take a more kindly view of the old soldier of the cross, and to give him the honour he deserves” (Ryle, Christian Leaders).
John Wesley was an ignorant and zealous soldier of a powerless cross; a cross of no effect. An idolatrous and self-righteous “cross” that flitted around in Wesley’s blackened brain. John Wesley despised the true cross and counted it as foolishness, a skandalon, an utter offense.
“For the Word of the cross is foolishness to those being lost, but to us being saved, [it] is [the] power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Ryle’s commendatory comments about Wesley reveal that he believes in the same anathematized gospel as Wesley (see Galatians 1:8-9). Both Ryle and Wesley are boasters in a “cross” of no effect. Those boasting in a powerless “cross” necessarily boast in themselves. Ryle and Wesley boast in a powerless “cross.” Thus, Ryle and Wesley boast in themselves.
“The boasters shall not set themselves before Your eyes. You hate all workers of iniquity.” (Psalm 5:5)
A related article that touches on those boasting in their own self-righteous efforts is found here: “God Hates Certain People.”
