A TRUE AND FAITHFUL WITNESS
Are you committed to being a true and faithful witness to the Lord Jesus Christ of the New Testament Gospel?
A Purpose-Shaped Worldview: A Critique of PDL
(Brief critique of chapters 1-7 of The Purpose-Driven® Life)
One only has to watch the news or read their newspaper to see that The
Purpose-Driven® Life by Rick Warren has a strong appeal to a variety of
people. There must be a reason why this is so. Is it that the message is so
profound and precise that we meet the God of the Bible between its covers?
Or could it have such a mixed and esoteric message that anyone could find
something in the book that is poignant to them. The real message of this
book may be in just noticing all the different kinds of people who you see
enamored with it! The reality is there seems to be underlying philosophies
and “wisdom” in the PDL book which could be purposefully laying the
groundwork for a growing world religion and humanistic spirituality. This
brief online review of chapters 1-7 of PDL is an attempt to help you
understand its “theology” and mood. And, if you have the patience, the
review of the final chapter will help you to understand why I am so forthright
in my assessments.
Introduction
Chapter 1 – Purpose in Creation or Purpose in Redemption
Chapter 2 – No Accident Here
Chapter 3 – The “Driving Force”
Chapter 4 – Death as “Unfair”
Chapter 5 – Getting a “Handle” on Life
Chapter 6 – Citizens, Strangers – And Rejected
Chapter 7 – “Failing” to Give Glory to God
Introduction
The world loves to hear about the love of God! Right? But only about the
“love of God” in the original creation! And the first seven chapters of PDL
are filled with that reality. The book begins with the title “It All Starts with
God.” But it should be “It All Starts with God’s Original Intention in Creating.”
Unfortunately, that “original intention” about which the Scriptures actually
give us very little knowledge is over and done with because of the fall of
man! Therefore, we could say:
Are we fearfully and wonderfully made? Answer: Yes.
Shouldn’t this wonderful fact save us? Answer: No.
Isn’t it wonderful that we have an internal revelation from our creator that we
are eternal creatures? Answer: Yes.
Doesn’t this wonderful revelation give us a sure hope of eternity with Him?
Answer: No.
Isn’t it wonderful that when we look at the creation we know there must be a
creator? Answer: Yes.
Does that mean we each have the internal potential to know this creator in
our present condition? Answer: No.
Is each of us created in the image of God? Answer: Yes
Then “salvation” must just be seeing oneself in this light? Answer: No
Get the point? The hope of salvation for a true Christian or for anyone who
is pondering the claims of Jesus Christ is not based in “general revelation”
which is the term that has been coined to describe the above types of
questions. In the first three chapters of the book of Romans when Paul is
laying out his gospel message he first shows how utterly needy and
depraved we are in our circumstances as fallen man within the creation!
Every man is without excuse. And, in fact, the revelation of the fact that
there is a God is indeed skewed by the fallen human heart. Paul uses the
word “exchange” in Romans. So that even though we have a revelation of
the fact of God, because of our sinful hearts we won’t acknowledge the
revelation but instead “exchange” it for false worship. And the reason we do
it is because of our fallen original creation “idolatrous” hearts. This is the
foundation which Paul uses to then show us the need for a Savior! Warren
lays the groundwork for his “gospel” using the exact opposite tactic. Yes –
he, like Paul, spends time talking about God the Creator. And he will talk
about “sin” later on. But the reasons and goals seem different.
CHAPTER ONE
Purpose in Creation or Purpose in Redemption
This chapter is marketed as being all about starting with God. But instead
the chapter focuses upon filling our minds with thoughts about the image of
the one created – man – as related to the original creation. The problem is
that just being born into this world does not equate with being born “by his
purpose and for his purpose” (p.17) in a necessarily good sense. If we were
not fallen creatures in Adam – we could agree with what Warren is stating.
But the reality is that we are born “in Adam” as rebellious to God. He uses
the text of Colossians 1:16 at the very start to introduce his statement. But
this quote is specific to the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the pre-
eminence of Jesus Christ as Lord over all of His creation. He does not
include the full text which also says that he created all things “whether
thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities.” Why is this significant? It is
this. Jesus Christ is Lord over everything that has been created, whether it
is in rebellion to Him or not! He reigns OVER it! So we must not prematurely
take assurance or comfort in the fact that He has made everything for His
purpose because even the devil and hell itself fulfills a specific purpose of
God.
Next, we must ask if this chapter really is all about God why does he
misquote and misapply text of Scripture that enhance man’s image in his
fallen state. The following three points in chapter 1 confirm my statement.
1. Warren says (p.18) “Many people try to use God for their own self-
actualization…” He then denies that is what his book is about. Then
continuing with his thought two paragraphs later on the very next page he
quotes from:
The Message Bible – “Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my
way, to finding yourself, your true self.”
The same Scripture in the NAS Bible – “For whoever wishes to save his life
shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.”
The same Scripture in the KJV Bible – “For whosoever will save his life shall
lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.”
The Message Bible misquotes Holy Scripture! The context of the passage in
question is of course the verse before: Matthew 16:24 – “If any man will
come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
{KJV}
Ponder for a moment the mistranslation: “self-sacrifice is…my way” versus
the true meaning “whoever loses his life for My sake.” This is not about self
“doing” through “self-sacrifice” so “self” can attain a “self” identity. In context
it is about self “dying” - and - it is about the new object found, which is Jesus
Christ - Himself, and not that which is supposedly the “true” self. This is the
death of self to Christ. It is conversion – not self-actualization through self-
sacrifice. And it is about a new identity but only as it relates to Jesus Christ
and for His sake. Even though he says his book is not about self-
actualization he uses a mistranslation of Scripture which makes this text
seem like it is about self-actualization - which it is not. The Message Bible
quote is obviously a very poor paraphrase of the Holy Scriptures which is
then used by Warren to support his point.
2. Warren claims (p. 20) that we can have “God’s wisdom” from the Word of
God. He then quotes from the Bible a reference about God's wisdom in I
Corinthians 2:7. Yet on the next page in describing this “wisdom” he relates
the following story of someone who had an “experience” of deity. (p.21)
“Suddenly, all by itself, a phrase appeared: Without God life makes no
sense. Repeating it in astonishment, I rode the phrase up like a moving
staircase, got out of the metro and walked into God’s light.” He then
summarizes your purpose for life (via his book) as you walking into the light.
You should have just read a statement in a book on New Age Mysticism. At
least you would have known it was New Age Mysticism! But you just read
this in a “Christian” book. But it doesn't matter what it is labeled. It only
matters if it is truth. God’s wisdom that Paul describes in I Corinthians 2:7
and to which Warren relates on page 20 is the wisdom of the cross! You
can read about its’ wisdom in I Corinthians 1:17-2:2 which is just before the
passage he quoted! Jesus had to be crucified because we are sinners! This
is the only way we can be saved. And the wisdom of the cross is that God
can still be a holy God and yet can save sinners in the foolishness of the
gospel preached. This wisdom is not that we can decide through some
mystical experience that we need God and we secure the knowledge of God
by our walk into the “light.” Salvation is of God and is based in the message
of Christ crucified for sinners. So his example leads us astray.
3. And his quote of I Corinthians 2:7 leads us astray as well.
Here is his quote from the Message Bible of this text.
“God’s wisdom…goes deep into the interior of his purposes…It’s not the
latest message, but more like the oldest – what God determined as the way
to bring out his best in us.”
Now let’s read the quote from the New American Standard Version:
“But we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God
predestined before the ages to our glory;”
Now we read from the King James Version:
“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom,
which God ordained before the world unto our glory:”
As you can see, the Message Bible is misquoting the Holy Word of God once
again! God’s wisdom is the reality of His being able to save us through the
gospel as Paul had already made clear in I Corinthians1:17-2:2. That is
what is to "our glory." It was determined this way from eternity and it is His
wisdom – Christ crucified for sinners! In our conversion He makes us new
creatures in Christ Jesus with a new life from and in Him. This wisdom is not
“God bringing out his best in us.” In fact, the Scriptures say that our "old
man" (sinful nature) was crucified at Calvary when we were placed "in
Christ." (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:6) God did not "bring out his best in us"
in crucifying Christ. In Christ Jesus, He forgave us all of our sins, identifying
us with His crucified Son on Calvary, and recreating us anew, giving us a
new heart!
Unfortunately, Warren takes you through the door of a different wisdom and
labels it God’s wisdom. And you probably didn’t even notice since you were
reading a "Christian" book. Instead of your thoughts entering the door of
"Christ Jesus crucified" they were taken through the door of
"mysticism/humanistic philosophy." And the reality is that the “wisdom”
throughout this book is consistent with the example and the Scriptural
misquote already sited. It has nothing to do with the wisdom which Paul
describes in I Corinthians.
Thus, Warren begins his book laying a humanistic philosophy based in the
original creation as if the fall was inconsequential to you. At the same time
he is negating and twisting texts which normally would clearly describe to us
the need and provision in Christ of His life and a new creation via His
crucifixion, resurrection - and our death and new life in Him.
Chapter 2
No Accident Here
“You Are Not an Accident” is the title of the second chapter of PDL. And
thus Warren continues with his theme of purpose through an understanding
of the original creation. But now he is down to specifics. This really is about
God creating you. And, according to Warren, the thrust of this theme of
purpose via an understanding of the original creation is even found in the
New Testament Scriptures! That is – in his misuse in using the Message
Bible and then misapplying Scripture! Three examples should suffice:
1. (p.24) “Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind,
had settled on us as the focus of his love.” (Ephesians 1:4a, Message Bible)
KJV – “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the
world,”
NAS – “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world,”
Do you see a key piece of information that has been left out of the quote? It
is a love “in Him.” It is the fact that this love is a love for His new creation. It
is specifically through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus within the
context of Ephesians 1. {Please read about it further in Ephesians 1.} So
that which is specifically Paul’s intent in Ephesians 1 is twisted to the point of
negation!
2. (p.24) “God decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might
be the most important of all the things he made.” (James 1:18, NCV)
NAS – “In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so
that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures.”
KJV – “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a
kind of first fruits of his creatures.”
Once again we see the very same misapplication. This text is not about our
birth in the original creation. It is about new birth through the gospel of
Jesus Christ!
3. (p.24) “God formed the earth….He did not create it to be empty but
formed it to be inhabited.” (Isaiah 45:18, GWT)
This is a most amazing quote if you are familiar with Martin Luther. The
reason being, the text is in the context of a Scripture which he used in
describing the humanistic “theology of glory” versus his Biblical “theology of
the cross.” This text on creation is in the context of God’s redemptive
purposes for Israel as their Savior! Let’s read the text in a fuller context.
(Isaiah 45:15-22, NAS)
“Truly, Thou art a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, Savior! ....
Israel has been saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation;
You will not be put to shame or humiliated to all eternity.
For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens
(He is the God who formed the earth and made it,
He established it and did not create it a waste place,
But formed it to be inhabited),
I am the Lord, and there is none else….
And there is no other God beside Me,
A righteous God and a Savior;
There is none except Me.
Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth;
For I am God, and there is no other”
As you can see, this text about creation is in the context of God being the
Savior of Israel, who is the special object of His love. Its’ context is about a
specific redeeming love – not a universal original creation love. But when
you read Warren’s comments just before and after his quote – it is quite
obvious he is applying this universally to a love for creation apart from God
being a Savior. And Luther specifically saw verse 15 as pivotal to his
theology of the cross. “Truly, Thou art a God who hides Himself.” For
Luther, God’s “glory” is now hidden behind His cross!!! You can not see or
know it clearly – unless you truly behold the One who died on Calvary, the
Lord Jesus Christ!!!
So it is not about God’s love in the original creation! It is specifically about
His love in Christ Jesus. This love was planned from eternity for His own and
exhibited in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ! Warren
misapplies Holy Scripture in all of the above instances. And it is not that he
simply leaves the theme out of these particular quotes – he leaves it out of
the whole chapter! Go ahead - look for it – you won’t find it. The New
Testament is very specific as to the One who was given for us in the gospel
– so that we are made new creatures in Christ. The love of God is not
“outside” of the demonstration at Calvary due to the fact that we are fallen
creatures. It is specific to the Lord Jesus Christ who died on Calvary to
redeem us. John 3:16 starts with the adverb “thus” or “so” which relates the
love expressed in Christ to what went just before the familiar text. The
children of Israel are being bitten by serpents and dying in the wilderness.
And God intervenes. This is redeeming love! It is not original creation love
– it is recreating love. But Warren’s humanistic theme based on the original
creation remains intact. And now he adds another ingredient – he misapplies
the specifics of God’s love and re-creation in Christ Jesus – as if they were
universal.
Chapter 3
The “Driving Force”
“What is the driving force in your life?” is the question that begins this
chapter. Evidently this internal force is not meeting its potential. Warren lists
five reasons why the human condition can miss the goal and suggests there
are many other reasons. The problem according to Warren: this force that
drives your life hasn’t come under the guidance of God’s purposes. In other
words, it is misdirected, unfocused and misinformed. But Jeremiah 17:9 gives
a different assessment of this “force” that drives our life: “The heart is more
deceitful than all else, and is desperately sick, who can understand it?”
(NASB) This is a bit of a different take on the subject, wouldn’t you say?
What is the driving force in my life? Could it possibly be a deceitful heart?
This is not what postmodern man wants to hear, is it? So it is not
mentioned. So Warren is letting us know that this is what the “God of the
Bible” is all about: He is there to grant purpose to our misdirected “driving
force” of life. Nothing could be further from the truth! God is the author of
new life in Jesus Christ – not a refocused or redirected old life. But - you
might say that Warren informs his readers that God is in the business of
giving “fresh” starts! So what is the problem? This is true – but it is not true.
That is because God is in the “business” of recreating. II Corinthians 5:17
says: “Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things
passed away; behold, new things have come.” (NASB) The “fresh start”
comes from a “new heart” given in a new creation according to this passage.
(The old “driving force of life” heart is crucified.) And it is God who
establishes this new relationship when He saves us. {It can be generally
noted in Warren’s writings and even his website that he often thinks like this:
I will show you how you can establish a relationship with Jesus Christ.} But
the reality is that we have the “fresh start” only as the result of being saved
and it is He that does it. Not vice versa. And it happens when we
acknowledge our need for a Savior from sin – not our need for an avatar of
purpose who Warren says is the God of the Bible and is evidently also the
author/creator of this “driving force” of life. The real Jesus is Savior FROM
SIN not Avatar FOR PURPOSE whom we then call “Savior.” Thus, Warren’s
humanism remains intact, is clarified and enhanced toward his ultimate
conclusions.
Chapter 4
Death as “Unfair”
The results of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden were total and
devastating. They are (not were) spiritual and physical death, along with a
few specific curses for Adam and Eve and the serpent. It was the just due of
man before a Holy God and it was God’s curse upon their disobedience. Yet
Warren says that “death always seems unnatural and unfair.” (p.37). Why
does he throw this “spin” upon the curse of God? And the real tragedy of
death is the second death according to the Holy Scripture which is eternal
separation from God. And apart from Jesus Christ the condition of any of us
is eternity without God. We are spiritually dead in trespasses and sins.
(Ephesians 2:1) And death is what our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ had
to conquer on our behalf! And unless God in His infinite mercy and grace
saves us through the gospel – we remain in our already lost condition. Let
me say this again – unless Jesus Christ in His infinite grace and mercy –
saves you and I from our sinful condition – we have no hope! And physical
death is not unfair – it is a curse - and God’s curse at that. It is the result of
our sin before a holy God. Physical death is absolutely not a “door to
eternity” (p.40) that we go through which will be our “birthday into eternal
life.” (p.40) Death is the result of our disobedience in Adam! And unless we
already possess the life of our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ – it is a very
awful day indeed. But you should carefully note that Warren never clearly
presents Christ Jesus as Resurrected Lord, the One who conquered death,
who destroyed the powers of darkness at Calvary nor Coming King on the
clouds of heaven in the first seven chapters! And yet, if you wait for two
more chapters, he will offer a prayer you can quietly whisper. And when you
do you have “believed” and become a part of the family of God on page 59.
However, it is spiritually deadly to present death as unfair, when it is actually
a curse – and then present death as a “door” – and then present a “Jesus”
as waiting for us on the other side of this door which he says is our
“birthday” - and then to forget to mention that death is what our resurrected
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had to conquer on our behalf! But this is what
Warren has done! The real Jesus is Lord over HELL, DEATH and THE
GRAVE not the one we call “Lord” who is waiting for us on the other side of
this DOOR CALLED DEATH.
After reading chapters 1-4, I can imagine a conversation between the
Serpent and Eve after the fall of man that might have gone something like
this:
Eve: I thought you said we would gain wisdom in eating the fruit. Instead we
got what God calls death.
Serpent: Death? And you say He kicked you out of the garden? Doesn’t
that seem a bit unfair of God? Seems to me that is kind of taking things to
the extreme a bit.
Eve: Well – it does seem kind of extreme.
Serpent: God is only implying death is bad so that He can keep you from
disobeying Him again. He seems a bit obsessive about this obedience thing
– don’t you think? Maybe you should go back and talk with Him about it.
And besides – you are created in His image. That should carry a little weight
when you talk with Him. Maybe He’ll change His mind about this “death”
thing. And you know – He is a very loving God.
Eve: Well – yes – Adam and I did know Him as such.
Serpent: What you don’t understand is that what God labels as death is
really just a door into heaven. And there is a party on the other side. I’ve
been there and seen it! Someday when you die you will find this out.
Besides – I think you have already paid enough of a price for just one act of
disobedience. Don’t you think?
Eve: Yeah. Well, maybe. Actually – you’re absolutely right – we have paid
quite a price already – getting kicked out of the garden and all. Oh – so
then I guess I don’t have to really worry much about this death thing? After
all – you are right - I was created in His image. In fact – now that you have
shared with me about it being my birthday into heaven – I can almost look
forward to it. So I shouldn’t worry?
Serpent: I wouldn’t.
Eve: But I am still kind of curious as to why God said He had to kill this Lamb
and put his skin on us? I wonder - which one did he kill? Adam named all
the kinds of animals - but I named each of them you know. It never seemed
before like He would do such a thing? It seems sort of out of character for
Him. It is as if He was angry with us.
Serpent: But how can He be angry and still love you? I don’t think He would
change like that – do you? And God said He had to pour forth the life of that
little lamb just so you could have its’ skin? Since you didn’t need it before –
why would you need it now?
Eve: Well – God has a little different “spin” on this death and image thing….
Chapter 5
Getting a “handle” on life
“Seeing” is “shaping.” Or so it goes with Warren’s view of life. “How you
define life determines your destiny.”(p.41) Ponder this statement as a
created being for just a moment. I am sure that the last time you looked at
the stars in the heavens this is the exact phrase that crossed your mind –
am I right????
Warren has this incredible capacity to say or give the impression that he is
being God-centered in his thinking. And yet everything is turned back upon
man as being the central focus. This chapter has a section that deals with
the “tests” and “trusts” of our lives as a “stewardship” before God. And they
are probably accurate statements for the most part. But what is their
context? Is Warren saying man is creature or “determinator.” He has
brought “God” into the picture but is it the sovereign God of the universe?
Do his “stewardship” statements become misstatements because they are
not centered upon the reality of life from God in Christ Jesus? They don’t
seem to be based on the sovereignty of God in such life. This chapter is
about the possibility of you gaining or reclaiming or refocusing a life which he
then calls the purpose-driven® life. And in the process you shape that life.
But that can’t be the Christian life because the Christian life is about Jesus
Christ giving us His life. The Scriptures state that “in Him was Life” and that
“He who has the Son has Life.” First – we have a new life in Christ Jesus. It
is His life given for us and to us. And because we have been purchased by
Him based on His redemption at Calvary – our lives are not our own. So
then, how could it be about you shaping your life when such life is not your
own? It is supposed to be about the new life a Christian has been given as a
gift through the Lord Jesus Christ. And the stewardship is our continual
response to His sovereign work in and through us. Therefore, we don’t
determine our stewardship because we don’t determine our destiny. This
new stewardship we are given is within the framework and sovereign control
of an all holy, loving and providential Creator. Unfortunately, Warren’s
humanistic underpinnings once again shine brightly.
Chapter 6
Citizens, Strangers – And Rejected
Most people sure don’t act like the world is only their temporal home. Maybe
that is why we have to be told. Warren tells us in this chapter that our life is
a temporary assignment. True! And it is a mistake to assume that the goal
of God for your life is “worldly” success. True! And that every one of us
really has a “dual” citizenship. True! And that the physical place called “this
earth” is not our final home. True! And that as a disciple of Jesus Christ
you have the potential to be reviled and misunderstood and labeled an
enemy by the “god” of this present evil age along with those upon this earth.
And in fact such disciples of Jesus Christ have the potential to be put to
death for their beliefs. Oops! Warren has left that out. The lofty thoughts as
presented in this chapter have nothing to do with the “cutting edge” nature
and character of Holy Scripture, the call of Jesus Christ for His disciples, the
experiences of all the Apostles, let alone Jesus Himself, and anything
remotely associated with the challenges of the Christian life. By that I mean -
what the rest of the world knows as Christianity compared with the
“Americanized” version of the Christian life. Why don’t Americans suffer for
the gospel of Jesus Christ? One reason only. We refuse. We must only be
“contagious” Christians. Well – that is certainly better than being an
“obnoxious” Christian. But it is not what it means to be an ambassador of
another kingdom when that kingdom is absolutely contrary to your present
living quarters. Paul uses the metaphor of “aroma” in describing the
Christian life in this world. (See II Corinthians 2:14-16) And this aroma is
two different scents – depending on the condition of the person you happen
to be rubbing elbows with at the moment. And although Warren says
Christians are strangers in this world and citizens of another place – he
ultimately just has us “passing through” and pretty comfortably at that, which
is most unfortunate. It in no way even remotely helps us to begin to
understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. This kind of
“discipleship” only flies in Western culture.
Chapter 7
“Failing” to Give Glory to God
Well – it’s time to roll up your sleeves. Fallen man is now going to live for the
glory of God. And how can fallen man bring glory to God. Warren lists five
reasons. And he once again has fallen man look to the original creation –
and specifically Gods’ glory in the creation – to bring us to “faith” and the all
important “purpose-driven®” life. Even Jesus lived this purpose-driven® life
– so you can too! Oops! Oops! Oops! Warren takes his readers through a
series of missteps to bring Jesus to our level and raise fallen man to Jesus’
level.
1. On page 54 he lists a series of opportunities that God has given for fallen
man to “see” God’s glory. Jesus is one in the list. NO! Jesus is NOT one in
a list!
2. Immediately following this statement Warren has a perfect opportunity to
tell us that Jesus is Unique and Incarnate Deity. He quotes John 1:14. But he
leaves from the quote: “glory as of the only-begotten from the Father” which
is a specific reference to His deity. And this is in the context where he says
that Jesus is one who “illumines” the world. Many people and religions in the
world view Jesus as someone who “illumines” the world, including those who
believe in the Christ of the New Age movement. And some view him even as
someone who “came into the world” but not uniquely. But they do not see His
uniqueness as Incarnate Deity, and Lord and Savior in their Biblical context.
And even the word “son” is not defined specifically in many peoples’ minds,
nor is it by Warren. It is used very uniquely of Jesus in the Scriptures.
3. On page 55, “Jesus honored God by fulfilling his purpose on earth. We
honor God the same way.” Once again, Warren belittles the uniqueness of
Christ and elevates the abilities of man. Within the immediate context it is
about us “refusing to give glory to God” and – so - now it is time. But the
truth is – we can’t – not apart from the unique ministry of Jesus Christ! It is
not Christ’s example for us to then also “copy” because we decide we too
can live to God’s glory. It is the reality of our obedience within the context of
Christ’s redemptive work and His saving and recreating us. He is the only
reason we can live to God’s glory and the glory of the gospel.
4. Jesus struggled with following a difficult path to bring glory to God on page
57 – just like you. When he was facing His crucifixion was when this was
made clear. Warren states “Jesus stood at a fork in the road. Would he fulfill
his purpose and bring glory to God, or would he shrink back and live a
comfortable, self-centered life? You face the same choice.” Why does
Warren think that Jesus can shrink back and live a “sinful” life???? And how
in the world can either you or I be facing the same choice in the same way
that Jesus did? Do you see this quote as belittling to our Savior and as self-
glorifying of man? And this takes place just moments before people are
asked to “believe” on him. Why does it sound to me like you are really being
asked to “believe on yourself?” (See my review “The Jesus Who Stood at a
Fork in the Road” – www.atrueandfaithfulwitness.com/fork.htm)
So now we come to the ground of the cross. And what do we find there.
After 7 chapters Warren asks us to consider: “It’s time to settle this issue.
Who are you going to live for – yourself or God?” (page. 58)
Not – it’s time to understand you are a fallen sinful creature.
Instead – “believe you’re not an accident”
Not – it’s time for you to be crucified!
Instead – “believe you were made to last forever”
Not – it’s time to realize the Savior bore the wrath of God for your sinful
condition!Instead – “believe that no matter what you’ve done, God wants to
forgive you.”
Not – it’s time to repent of your sins.
Instead – “believe God loves you and made you for his purposes.”
Not – it’s time to be broken and amazed at holy, redeeming and unmerited
love.
Instead – “believe that no matter what you’ve done, God wants to forgive
you.”
So when you look at the cross what do you think? “Who are you going to
live for…” Or – Is this what it cost My Lord and Savior? “What wondrous love
is this, that caused the Lord of bliss, to bear the dreadful curse – for my
soul.”
The sad fact is Warren soothes our souls instead of allowing the Spirit of
God to bring conviction to us of our sinful ways. He does this through a
combination of two things. First is the constant emphasis on general
revelation in the original creation. These things always find a “yes” response
in the human heart!!! But second is the constant watering-down of the
abiding and enduring realities of man’s already present fallen and lost
condition before a Holy God. And the lack of horror of that condition before
a holy God - which Jesus Himself clearly understood in the Garden of
Gethsemane – since He would bear that penalty! These two things are a
spiritually deadly combination. The final stage is set for us along this path
by his expressing his gospel in terms of “whispering” a prayer that puts a
change of eternity in your hands - instead of being “convicted” by the Spirit
as a sinner with sorrow for that sin, repenting and trusting the Savior, our
Lord Jesus Christ. Only He can change a destiny. Warren’s gospel is not
about our conversion in Jesus Christ. It is not about the “crucifixion” of our
sinful nature. “Let Jesus do the dying – I want to live!” seems to be its’
mantra. Unfortunately, the western world is filled with this kind of “gospel”
message. It is not about Christ Jesus crucified for sinners as Paul
preached. The Apostle Paul said he gloried in the cross of our Lord Jesus
Christ (Galatians 6:14) and that the word of the cross (i.e. its’ meaning”) is
foolishness to those who are perishing (I Corinthians 1:18). The same text
says the saved view it differently. It is the power of God.
Since this chapter is about “failing to give glory to God’ let’s look at three
fundamental concepts as it relates to God’s glory and man’s failure to give
glory to God:
1. Romans 1:23 - This text says about man that we “exchanged the glory of
the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man…” In man’
s fallen condition he is most willing to exchange a true view of God’s glory for
a perverted one. How does man do this? He exchanges the revelation of
the character of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. If we don’t like the
fact that God is holy – we pervert His image. If we don’t like the fact that God’
s love is specific through His Son, Jesus Christ – we make it universal. If we
don’t like the fact that God’s wrath is revealed from heaven – we say that His
love in Christ already has affected our eternal outcome, we just don’t know it
yet, etc. We repaint God in our image – and then “accept” or “believe” him.
We should be careful that someone doesn’t help us to do this. We can not
exchange the revelation of the God of the Bible as One who is ALL Holy and
ALL Righteous and ALL Loving and in ALL of these Immutable - so that he is
then made palatable for fallen man. If we do we have exchanged the
images. And, yet, we have still been told it is “gospel.”
2. The outcome of exchanging the glory of God is “double-speak.” Warren
says he is helping us to glory in God. And yet, clearly, he glories in man
bringing his “driving life force” under the direction of the Creator. But as
such, it cannot possibly be glorying in God because it does not glory in the
God who recreates us in Christ Jesus through the message of the cross.
That is not what Paul or any of the apostles preached or expected to take
place in the word of the cross. Warren’s “gospel” strokes and soothes our
Adamic ego to then bring it to “faith.”
3. In a careful reading of the Apostle Paul in the Holy Scriptures as relating
to “glory” one finds a very important fact. He did not glory in the God of
creation, he did not glory in the “feelings” he got through worship, he did not
glory in what he had accomplished, he did not glory in his own Christian life
or walk - he only gloried in the cross of Jesus Christ – by his own words!
(Galatians 6:14) Warren is quite content to have the cross be one of a
number of things which seems to be in our hands to bring glory to God. If we
do this we no longer glory only in the Lord Jesus Christ of the gospel.
And now – what I promised in my introduction. Further proof of my
conviction of this is found in the first session of his “40 Days of Purpose”
video tape (Fall 2003). This first session, which introduces this book into
many churches and which supposedly introduces people to Christ, fails to
even mention that Jesus had to go to Calvary to die for our sins! Does that
sound like “glorying” in the God who placed His Son on the cross for you?
And yet he leads people in a prayer and welcomes them into “the family of
God.” And many Christians sit under the preaching of the tape not even
realizing that is what has happened! Not realizing it was a different gospel
means you were mesmerized into believing it was something that it was not!
What spirit did that to you? And, unfortunately, people who prayed the
prayer were told something they should have never been told based on his
“gospel” presentation. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. And
only the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. The Holy Spirit has
absolutely nothing to do with an unholy gospel - no matter if you pray until
you are blue in the face! True Biblical faith only comes in the preaching and
receiving of the true gospel. When someone arrives (even via a video tape)
and delivers a “different gospel” there is a Scriptural understanding and
obedience which all true Christians should realize at that point. {Carefully
read and understand your call in Galatians 1:6-10 and II John 1:8-11} This is
why my review of this book is so forthright. I simply see in chapters 1-7 a
continuation and confirmation of the first session of the video tape. And
there is something far worse than not being converted to the Lord Jesus
Christ of the gospel – it is not being converted and then being told that you
are going to heaven. Pray this doesn’t happen to you or someone you love.
Copyright 2005, David Sheldon, all rights reserved. Can be photocopied
without charge only in its entirety including copyright information but only for
personal use or for use in small groups when leader has agreed to such
use. It cannot be edited or altered in any way. It can not be published for
profit in any form.
You can link to this article on your website as “A Purpose-Shaped Worldview
– Critique of PDL"
www.atrueandfaithfulwitness.com/PDLCritique.htm
For More Articles Like This Go To: www.atrueandfaithfulwitness.com
(Brief critique of chapters 1-7 of The Purpose-Driven® Life)
One only has to watch the news or read their newspaper to see that The
Purpose-Driven® Life by Rick Warren has a strong appeal to a variety of
people. There must be a reason why this is so. Is it that the message is so
profound and precise that we meet the God of the Bible between its covers?
Or could it have such a mixed and esoteric message that anyone could find
something in the book that is poignant to them. The real message of this
book may be in just noticing all the different kinds of people who you see
enamored with it! The reality is there seems to be underlying philosophies
and “wisdom” in the PDL book which could be purposefully laying the
groundwork for a growing world religion and humanistic spirituality. This
brief online review of chapters 1-7 of PDL is an attempt to help you
understand its “theology” and mood. And, if you have the patience, the
review of the final chapter will help you to understand why I am so forthright
in my assessments.
Introduction
Chapter 1 – Purpose in Creation or Purpose in Redemption
Chapter 2 – No Accident Here
Chapter 3 – The “Driving Force”
Chapter 4 – Death as “Unfair”
Chapter 5 – Getting a “Handle” on Life
Chapter 6 – Citizens, Strangers – And Rejected
Chapter 7 – “Failing” to Give Glory to God
Introduction
The world loves to hear about the love of God! Right? But only about the
“love of God” in the original creation! And the first seven chapters of PDL
are filled with that reality. The book begins with the title “It All Starts with
God.” But it should be “It All Starts with God’s Original Intention in Creating.”
Unfortunately, that “original intention” about which the Scriptures actually
give us very little knowledge is over and done with because of the fall of
man! Therefore, we could say:
Are we fearfully and wonderfully made? Answer: Yes.
Shouldn’t this wonderful fact save us? Answer: No.
Isn’t it wonderful that we have an internal revelation from our creator that we
are eternal creatures? Answer: Yes.
Doesn’t this wonderful revelation give us a sure hope of eternity with Him?
Answer: No.
Isn’t it wonderful that when we look at the creation we know there must be a
creator? Answer: Yes.
Does that mean we each have the internal potential to know this creator in
our present condition? Answer: No.
Is each of us created in the image of God? Answer: Yes
Then “salvation” must just be seeing oneself in this light? Answer: No
Get the point? The hope of salvation for a true Christian or for anyone who
is pondering the claims of Jesus Christ is not based in “general revelation”
which is the term that has been coined to describe the above types of
questions. In the first three chapters of the book of Romans when Paul is
laying out his gospel message he first shows how utterly needy and
depraved we are in our circumstances as fallen man within the creation!
Every man is without excuse. And, in fact, the revelation of the fact that
there is a God is indeed skewed by the fallen human heart. Paul uses the
word “exchange” in Romans. So that even though we have a revelation of
the fact of God, because of our sinful hearts we won’t acknowledge the
revelation but instead “exchange” it for false worship. And the reason we do
it is because of our fallen original creation “idolatrous” hearts. This is the
foundation which Paul uses to then show us the need for a Savior! Warren
lays the groundwork for his “gospel” using the exact opposite tactic. Yes –
he, like Paul, spends time talking about God the Creator. And he will talk
about “sin” later on. But the reasons and goals seem different.
CHAPTER ONE
Purpose in Creation or Purpose in Redemption
This chapter is marketed as being all about starting with God. But instead
the chapter focuses upon filling our minds with thoughts about the image of
the one created – man – as related to the original creation. The problem is
that just being born into this world does not equate with being born “by his
purpose and for his purpose” (p.17) in a necessarily good sense. If we were
not fallen creatures in Adam – we could agree with what Warren is stating.
But the reality is that we are born “in Adam” as rebellious to God. He uses
the text of Colossians 1:16 at the very start to introduce his statement. But
this quote is specific to the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the pre-
eminence of Jesus Christ as Lord over all of His creation. He does not
include the full text which also says that he created all things “whether
thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities.” Why is this significant? It is
this. Jesus Christ is Lord over everything that has been created, whether it
is in rebellion to Him or not! He reigns OVER it! So we must not prematurely
take assurance or comfort in the fact that He has made everything for His
purpose because even the devil and hell itself fulfills a specific purpose of
God.
Next, we must ask if this chapter really is all about God why does he
misquote and misapply text of Scripture that enhance man’s image in his
fallen state. The following three points in chapter 1 confirm my statement.
1. Warren says (p.18) “Many people try to use God for their own self-
actualization…” He then denies that is what his book is about. Then
continuing with his thought two paragraphs later on the very next page he
quotes from:
The Message Bible – “Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my
way, to finding yourself, your true self.”
The same Scripture in the NAS Bible – “For whoever wishes to save his life
shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.”
The same Scripture in the KJV Bible – “For whosoever will save his life shall
lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.”
The Message Bible misquotes Holy Scripture! The context of the passage in
question is of course the verse before: Matthew 16:24 – “If any man will
come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
{KJV}
Ponder for a moment the mistranslation: “self-sacrifice is…my way” versus
the true meaning “whoever loses his life for My sake.” This is not about self
“doing” through “self-sacrifice” so “self” can attain a “self” identity. In context
it is about self “dying” - and - it is about the new object found, which is Jesus
Christ - Himself, and not that which is supposedly the “true” self. This is the
death of self to Christ. It is conversion – not self-actualization through self-
sacrifice. And it is about a new identity but only as it relates to Jesus Christ
and for His sake. Even though he says his book is not about self-
actualization he uses a mistranslation of Scripture which makes this text
seem like it is about self-actualization - which it is not. The Message Bible
quote is obviously a very poor paraphrase of the Holy Scriptures which is
then used by Warren to support his point.
2. Warren claims (p. 20) that we can have “God’s wisdom” from the Word of
God. He then quotes from the Bible a reference about God's wisdom in I
Corinthians 2:7. Yet on the next page in describing this “wisdom” he relates
the following story of someone who had an “experience” of deity. (p.21)
“Suddenly, all by itself, a phrase appeared: Without God life makes no
sense. Repeating it in astonishment, I rode the phrase up like a moving
staircase, got out of the metro and walked into God’s light.” He then
summarizes your purpose for life (via his book) as you walking into the light.
You should have just read a statement in a book on New Age Mysticism. At
least you would have known it was New Age Mysticism! But you just read
this in a “Christian” book. But it doesn't matter what it is labeled. It only
matters if it is truth. God’s wisdom that Paul describes in I Corinthians 2:7
and to which Warren relates on page 20 is the wisdom of the cross! You
can read about its’ wisdom in I Corinthians 1:17-2:2 which is just before the
passage he quoted! Jesus had to be crucified because we are sinners! This
is the only way we can be saved. And the wisdom of the cross is that God
can still be a holy God and yet can save sinners in the foolishness of the
gospel preached. This wisdom is not that we can decide through some
mystical experience that we need God and we secure the knowledge of God
by our walk into the “light.” Salvation is of God and is based in the message
of Christ crucified for sinners. So his example leads us astray.
3. And his quote of I Corinthians 2:7 leads us astray as well.
Here is his quote from the Message Bible of this text.
“God’s wisdom…goes deep into the interior of his purposes…It’s not the
latest message, but more like the oldest – what God determined as the way
to bring out his best in us.”
Now let’s read the quote from the New American Standard Version:
“But we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God
predestined before the ages to our glory;”
Now we read from the King James Version:
“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom,
which God ordained before the world unto our glory:”
As you can see, the Message Bible is misquoting the Holy Word of God once
again! God’s wisdom is the reality of His being able to save us through the
gospel as Paul had already made clear in I Corinthians1:17-2:2. That is
what is to "our glory." It was determined this way from eternity and it is His
wisdom – Christ crucified for sinners! In our conversion He makes us new
creatures in Christ Jesus with a new life from and in Him. This wisdom is not
“God bringing out his best in us.” In fact, the Scriptures say that our "old
man" (sinful nature) was crucified at Calvary when we were placed "in
Christ." (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:6) God did not "bring out his best in us"
in crucifying Christ. In Christ Jesus, He forgave us all of our sins, identifying
us with His crucified Son on Calvary, and recreating us anew, giving us a
new heart!
Unfortunately, Warren takes you through the door of a different wisdom and
labels it God’s wisdom. And you probably didn’t even notice since you were
reading a "Christian" book. Instead of your thoughts entering the door of
"Christ Jesus crucified" they were taken through the door of
"mysticism/humanistic philosophy." And the reality is that the “wisdom”
throughout this book is consistent with the example and the Scriptural
misquote already sited. It has nothing to do with the wisdom which Paul
describes in I Corinthians.
Thus, Warren begins his book laying a humanistic philosophy based in the
original creation as if the fall was inconsequential to you. At the same time
he is negating and twisting texts which normally would clearly describe to us
the need and provision in Christ of His life and a new creation via His
crucifixion, resurrection - and our death and new life in Him.
Chapter 2
No Accident Here
“You Are Not an Accident” is the title of the second chapter of PDL. And
thus Warren continues with his theme of purpose through an understanding
of the original creation. But now he is down to specifics. This really is about
God creating you. And, according to Warren, the thrust of this theme of
purpose via an understanding of the original creation is even found in the
New Testament Scriptures! That is – in his misuse in using the Message
Bible and then misapplying Scripture! Three examples should suffice:
1. (p.24) “Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind,
had settled on us as the focus of his love.” (Ephesians 1:4a, Message Bible)
KJV – “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the
world,”
NAS – “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world,”
Do you see a key piece of information that has been left out of the quote? It
is a love “in Him.” It is the fact that this love is a love for His new creation. It
is specifically through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus within the
context of Ephesians 1. {Please read about it further in Ephesians 1.} So
that which is specifically Paul’s intent in Ephesians 1 is twisted to the point of
negation!
2. (p.24) “God decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might
be the most important of all the things he made.” (James 1:18, NCV)
NAS – “In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so
that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures.”
KJV – “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a
kind of first fruits of his creatures.”
Once again we see the very same misapplication. This text is not about our
birth in the original creation. It is about new birth through the gospel of
Jesus Christ!
3. (p.24) “God formed the earth….He did not create it to be empty but
formed it to be inhabited.” (Isaiah 45:18, GWT)
This is a most amazing quote if you are familiar with Martin Luther. The
reason being, the text is in the context of a Scripture which he used in
describing the humanistic “theology of glory” versus his Biblical “theology of
the cross.” This text on creation is in the context of God’s redemptive
purposes for Israel as their Savior! Let’s read the text in a fuller context.
(Isaiah 45:15-22, NAS)
“Truly, Thou art a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, Savior! ....
Israel has been saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation;
You will not be put to shame or humiliated to all eternity.
For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens
(He is the God who formed the earth and made it,
He established it and did not create it a waste place,
But formed it to be inhabited),
I am the Lord, and there is none else….
And there is no other God beside Me,
A righteous God and a Savior;
There is none except Me.
Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth;
For I am God, and there is no other”
As you can see, this text about creation is in the context of God being the
Savior of Israel, who is the special object of His love. Its’ context is about a
specific redeeming love – not a universal original creation love. But when
you read Warren’s comments just before and after his quote – it is quite
obvious he is applying this universally to a love for creation apart from God
being a Savior. And Luther specifically saw verse 15 as pivotal to his
theology of the cross. “Truly, Thou art a God who hides Himself.” For
Luther, God’s “glory” is now hidden behind His cross!!! You can not see or
know it clearly – unless you truly behold the One who died on Calvary, the
Lord Jesus Christ!!!
So it is not about God’s love in the original creation! It is specifically about
His love in Christ Jesus. This love was planned from eternity for His own and
exhibited in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ! Warren
misapplies Holy Scripture in all of the above instances. And it is not that he
simply leaves the theme out of these particular quotes – he leaves it out of
the whole chapter! Go ahead - look for it – you won’t find it. The New
Testament is very specific as to the One who was given for us in the gospel
– so that we are made new creatures in Christ. The love of God is not
“outside” of the demonstration at Calvary due to the fact that we are fallen
creatures. It is specific to the Lord Jesus Christ who died on Calvary to
redeem us. John 3:16 starts with the adverb “thus” or “so” which relates the
love expressed in Christ to what went just before the familiar text. The
children of Israel are being bitten by serpents and dying in the wilderness.
And God intervenes. This is redeeming love! It is not original creation love
– it is recreating love. But Warren’s humanistic theme based on the original
creation remains intact. And now he adds another ingredient – he misapplies
the specifics of God’s love and re-creation in Christ Jesus – as if they were
universal.
Chapter 3
The “Driving Force”
“What is the driving force in your life?” is the question that begins this
chapter. Evidently this internal force is not meeting its potential. Warren lists
five reasons why the human condition can miss the goal and suggests there
are many other reasons. The problem according to Warren: this force that
drives your life hasn’t come under the guidance of God’s purposes. In other
words, it is misdirected, unfocused and misinformed. But Jeremiah 17:9 gives
a different assessment of this “force” that drives our life: “The heart is more
deceitful than all else, and is desperately sick, who can understand it?”
(NASB) This is a bit of a different take on the subject, wouldn’t you say?
What is the driving force in my life? Could it possibly be a deceitful heart?
This is not what postmodern man wants to hear, is it? So it is not
mentioned. So Warren is letting us know that this is what the “God of the
Bible” is all about: He is there to grant purpose to our misdirected “driving
force” of life. Nothing could be further from the truth! God is the author of
new life in Jesus Christ – not a refocused or redirected old life. But - you
might say that Warren informs his readers that God is in the business of
giving “fresh” starts! So what is the problem? This is true – but it is not true.
That is because God is in the “business” of recreating. II Corinthians 5:17
says: “Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things
passed away; behold, new things have come.” (NASB) The “fresh start”
comes from a “new heart” given in a new creation according to this passage.
(The old “driving force of life” heart is crucified.) And it is God who
establishes this new relationship when He saves us. {It can be generally
noted in Warren’s writings and even his website that he often thinks like this:
I will show you how you can establish a relationship with Jesus Christ.} But
the reality is that we have the “fresh start” only as the result of being saved
and it is He that does it. Not vice versa. And it happens when we
acknowledge our need for a Savior from sin – not our need for an avatar of
purpose who Warren says is the God of the Bible and is evidently also the
author/creator of this “driving force” of life. The real Jesus is Savior FROM
SIN not Avatar FOR PURPOSE whom we then call “Savior.” Thus, Warren’s
humanism remains intact, is clarified and enhanced toward his ultimate
conclusions.
Chapter 4
Death as “Unfair”
The results of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden were total and
devastating. They are (not were) spiritual and physical death, along with a
few specific curses for Adam and Eve and the serpent. It was the just due of
man before a Holy God and it was God’s curse upon their disobedience. Yet
Warren says that “death always seems unnatural and unfair.” (p.37). Why
does he throw this “spin” upon the curse of God? And the real tragedy of
death is the second death according to the Holy Scripture which is eternal
separation from God. And apart from Jesus Christ the condition of any of us
is eternity without God. We are spiritually dead in trespasses and sins.
(Ephesians 2:1) And death is what our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ had
to conquer on our behalf! And unless God in His infinite mercy and grace
saves us through the gospel – we remain in our already lost condition. Let
me say this again – unless Jesus Christ in His infinite grace and mercy –
saves you and I from our sinful condition – we have no hope! And physical
death is not unfair – it is a curse - and God’s curse at that. It is the result of
our sin before a holy God. Physical death is absolutely not a “door to
eternity” (p.40) that we go through which will be our “birthday into eternal
life.” (p.40) Death is the result of our disobedience in Adam! And unless we
already possess the life of our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ – it is a very
awful day indeed. But you should carefully note that Warren never clearly
presents Christ Jesus as Resurrected Lord, the One who conquered death,
who destroyed the powers of darkness at Calvary nor Coming King on the
clouds of heaven in the first seven chapters! And yet, if you wait for two
more chapters, he will offer a prayer you can quietly whisper. And when you
do you have “believed” and become a part of the family of God on page 59.
However, it is spiritually deadly to present death as unfair, when it is actually
a curse – and then present death as a “door” – and then present a “Jesus”
as waiting for us on the other side of this door which he says is our
“birthday” - and then to forget to mention that death is what our resurrected
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had to conquer on our behalf! But this is what
Warren has done! The real Jesus is Lord over HELL, DEATH and THE
GRAVE not the one we call “Lord” who is waiting for us on the other side of
this DOOR CALLED DEATH.
After reading chapters 1-4, I can imagine a conversation between the
Serpent and Eve after the fall of man that might have gone something like
this:
Eve: I thought you said we would gain wisdom in eating the fruit. Instead we
got what God calls death.
Serpent: Death? And you say He kicked you out of the garden? Doesn’t
that seem a bit unfair of God? Seems to me that is kind of taking things to
the extreme a bit.
Eve: Well – it does seem kind of extreme.
Serpent: God is only implying death is bad so that He can keep you from
disobeying Him again. He seems a bit obsessive about this obedience thing
– don’t you think? Maybe you should go back and talk with Him about it.
And besides – you are created in His image. That should carry a little weight
when you talk with Him. Maybe He’ll change His mind about this “death”
thing. And you know – He is a very loving God.
Eve: Well – yes – Adam and I did know Him as such.
Serpent: What you don’t understand is that what God labels as death is
really just a door into heaven. And there is a party on the other side. I’ve
been there and seen it! Someday when you die you will find this out.
Besides – I think you have already paid enough of a price for just one act of
disobedience. Don’t you think?
Eve: Yeah. Well, maybe. Actually – you’re absolutely right – we have paid
quite a price already – getting kicked out of the garden and all. Oh – so
then I guess I don’t have to really worry much about this death thing? After
all – you are right - I was created in His image. In fact – now that you have
shared with me about it being my birthday into heaven – I can almost look
forward to it. So I shouldn’t worry?
Serpent: I wouldn’t.
Eve: But I am still kind of curious as to why God said He had to kill this Lamb
and put his skin on us? I wonder - which one did he kill? Adam named all
the kinds of animals - but I named each of them you know. It never seemed
before like He would do such a thing? It seems sort of out of character for
Him. It is as if He was angry with us.
Serpent: But how can He be angry and still love you? I don’t think He would
change like that – do you? And God said He had to pour forth the life of that
little lamb just so you could have its’ skin? Since you didn’t need it before –
why would you need it now?
Eve: Well – God has a little different “spin” on this death and image thing….
Chapter 5
Getting a “handle” on life
“Seeing” is “shaping.” Or so it goes with Warren’s view of life. “How you
define life determines your destiny.”(p.41) Ponder this statement as a
created being for just a moment. I am sure that the last time you looked at
the stars in the heavens this is the exact phrase that crossed your mind –
am I right????
Warren has this incredible capacity to say or give the impression that he is
being God-centered in his thinking. And yet everything is turned back upon
man as being the central focus. This chapter has a section that deals with
the “tests” and “trusts” of our lives as a “stewardship” before God. And they
are probably accurate statements for the most part. But what is their
context? Is Warren saying man is creature or “determinator.” He has
brought “God” into the picture but is it the sovereign God of the universe?
Do his “stewardship” statements become misstatements because they are
not centered upon the reality of life from God in Christ Jesus? They don’t
seem to be based on the sovereignty of God in such life. This chapter is
about the possibility of you gaining or reclaiming or refocusing a life which he
then calls the purpose-driven® life. And in the process you shape that life.
But that can’t be the Christian life because the Christian life is about Jesus
Christ giving us His life. The Scriptures state that “in Him was Life” and that
“He who has the Son has Life.” First – we have a new life in Christ Jesus. It
is His life given for us and to us. And because we have been purchased by
Him based on His redemption at Calvary – our lives are not our own. So
then, how could it be about you shaping your life when such life is not your
own? It is supposed to be about the new life a Christian has been given as a
gift through the Lord Jesus Christ. And the stewardship is our continual
response to His sovereign work in and through us. Therefore, we don’t
determine our stewardship because we don’t determine our destiny. This
new stewardship we are given is within the framework and sovereign control
of an all holy, loving and providential Creator. Unfortunately, Warren’s
humanistic underpinnings once again shine brightly.
Chapter 6
Citizens, Strangers – And Rejected
Most people sure don’t act like the world is only their temporal home. Maybe
that is why we have to be told. Warren tells us in this chapter that our life is
a temporary assignment. True! And it is a mistake to assume that the goal
of God for your life is “worldly” success. True! And that every one of us
really has a “dual” citizenship. True! And that the physical place called “this
earth” is not our final home. True! And that as a disciple of Jesus Christ
you have the potential to be reviled and misunderstood and labeled an
enemy by the “god” of this present evil age along with those upon this earth.
And in fact such disciples of Jesus Christ have the potential to be put to
death for their beliefs. Oops! Warren has left that out. The lofty thoughts as
presented in this chapter have nothing to do with the “cutting edge” nature
and character of Holy Scripture, the call of Jesus Christ for His disciples, the
experiences of all the Apostles, let alone Jesus Himself, and anything
remotely associated with the challenges of the Christian life. By that I mean -
what the rest of the world knows as Christianity compared with the
“Americanized” version of the Christian life. Why don’t Americans suffer for
the gospel of Jesus Christ? One reason only. We refuse. We must only be
“contagious” Christians. Well – that is certainly better than being an
“obnoxious” Christian. But it is not what it means to be an ambassador of
another kingdom when that kingdom is absolutely contrary to your present
living quarters. Paul uses the metaphor of “aroma” in describing the
Christian life in this world. (See II Corinthians 2:14-16) And this aroma is
two different scents – depending on the condition of the person you happen
to be rubbing elbows with at the moment. And although Warren says
Christians are strangers in this world and citizens of another place – he
ultimately just has us “passing through” and pretty comfortably at that, which
is most unfortunate. It in no way even remotely helps us to begin to
understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. This kind of
“discipleship” only flies in Western culture.
Chapter 7
“Failing” to Give Glory to God
Well – it’s time to roll up your sleeves. Fallen man is now going to live for the
glory of God. And how can fallen man bring glory to God. Warren lists five
reasons. And he once again has fallen man look to the original creation –
and specifically Gods’ glory in the creation – to bring us to “faith” and the all
important “purpose-driven®” life. Even Jesus lived this purpose-driven® life
– so you can too! Oops! Oops! Oops! Warren takes his readers through a
series of missteps to bring Jesus to our level and raise fallen man to Jesus’
level.
1. On page 54 he lists a series of opportunities that God has given for fallen
man to “see” God’s glory. Jesus is one in the list. NO! Jesus is NOT one in
a list!
2. Immediately following this statement Warren has a perfect opportunity to
tell us that Jesus is Unique and Incarnate Deity. He quotes John 1:14. But he
leaves from the quote: “glory as of the only-begotten from the Father” which
is a specific reference to His deity. And this is in the context where he says
that Jesus is one who “illumines” the world. Many people and religions in the
world view Jesus as someone who “illumines” the world, including those who
believe in the Christ of the New Age movement. And some view him even as
someone who “came into the world” but not uniquely. But they do not see His
uniqueness as Incarnate Deity, and Lord and Savior in their Biblical context.
And even the word “son” is not defined specifically in many peoples’ minds,
nor is it by Warren. It is used very uniquely of Jesus in the Scriptures.
3. On page 55, “Jesus honored God by fulfilling his purpose on earth. We
honor God the same way.” Once again, Warren belittles the uniqueness of
Christ and elevates the abilities of man. Within the immediate context it is
about us “refusing to give glory to God” and – so - now it is time. But the
truth is – we can’t – not apart from the unique ministry of Jesus Christ! It is
not Christ’s example for us to then also “copy” because we decide we too
can live to God’s glory. It is the reality of our obedience within the context of
Christ’s redemptive work and His saving and recreating us. He is the only
reason we can live to God’s glory and the glory of the gospel.
4. Jesus struggled with following a difficult path to bring glory to God on page
57 – just like you. When he was facing His crucifixion was when this was
made clear. Warren states “Jesus stood at a fork in the road. Would he fulfill
his purpose and bring glory to God, or would he shrink back and live a
comfortable, self-centered life? You face the same choice.” Why does
Warren think that Jesus can shrink back and live a “sinful” life???? And how
in the world can either you or I be facing the same choice in the same way
that Jesus did? Do you see this quote as belittling to our Savior and as self-
glorifying of man? And this takes place just moments before people are
asked to “believe” on him. Why does it sound to me like you are really being
asked to “believe on yourself?” (See my review “The Jesus Who Stood at a
Fork in the Road” – www.atrueandfaithfulwitness.com/fork.htm)
So now we come to the ground of the cross. And what do we find there.
After 7 chapters Warren asks us to consider: “It’s time to settle this issue.
Who are you going to live for – yourself or God?” (page. 58)
Not – it’s time to understand you are a fallen sinful creature.
Instead – “believe you’re not an accident”
Not – it’s time for you to be crucified!
Instead – “believe you were made to last forever”
Not – it’s time to realize the Savior bore the wrath of God for your sinful
condition!Instead – “believe that no matter what you’ve done, God wants to
forgive you.”
Not – it’s time to repent of your sins.
Instead – “believe God loves you and made you for his purposes.”
Not – it’s time to be broken and amazed at holy, redeeming and unmerited
love.
Instead – “believe that no matter what you’ve done, God wants to forgive
you.”
So when you look at the cross what do you think? “Who are you going to
live for…” Or – Is this what it cost My Lord and Savior? “What wondrous love
is this, that caused the Lord of bliss, to bear the dreadful curse – for my
soul.”
The sad fact is Warren soothes our souls instead of allowing the Spirit of
God to bring conviction to us of our sinful ways. He does this through a
combination of two things. First is the constant emphasis on general
revelation in the original creation. These things always find a “yes” response
in the human heart!!! But second is the constant watering-down of the
abiding and enduring realities of man’s already present fallen and lost
condition before a Holy God. And the lack of horror of that condition before
a holy God - which Jesus Himself clearly understood in the Garden of
Gethsemane – since He would bear that penalty! These two things are a
spiritually deadly combination. The final stage is set for us along this path
by his expressing his gospel in terms of “whispering” a prayer that puts a
change of eternity in your hands - instead of being “convicted” by the Spirit
as a sinner with sorrow for that sin, repenting and trusting the Savior, our
Lord Jesus Christ. Only He can change a destiny. Warren’s gospel is not
about our conversion in Jesus Christ. It is not about the “crucifixion” of our
sinful nature. “Let Jesus do the dying – I want to live!” seems to be its’
mantra. Unfortunately, the western world is filled with this kind of “gospel”
message. It is not about Christ Jesus crucified for sinners as Paul
preached. The Apostle Paul said he gloried in the cross of our Lord Jesus
Christ (Galatians 6:14) and that the word of the cross (i.e. its’ meaning”) is
foolishness to those who are perishing (I Corinthians 1:18). The same text
says the saved view it differently. It is the power of God.
Since this chapter is about “failing to give glory to God’ let’s look at three
fundamental concepts as it relates to God’s glory and man’s failure to give
glory to God:
1. Romans 1:23 - This text says about man that we “exchanged the glory of
the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man…” In man’
s fallen condition he is most willing to exchange a true view of God’s glory for
a perverted one. How does man do this? He exchanges the revelation of
the character of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. If we don’t like the
fact that God is holy – we pervert His image. If we don’t like the fact that God’
s love is specific through His Son, Jesus Christ – we make it universal. If we
don’t like the fact that God’s wrath is revealed from heaven – we say that His
love in Christ already has affected our eternal outcome, we just don’t know it
yet, etc. We repaint God in our image – and then “accept” or “believe” him.
We should be careful that someone doesn’t help us to do this. We can not
exchange the revelation of the God of the Bible as One who is ALL Holy and
ALL Righteous and ALL Loving and in ALL of these Immutable - so that he is
then made palatable for fallen man. If we do we have exchanged the
images. And, yet, we have still been told it is “gospel.”
2. The outcome of exchanging the glory of God is “double-speak.” Warren
says he is helping us to glory in God. And yet, clearly, he glories in man
bringing his “driving life force” under the direction of the Creator. But as
such, it cannot possibly be glorying in God because it does not glory in the
God who recreates us in Christ Jesus through the message of the cross.
That is not what Paul or any of the apostles preached or expected to take
place in the word of the cross. Warren’s “gospel” strokes and soothes our
Adamic ego to then bring it to “faith.”
3. In a careful reading of the Apostle Paul in the Holy Scriptures as relating
to “glory” one finds a very important fact. He did not glory in the God of
creation, he did not glory in the “feelings” he got through worship, he did not
glory in what he had accomplished, he did not glory in his own Christian life
or walk - he only gloried in the cross of Jesus Christ – by his own words!
(Galatians 6:14) Warren is quite content to have the cross be one of a
number of things which seems to be in our hands to bring glory to God. If we
do this we no longer glory only in the Lord Jesus Christ of the gospel.
And now – what I promised in my introduction. Further proof of my
conviction of this is found in the first session of his “40 Days of Purpose”
video tape (Fall 2003). This first session, which introduces this book into
many churches and which supposedly introduces people to Christ, fails to
even mention that Jesus had to go to Calvary to die for our sins! Does that
sound like “glorying” in the God who placed His Son on the cross for you?
And yet he leads people in a prayer and welcomes them into “the family of
God.” And many Christians sit under the preaching of the tape not even
realizing that is what has happened! Not realizing it was a different gospel
means you were mesmerized into believing it was something that it was not!
What spirit did that to you? And, unfortunately, people who prayed the
prayer were told something they should have never been told based on his
“gospel” presentation. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. And
only the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. The Holy Spirit has
absolutely nothing to do with an unholy gospel - no matter if you pray until
you are blue in the face! True Biblical faith only comes in the preaching and
receiving of the true gospel. When someone arrives (even via a video tape)
and delivers a “different gospel” there is a Scriptural understanding and
obedience which all true Christians should realize at that point. {Carefully
read and understand your call in Galatians 1:6-10 and II John 1:8-11} This is
why my review of this book is so forthright. I simply see in chapters 1-7 a
continuation and confirmation of the first session of the video tape. And
there is something far worse than not being converted to the Lord Jesus
Christ of the gospel – it is not being converted and then being told that you
are going to heaven. Pray this doesn’t happen to you or someone you love.
Copyright 2005, David Sheldon, all rights reserved. Can be photocopied
without charge only in its entirety including copyright information but only for
personal use or for use in small groups when leader has agreed to such
use. It cannot be edited or altered in any way. It can not be published for
profit in any form.
You can link to this article on your website as “A Purpose-Shaped Worldview
– Critique of PDL"
www.atrueandfaithfulwitness.com/PDLCritique.htm
For More Articles Like This Go To: www.atrueandfaithfulwitness.com
HOME
Rick Warren
Forty Days: False Gospel
Forty Days: A Closer Look
Forty Days: Which Jesus?
PDL: God's Wisdom
PDL: Exalting the Fallen Creation
PDL: A Purpose-Shaped
Worldview
Antichrist
Will Antichrist Be Revealed
Before the Tribulation?
The Great Harlot
"Mystery" Babylon
"Emerging" Church
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell - Part 1
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell - Part 2
Church Growth Movement
Schuller, Hybels & Warren
Review of Schuller's "Self-Esteem"
False Apostles, False
Prophets, False Revival
River of Seducing Spirits
Spiritual Warfare Script
Deception of Spiritual Warfare
Flags & Banners...Spiritual Power
Tools?
Davidic Warfare/Worship?
Jesus of the "Signs" Now the
"Christ" of Apostolic Government
Mystical Christianity?
Tenney's Mystical Deity Chase
Richard Foster: Quaker Mystic?
Willard and "The Way of Jesus"
What Oswald Chambers
Might Have Thought About
Todays "Christianity"
Rick Warren
Forty Days: False Gospel
Forty Days: A Closer Look
Forty Days: Which Jesus?
PDL: God's Wisdom
PDL: Exalting the Fallen Creation
PDL: A Purpose-Shaped
Worldview
Antichrist
Will Antichrist Be Revealed
Before the Tribulation?
The Great Harlot
"Mystery" Babylon
"Emerging" Church
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell - Part 1
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell - Part 2
Church Growth Movement
Schuller, Hybels & Warren
Review of Schuller's "Self-Esteem"
False Apostles, False
Prophets, False Revival
River of Seducing Spirits
Spiritual Warfare Script
Deception of Spiritual Warfare
Flags & Banners...Spiritual Power
Tools?
Davidic Warfare/Worship?
Jesus of the "Signs" Now the
"Christ" of Apostolic Government
Mystical Christianity?
Tenney's Mystical Deity Chase
Richard Foster: Quaker Mystic?
Willard and "The Way of Jesus"
What Oswald Chambers
Might Have Thought About
Todays "Christianity"