M.U.D. = Mixed Up Doctrine


Here for your perusal is an example of M.U.D. resulting from a failure to Rightly Divide the Scriptures. In this example, teachings associated with Israel's Prophetic Program are blended with Paul's Gospel of Grace.


The first display in our Museum of MUD is from J. D. Greear, who served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2018 to 2021. In an article titled "Are You a Sheep or a Goat?" discussing Jesus' "Parable of the Sheep and Goats" (Matthew 25:31-46), he wrote the following:
"I don’t think it could get any clearer: When we talk about judgment, we’re not dealing with simply “loss of reward.” We are talking about heaven and hell.

This is a big deal, because there are a lot of people in our churches who think they are Christians that are tragically mistaken. So, what exactly is the difference between those who go to heaven and those who go to hell?

According to the parable of the sheep and goats, it had little to do with how much they went to church or (more surprising) what they believed. There isn’t a single word about that.

The only difference in the sheep and the goats is what they did or did not do: whether or not they were actively, tangibly engaged in the mission of God and generous toward the poor, particularly poor believers.

Apart from that, all other religious activity is useless."

— jdgreear.com/are-you-a-sheep-or-a-goat/ (accessed October 31, 2026)
In my understanding, this interpretation places the emphasis for our salvation upon works rather than faith. Mr. Greear specifically states that the distinction between the sheep and the goats (the saved and the lost) "had little to do with" what they believed and that "the only difference" was what they did or did not do.
Pastor Greear continues in his article citing James 2:17 stating that "Saving" faith will result in giving to the poor - NOT that the works are REQUIRED for salvation. However, he doesn't move down to verse 24 where James continues saying:

"You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only." (James 2:24)

That conclusion stands in sharp contrast to Paul's declaration:

"But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness," (Romans 4:5)

From a Mid-Acts dispensational perspective, this is an example of MUD — Mixed Up Doctrine. The judgment of the sheep and goats belongs within Israel's prophetic program and concerns the treatment of Christ's brethren during the Tribulation. Applying that passage directly to members of the Body of Christ obscures Paul's Gospel of Grace, in which justification is received by faith apart from works.

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Our next couple of entries of M.U.D. are regarding commentaries on:

"But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life." (Romans 6:22)

A rightly-dividing dispensationalist would understand that Paul is writing to Roman Jews about their Judaism, not to the Body of Christ. For explanation, see Rightly Dividing ➜ What it Means.

Robert H. Mounce stated this about Romans 6:22 in The New American Commentary, published by the Baptist publisher Broadman and Holman:
“But now we are set free from sin’s bondage. We have become slaves of God. And is there benefit in this? Most certainly! The reward for serving God is growth in holiness and, in the end, eternal life. In fact, apart from holiness there is no eternal life.”

— Robert H. Mounce, Romans, vol. 27, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995), 158
He states the "reward for serving God is ... holiness." and "apart from holiness there is no eternal life."

A "reward" is given in response to something "done!" That, my friend, is works based salvation.

And Paul's response to Mounce's commentary?
"But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness," (Romans 4:5)

Then, we have from BibleRev.com, a ministry of GotQuestions (an evangelical/protestant site), this:
“Paul now writes that, by trusting in Christ for our salvation, we have entered into that same relationship with God. Our identity is so closely connected to Christ that we are being changed to people who are bound to do what is right. This is who we are now. This is good news. Why? Because the “fruit”—the natural consequence—of serving righteousness is sanctification and eternal life.”

— "What does Romans 6:22 mean?" https://www.bibleref.com/Romans/6/Romans-6-22.html (accessed October 31, 2026).
Note clearly that these commentaries say that “holiness/sanctification and eternal life” are the reward/fruit “of serving righteousness”. How un-Pauline is that?????? It is no wonder the man in the pew gets frustrated with the doublespeak coming from the pulpit. In one moment he hears preached “faith alone” and in the next that “eternal life comes from righteous service.” How much better it is to rightly divide this passage!

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More examples of M.U.D. to come.

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