Gospel Standard

The Gospel Standard is a monthly magazine . Founded in 1835 by hymnwriter and preacher William Gadsby, it is the oldest Christian monthly magazine still in publication in the UK.

The Gospel Standard was the name given to a magazine which was begun in 1835 and is believed to be the oldest monthly religious magazine still published in England. Founded, in 1835, by the well-known minister and hymnwriter, William Gadsby (together with his son, John), it has always contended strongly for the doctrines of grace (commonly called Calvinism), promoting the Strict Baptist Christian theology of a work of the Holy Spirit which results in a personal, experimental knowledge of the truth, and its sanctifying effects in the heart and life.

Soon after its inception, a body of Strict Baptist churches began to gather around the Gospel Standard. This was notably an effect of the preaching of such men as William Gadsby, John Warburton, John Kershaw and J.C. Philpot. These men stood out against the more moderate and general Calvinism which, along with the infusion of a dry and legal spirit, was beginning to appear in Baptist churches. As one old, well-tried Christian exclaimed of these Gospel Standard adherents, "It is not a new doctrine - but the old, preached with life and power." These ministers and churches became known as "Gospel Standard ministers and churches."

Then in 1860 some Strict Baptist ministers and churches began to deny the truth of the eternal Sonship of the Lord Jesus Christ in His divine nature. The Editor of the Gospel Standard magazine, J.C. Philpot, realizing the importance of the issue, contended firmly for this vital doctrine, and called on all those ministers and churches who believed in the eternal Sonship to come forth clearly as a separate body. Thus a list of Gospel Standard churches appeared; there are about 115 at the present time including those from overseas.

The Gospel Standard Trust was formed in 1966 to assist Gospel Standard Churches and Congregations in the furtherance of their religion and charitable work. Publications is just one aspect of the work of the Trust whose aim is to publish literature that commends the free and sovereign grace of Almighty God.

As well as founder William Gadsby, other past editors include J. C. Philpot and J. K. Popham. The current editor is Benjamin (B.A.) Ramsbottom, pastor of Bethel Chapel in Luton and also an author of Christian books.

The Gospel Standard has an associated magazine for children, called the Friendly Companion. It is currently edited by G. D. Buss, pastor of Old Baptist Chapel, Chippenham.

Other than administrative material and book reviews, the majority of the magazine's content each month consists of reprinted sermons and book extracts from Calvinist preachers and writers.

The Gospel Standard and those churches connected to it have often been accused of hyper-Calvinism. This is generally because the GS Articles of Faith maintain that "saving" faith and "saving" repentance are not the duty of unconverted persons, though most GS baptists do believe that faith and repentance "are" the duty of all men --- that is, that all men have a duty to believe the bible and repent of their sins. However, GS baptists contend that this belief and repentance are not saving.

The same articles of faith also deny the free offer of the gospel. This has again often been misunderstood. GS baptists believe that the gospel should be freely "preached" to all men, but they maintain that there is no scriptural basis for "offering" the gospel.

References

Ramsbottom, B.A. (ED) The history of the Gospel Standard Magazine (1835-1985) ISBN 0951079603

External links

* [http://www.gospelstandard.org/ Gospel Standard Publications] The official website of the publisher.
* [http://web.ukonline.co.uk/members/gracebaptist/cbc/history5.htm Article giving some background information]
* [http://www.theopedia.com/Strict_Baptist Strict Baptist entry at Theopedia]