We Are Either With Jesus or Against Him

There is no middle ground with our Lord Jesus. He said, "He who is not with Me is against Me" (Luke 11:23). In the same way, the Gospel has no middle ground. Any distortion of the true Gospel is not just another gospel but one that brings a divine curse on anyone who teaches it (Gal. 1:6-9). Throughout the Scriptures we frequently see this "law of antithesis." The word "antithesis" means a sharp contrast of ideas that are set opposite one another, such as the contrast between grace and works. "If it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works otherwise grace is no longer grace" (Rom. 11:6). "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Eph. 2:8-9). These verses gives a sharp contrast between the saving grace of God and the "grace nullifying" works of man.

Two Antithetical Groups of People

The world is divided into two fundamentally opposed groups. Believers live under God’s grace, while unbelievers remain under God’s wrath. The regenerate are alive in Christ, but the unregenerate are dead in their sins (Rom. 6:11; Eph. 2:1). As the Apostle Paul teaches, every person is either a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness (Rom. 6:17-18). We are all either in Adam or in Christ (1 Cor. 15:22). In the end, there are only two peoples: those whom God has called out of the world into the church, and those who still belong to the world (John 15:19; 1 John 4:5). Everyone is either a child of God—the Creator and Giver of life—or a child of the devil, who is a murderer and destroyer of life (John 1:12; 1 John 3:10; 1 Pet. 5:8). In the gospel of redemption, there is no middle ground. According to the justice of God’s court, every person is either justified and declared righteous in Christ or condemned and found guilty by God (Rom. 5:18-19). People are either trusting in what the Lord Jesus has DONE to satisfy divine justice, or trusting in what they must DO which can never meet God's perfect standard (James 2:10).

Two Opposing Paths in the Gospel

One of the most powerful uses of the law of antithesis in explaining the Gospel is found in Romans 6:23. Paul writes, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Notice the sharp contrasts: The “wages” of sin—payment earned through our works, is set against “the free gift” of God, given by grace and completely apart from works (Rom. 11:6). "Death", which is everlasting punishment in hell, stands in direct opposition to “eternal life” in Christ Jesus. In this single verse, the law of antithesis powerfully contrasts two realities: man the sinner, who has earned spiritual death, and God the Holy One, who offers eternal life as a free gift of His grace. By presenting these two opposing paths so clearly, the choice between them is glaring and the better path is far more desirable.

More Striking Contrasts in the Gospel

The gospel is filled with many more striking contrasts. Everyone is either walking in the light or living in darkness (Eph. 5:8; 1 John 1:6; 2:11). People are either free in Christ or held in bondage to sin and Satan (Gal. 5:1; John 8:34; 2 Tim. 2:26). Their lives produce either the deeds of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-25). They are either lovers of God or lovers of the world (1 John 2:15-17). One day the Lord Jesus will return in glory and divide all humanity into two groups. He will welcome His sheep, all believers, into His eternal kingdom, and He will send the goats, all unbelievers, away into everlasting fire (Matt. 25:31-46).

The Father of Lies Compromises the Law of Antithesis.

Satan is always tempting God’s people to compromise the law of antithesis by seeking to unite believers with unbelievers in spiritual endeavors and ungodly marriages (2 Cor. 6:14-18). He has been successful in convincing evangelicals that the Gospel should be more inclusive than exclusive. They need to know that those who do not contend earnestly for God's truth will often fall for anything. Satan has also blurred the stark contrasts between heaven and hell by inventing a false middle ground called purgatory. This deceptive lie dishonors the blood of Jesus Christ as the only purification for all sin (1 John 1:7; Heb. 1:3). There are only two gates, two ways, and two destinations. “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:13-14).

The Amazing Antithetical Descriptions of Christians

As we reflect on the many antitheses found throughout Scripture, I especially love those that describe born-again Christians. God’s Word declares that we are strongest when we are weak, richest when we are poor, exalted when we humble ourselves, and loved when we feel unlovable. We empty ourselves so we may be filled, confess our sins so we may be declared righteous, and die to self so we may truly live for Christ. May our compelling love for Jesus Christ and our compassion for those who are perishing keep us faithful to His great commission.

Yo! Mike, I wanted to say that because of all your work and sacrifices, I officially became Catholic last Easter. If it wasn’t for your ignorance, stupidity and jut outright lies of Scripture and the Catholic faith, I probably would have made the mistake of staying Protestant. I will ask Mary, the Mother God, to pray for you. R.R., Internet

Greetings Mike, I am one of those "precious souls" that you have dedicated your life to reach. I have recently departed from the Catholic Church and am trying to find my way. Thanks for your message of faith. T.C., Internet

Sir, I read your testimony on how you became an anti Catholic protestant. It appears that you have not learned anything about the Catholic Church as you try to destroy it. You will fail because It has survived all forms of attacks from the outside and crisis from the inside. Your actions show that your faith is fake. Your knowledge about the Bible is nothing compared to the theologians of the Catholic Church. You have failed as a Christian and God will never use you as His instrument because you are a Pharisee. YOU ARE NOT SAVED. Your brother in Christ, J.V., PTG Website

J.V., Did you know that God's Word instructs us to "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them" (Eph. 5:11)? My love and compassion for Catholics has motivated me to expose the damnable heresies of Catholicism so that Catholics can repent of their false and fatal gospel and believe the true Gospel of grace (Mark 1:15). I pray God will grant you repentance and faith in the truth that can set you free from the snare of the devil (2 Tim. 2:24-26).

Hi Mike I finished reading your book, Preparing for Eternity, and consider it to be a complete MASTERPIECE. By the grace of God, a former classmate introduced me to the Bible and as I began to read it, I could hardly believe my eyes. I recently purchased more copies of your book for RC friends and family. God Bless you! Dr. B.K., Edmonton, Canada

Hello Mr Gendron, I seriously wish to thank you for all the great content on your website and for the most powerful way you teach the truth of Jesus Christ. You do it respectfully and without apology. I have learned an incredible amount from your videos and newsletters. I am surrounded by RC's. Your uncle who was a Catholic priest asked, "How can 1 billion Catholics be wrong?" I like that you let Jesus give the answer, "wide is the road and many are on it that leads to destruction." It is scary to think how many people have been misled. Thank you for all of your excellent commentary. I feel much more equipped and knowledgeable when I talk with Catholics. C.J., Charlotte, NC

Hello Mike and Jane, Your ministry was recommended to me when I was engaged to be married to a Catholic man. It helped me gain courage in walking away from that relationship. Your resources are truly wonderful. Now, I’m longing to see a transformed life as evidence of a genuine conversion. T.W., Rainsville, GA

Mike, Thank you again for helping me realize the errors of the Catholic Church. Your videos helped me find the real Jesus, and the one true Gospel. I’m now sharing Biblical truth with my Catholic family and friends who will listen. K.K., Greensboro, NC

The Book Podcast Interviews Mike Gendron

Roman Catholics are tough to reach with the Gospel because of their many obstacles to overcome. Author of Preparing for Eternity, Mike shares his knowledge from forty years of ministering to Roman Catholics. He gives excellent tips on how to overcome the many obstacles that blind Catholics from the light of the Gospel. Watch the interview here.

It Is Mind Boggling What the Pope Has Done

This needs to be called out. Pope Leo has awarded the Vatican’s highest diplomatic distinction to the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Why is the pope honoring a representative from a bloodthirsty regime that slaughters and persecutes Christians at every turn? The regime also has fresh blood on its hands from murdering tens of thousands of its own citizens. Leo is the first American Pope, and like his predecessor, Francis, he is a leftist who lacks moral clarity. There is no excuse for willfully presenting an Iranian regime official with the highest diplomatic honor. Read more.

Is the Catholic Mary a Diversion from Jesus?

Paul wrote: "I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ" (2 Cor.11:3). This warning, along with many others, goes unheeded among Catholics. The devotion that Christ alone deserves is diverted to a counterfeit Mary. Patrick O'Brien and Mike Gendron help you understand how we can help Catholics re-focus on the one Mediator Jesus Christ! Watch the video here.