John C. Whitcomb on the Gospel

Whitcomb Ministries, Inc. - Home | Facebook

Some Free Grace people seem to think that Dr. John Whitcomb promoted a no-burial (a.k.a. groundless) gospel. But let's take a closer look! Commenting on Acts 13:30-31, Dr. Whitcomb makes the following statement:

 

"Paul emphasized the great essential facts of the gospel (see 1 Cor. 15:3-4): Christ’s death (Acts 13:27-28), burial (Acts 13:29) and resurrection (Acts 13:30-37), devoting much more space to the resurrection. While the cross of Christ is foundational and indispensable to the gospel message, we must not neglect the message of the empty tomb."[1]

Notice here that in enumerating "the great essential facts of the gospel" (in 1 Cor. 15:3-4), Dr. Whitcomb specifically includes Christ's "burial"! And in case there was any doubt, Dr. Whitcomb goes on to emphasize that in regards to "the gospel message, we must not neglect the message of the empty tomb." Amen!

Going into full research mode, I also found this quote by Dr. Whitcomb from 1973:

 

"In fact, the Bible is emphatically clear that no one can be a true Christian apart from an acceptance of such stupendous miracles as the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave on the third day following His crucifixion (Rom. 10:9; I Cor. 15:1-10)."[2]

Was Dr. Whitcomb an advocate of the groundless (no-burial) gospel? No way!

References:

[1] John C. Whitcomb and George Zeller, "From Antioch to Antioch, The First Missionary Journey Begins: A Study in Acts Chapter 13" (published by Whitcomb Ministries and The Middletown Bible Church), p. 16. https://www.whitcombministries.org/uploads/1/3/8/9/13891775/acts_13__1_.pdf

[2] John C. Whitcomb, The World That Perished (Winona Lake: BMH Books, 1973), p. 18.