What Didn’t You Do With Jesus?
(A critique of the first session of “40 Days of Purpose” by Rick Warren)
In the first session of Rick Warren’s “40 Days of Purpose” video tape (fall 2003) he says that each one of us will one day stand before God. And standing before Him we will give an account of our lives. At this point God is going to ask us two questions:
Warren goes on to say that he will help us answer the second question as he takes us through the video sessions ahead. But he really wants us to make sure that the first question is answered correctly by each of us. “Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ?” He is prepared to lead us in a prayer. He very passionately wants the issue to be settled – that “you are connected to Christ.” He then prays a prayer and congratulates those who prayed. “You’ve just become a part of the family of God.”
As far as can be determined, the first session of the “40 Days of Purpose” video never mentions the following about Jesus Christ, the Son of God:
No mention is made of the
fact that Jesus’ Father is holy.
No mention is made of the fact that because Jesus’ Father is holy He will judge
our sins.
No mention is made of the fact that Jesus is incarnate deity. (“Son” is never
explained)No mention is made of the fact that Jesus had to die for our sins on
Calvary.
No mention is made of the fact that Jesus’ blood is the only atonement for sin.
No mention is made of the fact that Jesus said there was a place called Hell.
No mention is made of the fact that Jesus rose from the dead as the living Lord.
No mention is made of the fact that Jesus called people to repent.
No mention is made of the fact that Jesus told His disciples to preach
repentance.
It seems to me the most immediate question is - “What makes you think Rick Warren was right when he told us that whoever followed him in his prayer was a part of the family of God when he didn’t mention any of these things about Jesus Christ, the Son of God?”
What did Rick Warren do with Jesus Christ, the Son of God? Might some of you conclude he misrepresented how you come to have a relationship with Him by not mentioning these things?
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for IT is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed….” The Apostle Paul - Romans 1:16, 17a (NAS)
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