14
language in The Gift of Salvation where it declares that we are justified "on the basis of
Christ's righteousness alone" and then explains that both Evangelicals and Catholics can
agree on that because it leaves out the concept of imputed righteousness. If the phrase
read, "on the basis of the imputation of Christ's righteousness alone," only Evangelicals
could affirm it.
23
Conclusion
The essentials of Christianity are found in Christ. His person and work are the
primary basis for what constitutes genuine Christianity and the primary means for
identifying fellow evangelicals. It is our Christology that binds us together as
Evangelicals, despite our denominational differences. I know of no better way to
determine whether someone is a fellow Evangelical than to ask him, "What do you think
of Christ?"
23
(Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1999), 64-65. See also, Mark Seifrid, "The Gift of Salvation": Its Failure
to Address the Crux of Justification, JETS 42/4 (Dec. 1999), 679-688.