Would you let a surgeon operate on you or your family if he didn’t know the procedure perfectly?Of course not.How much more accurate should a pastor be with the Gospel that is the power unto salvation?
If you are responsible for introducing the Purpose Driven Life to your church or small group, please consider the following verses.“I (Paul) have laid the foundations like an expert builder.Now others (you) are building on it.But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful.” I Cor.3:10.
How careful have you been in endorsing the Purpose Driven Life?Did you study it with a critical eye?Did you know the theology and history of Rick Warren before you fed Purpose to your sheep?Were you “very careful?”
“There is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done.Everyone’s work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value.If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward.But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss.The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames.” (I Cor.3:13-15)
Hold it, it gets worse.Paul tells us that “God will bring ruin upon anyone who ruins this temple.” (v.17)Uh oh.
For 57 pages, Pastor Warren does not describe sin, righteousness, judgment, God’s holiness, hell, repentance, shedding of blood, atonement or resurrection.Yet on page 58 of PDL, Pastor Warren invites the reader to become a Christian by “whispering the prayer that will change your eternity.”This prayer better be surgically accurate or we have a pastor who is guilty of malpractice (pardon the mixed metaphor).So what is the prayer that will save?
“’Jesus, I believe in you and I receive you.’Go ahead.If you sincerely meant that prayer, congratulations!Welcome to the family of God.”
If you believe that James 4:9,10 describes the conversion experience of godly sorrow that leads to repentance, then you recognize that Pastor Warren’s presentation of salvation is, and I state this very carefully, not Biblical.
Friend, we can argue about many things in Christianity, but salvation is one message we must have complete accuracy and agreement on.Paul warned that any other Gospel is no Gospel at all.“Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including myself, who preaches any other message than the one we told you about.Even if an angel comes from heaven and preaches any other message, let him forever be accursed.” Gal.1:8
We cannot say, “Well, he sort of presents the Gospel.”Jesus shed His blood for this Gospel, we must get it right.Eternity is at stake.
“Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.Repent, and believe in the gospel.’” (Mark 1:14,15)“Repent and trust” is the Biblical response to the Gospel, not whispering a prayer.God commands all men everywhere to repent.
Imagine your spouse committed adultery against you and returned to you and said, “Honey, I believe in you and I receive you.”Would that be acceptable to you?Why would we think that is acceptable to God?It isn’t.That is a false Gospel.That is a damning Gospel.
Luther, Calvin, Moody and Tozer all preached repentance and trust.Charles Spurgeon proclaimed, “While the gospel is a command, it is a two-fold command explaining itself. "Repent ye, and believe the gospel.’"
If you believe that is the only saving Gospel, then you stand at odds with PDL.
While we could discuss the Pastor Warren’s faulty forty day premise, man-centered theology, rampant mis-use of Scripture, using a dozen liberal translations and his questionable connections and endorsement by Robert Schuller, his salvation message alone should disqualify Purpose from being promoted in evangelical circles.
Please, you are the shepherd of your flock.Your sheep are being fed another Gospel.You will be judged for this.All I ask is that you consider what I am saying and check it with Scripture.This is your duty.
Disclaimer: Worldview Weekend, Christian Worldview Network and its columnists do not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the feedback button.
I have found lots of people who say that articles like this are unjust in that it attacks a fellow christian. Well the fact is that correct doctrine in very important. If you believe in the wrong thing it can have devestating results, for example...
If you jump out of a plane at 10K feet holding a seat cushion and believe it will save you, you are in for a big surprise. IOW believing the correct doctrine is important. Now if I have a parachute and put it on, then jump, I know I will be saved. The same goes for correct doctrine that we hold onto in our christian walk. The problem is that most "jumpers" are not holding fast to the word of God - this is clearly evident when Jesus said that there would be many that say "Lord, Lord did we not prophesy in your name, drive out demons, and do many mighty works in your name?" Then Jesus will declare "I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness!"
If we dont hold fast to Christ Himself (and His words), then we are setting ourselves up for failure.
If I believe in the watered down, man centered doctrine like RW purpose driven stuff, then I might be in for a big fall. BTW Jesus said that He and His words will never pass away; that heaven and earth would pass but not His words. If this is the case they why should I base my beliefs on the faulty words of RW? His 40 days of purpose is filled with error and false doctrine. BTW did any pro-RW people out there find the passage where RW espouses pantheism? Ummm... If not, then you need to read the bible more before you take the words of a man like Rick Warren as the "gospel truth".
The problem I see is that most christians will not hold up the standard of God's word and learn to measure all other books & teachings against it, to see if it is proper doctrine/teaching. I have found that most christians & lots of pastors cannot do this (the pantheism example is just one example). Its like if any book is a "christian top ten" seller, then most christians automatically think it must be ok in regards to doctrine. Unfortunately this is not the case.
Instead of defending Rich Warren, why not take his book and compare it to God's word (within proper context) and see if it holds water. What is strange is that most hardcore RW fans will not do this? I wonder why?
Take care & God bless,
Steve
P.s. here are some sites that point to some of RWs errors in doctrine (IOW it doesnt measure up to God's word).
http://www.bereanbeacon.org/articles/rick_warren_purpose_driven.htm
http://www.biblebb.com/files/purpose.htm
Dont take their word for it either - get your bible and see what it really says and if Rich Warren is really following scripture. Remembe r the parachute! Click here to reply to this post
What's different about this gospel?
Posted On: 07/19/05 03:21:01 PM
Age 45, OK
If your concern is the lack of repentance in the gospel message, that pertains to most of the Church today. Most Christians use a simplistic A-B-C gospel message (Admit, Believe, Confess), so why not try to fix the message itself, rather than criticize one individual?
If you look at "The Purpose Driven Life" as a whole (which is how people read it), Warren does explain repentance--as a change of mind backed up with Christlike behavior. We must change the way we think and acquire God's perspective on sin, which will result in our change in behavior (as echoed in Ray Comfort's column on this website).
This is the gospel stated in PDL:
"If God never did anything else for you, he would still deserve your continual praise for the rest of your life because of what Jesus did for you on the cross. God's Son died for you!...Jesus took all of mankind's sin and guilt on himself...Words cannot describe the darkness of that moment. Why did God allow and endure such ghastly, evil treatment? Why? So you could be spared from eternity in hell...He died so you could live forever." (p. 112,113)
No manmade book is perfect, but the consistent message throughout PDL is: We exist to glorify God, not to satisfy ourselves--life is not about us, it's only about God. As Warren says, "Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives." (p. 178) Instead, we must die daily, surrender our life completely to Christ, and share in His suffering. We must read God's Word daily--and obey what we read.
He states that nothing matters more to God than the salvation of the lost, and our life's mission is to tell others about Christ: "The eternal salvation of a single soul is more important than anything else you will ever achieve in life." (p. 295)
Warren continues:
"Whenever you feel apathetic about your mission in the world, spend some time thinking about what Jesus did for you on the cross. We must care about unbelievers because God does...As long as you know one person who doesn't know Christ, you must keep praying for them, serving them in love, and sharing the Good News...The church that doesn't want to grow is saying to the world, 'You can go to hell.'" (p. 294,295)
Is that not the biblical gospel--that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins and save us from hell? Is that not the essence of the Christian life--to tell others to obey all that God says, to die to self and live for Him? Click here to reply to this post
Re: A Purpose Plea To Pastors
Posted On: 07/19/05 10:08:49 AM
Age 57, VA
I would like to read an expansion on the following quote from the article:
While we could discuss the Pastor Warrens faulty forty day premise, man-centered theology, rampant mis-use of Scripture, using a dozen liberal translations and his questionable connections and endorsement by Robert Schuller, his salvation message alone should disqualify Purpose from being promoted in evangelical circles. Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: A Purpose Plea To Pastors
Posted On: 11/02/05 04:28:43 PM
Age 41, MN
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! Our church is very into PDL and it has ruined everything in my opinion. We were small group leaders in 40 days of purpose and when I saw the salvation message I couldn't believe it. I e-mailed R. Warrren and got a very slick public relations reply. The sad part is I was the only one I know of that it gave red flags to in our church. Don't stop trying to reach the lost pastors!!!!! Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: Re: A Purpose Plea To Pastors
Posted On: 08/06/07 10:34:12 PM
Age 50, CA
What an encouragement you are to me! My husband and I were the "only" ones with red flags a few years back; he confronted the pastors/elders privately, and we had to leave the church!! Since then Jesus has been revealing His Truth to us abundantly - like the Way is narrow; defiling and wilfull sin leads to damnation Heb 10 -just one of many scripture refs. God desires a purified, holy Bride. We live in San Jose area, CA. Any true servants looking for some fellowship?? God bless you with His Lovingkindness! Click here to reply to this post
Re: A Purpose Plea To Pastors
Posted On: 07/19/05 09:47:54 AM
Age 28, MN
I would like to encourage those that have no qualms with the book "Purpose Driven Life" to read a book titled
"Decieved on Purpose. The New Age Implications of the Purpose Driven Church" By Author Warren Smith
The Womens Bible Study group I belonged to wanted to read and discuss The Purpose Driven Life for our Study time and I talked to my pastor, whom I knew had issues that were inline with Mr. Todd Friel and this is the book he gave me to read. I will end with this verse which fits with the times we are living.
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths." 2 Timothy 4:3-4 NAS Click here to reply to this post
Re: A Purpose Plea To Pastors
Posted On: 07/14/05 07:33:38 PM
Age 48, OK
I had hoped that with Worldview I had finally found an organization that taught the truth without trying to ruin other Christians. Have you talked to Pastor Warren about your concerns? Have you took other brethren with you and talked to him? Are you tearing out tares at the expense of killing the wheat?
I was mislead about Young Earth for so long. If someone with your attitude would have tried to talk to me I wouldn't have listened. But I kept seeking. If people seek they will find the truth, people bashing (individuals, not organizations) is not needed. Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: A Purpose Plea To Pastors
Posted On: 03/04/07 11:00:26 PM
Age 37, TX
I couldn't pass that up. What was misleading about a young earth? Genesis says GOD SPOKE. He never said I STUTTER therefore it will take millions of years to create the earth. I still get amazed that people believe all sorts of things about God, but seem to refuse to believe He is powerful enough to create everything in seven days. If you don't believe Genesis 1:1 why do you even bother with the rest? Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: A Purpose Plea To Pastors
Posted On: 11/14/05 06:07:18 PM
Age 38, GA
Todd if not trying to ruin Rick Warren, he is just speaking the truth. When I first heard about The Purpose Driven Life Bible studies, before I knew much about it, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and told me that it was not a true teaching and to stay away from it. Here is a clue, you won't see Todd Friel, Ray Comfort, John MacArthur, or other truth bearers on Oprah. Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: A Purpose Plea To Pastors
Posted On: 07/22/05 05:41:17 PM
Age 39, NV
Dear sir or madam,
It doesn't appear to me that Mr. Friel was trying to RUIN Mr.Warren, but rather admonish
others as to the un-scriptural nature of his message.
Secondly, Matthew 18 instructs us that if someone sins against us PERSONALLY that we go to him one on one. However when error is taught openly, it should be dealt with openly. Paul and Peter both "name names" when dealing with false teachers. Perhaps you should appologize
to Mr. Friel for implying that he violated scripture when indeed, he had hot. Click here to reply to this post
Re: A Purpose Plea To Pastors
Posted On: 07/08/05 06:44:45 AM
Age 52, TN
Wow!
Looks like you have some real seriousness about a Biblical World View and I greatly appreciate the article. I attended a church where the pastor was and still is into the purpose driven movement which tolerates and even embraces error and heresy, seeks to please the world, shuns those seeking to hold to Scripture and simply does not feed a congregation solid Biblical truth. Be encouraged God Himself gives us the promise, 'But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit and who trembles at My word.' see Isaiah 66:1,2 Click here to reply to this post
Re: A Purpose Plea To Pastors
Posted On: 07/07/05 10:16:59 PM
Age 48, FL
You made an excellent point. I would simply like to add that ALL believers should follow the example of the Bereans, who "were of more noble character" (Acts 17:11), and compare what we are hearing with the scriptures to make sure it's true and accurate. Yes, that requires effort on our part, but God's Word is worth spending time studying!
--janola Click here to reply to this post
Careful how you quote
Posted On: 07/07/05 07:59:33 PM
Age 53, IA
I am not unsympathetic to the message you are trying to convey, but I must say that to read your article and compare it with the book, your truncating the quote about the salvation prayer in it sheds a different light. To read your article without seeing the book, I would conclude there is nothing in it about Jesus dying for our sins. Except that is not true. The full prayer from the book is, "Jesus, I believe in you and I receive you. Thank you for dying on the cross to pay for all my sins. As much as I know how, I ask you to come into my life and help me learn to know you, trust you, and love you." There is much more to learn and make a disciple of someone than in PDL, but it is not quite as vacuous a document as you describe. Click here to reply to this post
Re: Careful how you quote
Posted On: 07/19/05 11:57:21 AM
Age 44, MI
The prayer says nothing about repentance. The way to salvation is to repent and put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Just thanking Jesus for dying for our sins is NOT repenting of our sins. Click here to reply to this post
Re: A Purpose Plea To Pastors
Posted On: 07/07/05 12:10:48 PM
Age 51, LA
Dear Todd,
I appreciate your concern in stating your belief against Rick Warren and Purpose Driven Life. I have been in the ministry for nearly 30 years and I have watched ministers and pastors go at each other on their own individual platforms. Nothing good ever comes of it. After years of being a subscriber to the Sword of the Lord, published by Dr. Curtis Hudson and Dr. John R. Rice, I finally cancelled my subscription after I got sick and tired of their malicious criticism of Dr. Jerry Falwell.
Each of us ministers should be extremely careful when we go after another anointed man of God. At least, give Rick Warren the opportunity to come on to your radio show and defend his view concerning repentence and salvation.
Surely, you have better things to do with your platform than criticize someone elses ministry. This brings a disgrace to the reputation of God's Kingdom.
I also believe that repentence is vital to salvation but I challenge you to give Pastor Warren an opportunity to defend himself. If Rick Warren has error in his gospel message then God will bring his work to naught.
His for Souls,
Louis Husser, Pastor
Crossgate Church Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: A Purpose Plea To Pastors
Posted On: 03/04/07 11:07:57 PM
Age 37, TX
If you think discernment is a walk in the park think again. If we keep our mouths shut about pastors just because we haven't talked to them face to face are we not then accountable to God for not saying anything? It scares me how so much of the church takes so much for granted, they don't read their Bibles but they will gladly praise a MAN. PDL is pulling people away from the WORD of God. Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: A Purpose Plea To Pastors
Posted On: 07/07/05 04:20:46 PM
Age 48, CA
Dear Pastor Husser, I couldn't agree more that we must be reluctant to make disparaging comments about another's ministry. To quote Hank Hannagraf, "in essentials, unity, in non-essentials, charity." I also agree that if Todd is not fully aware of Warren's gospel position, he should present an oportunity for Warren to present it. If you have been able to read Pur. Driven Church and Life and visited Warren's website, as I'm sure Todd has, you would see that Warren's position on the gospel is crystal clear. I would also consider this gospel position to be an "essential" and the health of his ministry a "non-essential." The potential of selling a cheap gospel, as Warren does,is dangerous and ungodly. Todd is on the mark and I believe you may have taken offense without doing your research. "If not of God, it will come to nothing" wonderfully absolves us of any accountability or responsibilty.
In Him,
Larry Briggs, La Mesa, CA Click here to reply to this post
Re: A Purpose Plea To Pastors
Posted On: 07/07/05 09:51:50 AM
Age 37, MS
Thank You Thank You Thank you! I feel rather justified now. I purchased the book a year and a half ago and my wife and I started reading it. It took about 2 days before we realized the absence of Christ in it. I put it down at that time. I have had many of my church members ask me if we could do that as a study and i have refused to. I have other Pastor friends that have done it and think it's great, but I have had to explain to them it didn't feel right. So ThanksI it helps to know I am not alone. Our next book is the Seven Secrets to Success by Joel Osteen. Anytime the secular world jumps on board with so-called Christian book craze...Look Out. Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: A Purpose Plea To Pastors
Posted On: 08/06/07 10:41:24 PM
Age 50, CA
Hmmm. This is amazing - it's like the Remnant coming out of the woodwork! God bless you for taking a stand. When my husband confronted the church leaders re PDL/PDC, we realized we had no choice but to leave. We grew amazingly since then in God's word. We even do evangelism together. It's important that we all pray for the sincere of heart to awaken to the false church that is developing everywhere, and seek the Lord for like-minded Believers to fellowship with. The last days are to bring a great many false teachers-- I think they've been given that "strong delusion because they would not receive the love of the TRUTH." Blessings! Click here to reply to this post
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