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The Man or The Plan A dichotomy is "a division or the process of dividing into two especially mutually exclusive or contradictory group" (Webster). Most dichotomies call upon one to make a choice of one or the other. Jesus used this when He was questioned about authority for His teachings and actions. He uses as a dichotomy the baptism of John in Matthew 21:25, "The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?" I think everyone will agree that heaven and hell are "mutually exclusive or contradictory." There is room for only one answer here because it is a true dichotomy. The Lord knew that and so did the Jewish leaders. The mutual exclusiveness or contradictory nature is what makes a dichotomy what it is. Sometimes a false dichotomy is raise. This is when the two proffered subjects are NOT mutually exclusive or contradictory. Our religious friends have tried to do this with faith and works for years. When the subject of salvation comes up, they will raise a false dichotomy on this wise, "Which is necessary for salvation, faith or works?" This is a false dichotomy because these are not mutually exclusive or contradictory. We are justified by faith (Rom. 5:1) and we are justified by works (James 2:24). Thus, the answer to the false dichotomy is "Both." Another false dichotomy that has been raised by our religious friends AND (unfortunately) a few disciples is the call to preach "The Man, Not The Plan." So, it is the Man or the plan. The Man refers to Jesus. The plan refers to the plan of salvation. There is inherent in this dichotomy is an intent to focus all attention away from obedience and to faith in Jesus. If this is true, then faith in Jesus is all that matters and salvation is wide open. "Preach the Man" they will say is preaching the gospel (Mk. 16:15). "The plan" they will eventually insist is not part of the gospel. I have said earlier that this was/is a false dichotomy. The reason it is false is because "The Man" and "The plan" are not mutually exclusive or contradictory. Jesus is the architect of the plan - - it is His plan! "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Heb. 5:9). Now, what is in His plan? There is a call to believe, repent, confess, and be baptized after hearing the gospel. It is the architect of the plan who demands believe in Him as the Son of God (Jn. 8:24). He also commands that we repent (Lk. 13:3) and confess (Matt. 10:32). Jesus also points out that it is essential to be baptized in order to be saved (Mk. 16:16). Saying that Jesus and His plan are mutually exclusive or contradictory would be like denying any connection between Thomas Edison and the light bulb. "Tell about the inventor, but not the invention" (???). I don't think so! One more thing about a connection between Jesus and His plan. Jesus really eliminates any idea of this dichotomy, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (Jn. 14:15). There is no one alive who can find any dichotomy between "The Man" and "The plan" after reading that passage of Scripture. Notice how Philip preached Christ in Samaria (Acts 8:5) and "they were baptized, both men and women" (Acts 8:12). This same Philip later preached Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:35). The eunuch then asked if Philip would baptize him (Acts 8:36). Let me ask a simple question, do you think Philip did not preach the plan authored by Jesus the architect? The answer seems to be obvious. There are occasionally brethren who jump on the "Preach The Man, Not The Plan" bandwagon. They will almost always end up being sympathetic to a broader range of fellowship. They will likely find "Christians" in the denominations because they have redefined what is necessary to be a Christian. Eventually things like one's conduct in life will become of minor importance. Finally faith (or believing) in Jesus as the Son of God is replaced with just loving Jesus. All of this may begin through the use of a false dichotomy. ~Terry
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