Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 6 hours ago
In this episode of Critical Issues Commentary, Barb Gretch and Bob DeWaay continue their critique of John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way, examining his teaching on original sin and atonement. Comer presents the biblical doctrine of sin through multiple paradigms, treating guilt and innocence—and the forensic nature of justification—as only one option among many.
Bob contrasts this approach with the clear biblical teaching that humanity is either in Adam or in Christ, under God’s wrath or rescued through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 1, Romans 5, Ephesians 2, and 1 Corinthians 15 reveal the seriousness of sin, humanity’s alienation from God, and the necessity of Christ’s atoning work.
The discussion exposes the danger of replacing clear biblical categories with an undefined process of spiritual and therapeutic healing. Rather than confusion about whether we can know our standing before God, Scripture gives a decisive answer: sinners need to flee to Christ, whose righteousness is imputed to those who believe and whose blood provides forgiveness and reconciliation.
A Critique of “Practicing the Way” Part 54
This is a critique of "Practicing the Way" by John Mark Comer, WaterBrook, 2024.
Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
In this episode of Critical Issues Commentary, Barb Gretch and Bob DeWaay continue their critique of John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way, examining his teaching on original sin and atonement. Comer presents the biblical doctrine of sin through multiple paradigms, treating guilt and innocence—and the forensic nature of justification—as only one option among many.
Bob contrasts this approach with the clear biblical teaching that humanity is either in Adam or in Christ, under God’s wrath or rescued through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 1, Romans 5, Ephesians 2, and 1 Corinthians 15 reveal the seriousness of sin, humanity’s alienation from God, and the necessity of Christ’s atoning work.
The discussion exposes the danger of replacing clear biblical categories with an undefined process of spiritual and therapeutic healing. Rather than confusion about whether we can know our standing before God, Scripture gives a decisive answer: sinners need to flee to Christ, whose righteousness is imputed to those who believe and whose blood provides forgiveness and reconciliation.
A Critique of “Practicing the Way” Part 54
This is a critique of "Practicing the Way" by John Mark Comer, WaterBrook, 2024.
Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
