Table of Contents

→  Spiritual Formation – What Is It?
→  Salvation in Christ vs. Enter the Journey
→  The Way vs. Way Show-er
→  Sanctification vs. Spiritual Formation (with John MacArthur links)
→  Spiritual Formation Fathers: Foster, Willard, Nouwen
→  Evidence in Worship
→  Luther & the Counterfeit Spiritualities of Rome
→  Conclusion
→  For More on Spiritual Formation

Spiritual Formation – What Is It?

Spiritual formation has become prominent within evangelicalism. Books on spiritual formation are being embraced and used in teaching lessons. Courses are being offered at evangelical seminaries on spiritual formation. You may have even heard that you should be applying spiritual formation to your Christian life and walk.

So, what exactly is spiritual formation? Is it biblical?

Spiritual formation – also referred to as spiritual disciplines, spiritual techniques, or contemplative spirituality/prayer – can be loosely defined as “practices or techniques that assist in one’s spiritual growth.” These practices can be implemented on an individual basis or in group settings such as corporate worship.

What are these spiritual practices specifically and what is their intended purpose? Are they biblical? Do they really aid in spiritual growth? And what is the underlying theology of spiritual formation? We will navigate through these questions.

We will also look at a few popular spiritual formation teachers, such as the late Henri Nouwen, who wrote the following:

“Today I personally believe that while Jesus came to open the door to God’s house, all human beings can walk through that door, whether they know about Jesus or not. Today I see it as my call to help every person claim his or her own way to God.” Henri Nouwen, Sabbatical Journey, pg. 51.

Does that sound like the same thing recorded in John’s gospel? “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6 NASB (emphasis added).

Our goal in this article is to know what Scripture states regarding spiritual formation in light of what is commonly heard and readily accepted. We need to remember that the use of “spiritual” language does not make something Scriptural. The “angel of light” deceptively introduces false concepts with biblical wording. It might seem like real spiritual growth, like a blessing – at the time. But, in reality, it can be very dangerous to true spiritual growth.

Salvation in Christ vs. Enter the Journey

Scripture makes no mistake about the fact that God has blessed believers with every spiritual blessing in Christ!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” Ephesians 1:3 NASB

In Christ, salvation has been provided from heaven to man. We learn, in studying Scripture, what God has given to us in the person of Christ and His finished work!

“Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, for His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. Through these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world on account of lust.” 2 Peter 1:1-4 NASB

God has already supplied believers with everything we need in Christ in terms of spiritual blessings! We can grow in the true knowledge of Him as we comprehend His great promises to us found in Scripture within “the gospel concerning His Son” (Romans 1:1-6). We can grow because we have been set apart into the objective truth of Scripture by the Holy Spirit. We have been called unto salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ as well as unto the Lord Jesus Christ.

Is this the same thing spiritual formation teaches? Let’s look at another quote by Henri Nouwen to see.

“It is not going to be easy to listen to God’s call…But you know that God speaks to you through your inner voice and that you will find joy and peace only if you follow it.” Henri Nouwen, Sabbatical Journey, p. 89

As seen in this quote, the “call” in spiritual formation is that of an internal quest. This quest or journey is based on certain internalized techniques – in this case, listening to your inner voice. These techniques supposedly bring some human benefit, such as joy or peace (as Nouwen says).So, instead of taking a look at the Biblical concept of how the Christian has joy and peace, there is a devised internal quest based on some technique. Instead of the call unto salvation in Christ, the spiritual formation call is to constantly enter and embrace that journey. Instead of being set apart into the objective truth of Scripture (John 17:17) – one is set apart to certain internalized techniques (like unknown voices). Instead of a call of dying to sin and co-crucifixion with Christ unto a new life, it is a reshaping and rethinking of how one can “grow” by adding spiritual exercises onto their life for their betterment.

Although there may be spiritual lingo in spiritual formation, it nevertheless displaces the real Biblical call to repent and trust Jesus Christ – with a mystical journey.

The Way vs. Way Show-er

Quite often, the first and primary way that you will know you are hearing the teaching of spiritual formation is this: Jesus is viewed as a “way show-er” rather than The Way; He “opens” the door to the kingdom of God instead of being the actual door into the kingdom.The Bible does not describe Christ as a “door-opener” or a “way show-er” – please keep that truth in mind. Remember Jesus’ very words which we already mentioned above:

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 NASB (emphasis added)

If Christ was merely a “door-opener” or “way show-er, who has to do the work for their salvation? YOU. And who then becomes the central figure? That’s right – YOU.Spiritual formation may have an appearance of godliness, but it has a re-centered theology focused, not on Christ, but on self. There is a supposed truer identity to find and benefits to be had based upon – you and your spiritual techniques.Scripture says we are to have our minds transformed according to the truths of the Word. We are to know the Scripture and the full supply that we have in Christ Jesus in the blessings of Ephesians 1:3 (quoted above).

The teachings of spiritual formation should not be taken lightly. It displaces the Lord Jesus Christ of the Scripture – and therefore, it is deadly!

Spiritual Formation vs. Sanctification

Perhaps you have thought spiritual formation is like biblical sanctification. Actually, there is a huge difference between the two.The term “sanctification” is found throughout the New Testament in many of Paul’s writings. For example, 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 says, “But it is due to Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written: “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”Sanctification is first and foremost based in the redemptive work of Christ – His death, burial, and resurrection – on behalf of His own people. A person is “set-apart” or sanctified once and for all, by the will of God, because of the finished work of Christ on Calvary. Yet they are continually being sanctified by the Spirit unto a believing, knowing and obeying of our Lord and Savior! The following text of Scripture points this out clearly:

“By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are (being) sanctified.” Hebrews 10:10-14 NASB

Yes, there is a “formation” of a new life that is spoken of in the Bible. It is first and foremost centered in knowing the Lord Jesus Christ revealed in Scripture, and then following Him in obedience. It is a (spiritual) discipline “unto godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7).Basically, sanctification is based in the objective Word of God whereas spiritual formation is based in the subjective, intuitive, mystical inner self.
Here are a couple of good quotes by author and pastor John MacArthur and his staff at Grace To You on their explanation of the difference between sanctification and spiritual formation. Links to the complete, brief articles are included.

1. What Is Spiritual Formation and Why Does It Matter?  by GTY Staff

Excerpt: “On one hand, there are the time-tested, practical Christian disciplines we’re all familiar with—things like personal and corporate Bible study, worship, prayer, discipleship, and service.

On the other hand, many of the leading voices in the spiritual formation movement stress the need for more intuitive interpretations of spirituality. They encourage believers to incorporate a wide variety of extrabiblical spiritual practices, such as contemplative prayer, silence, meditation, creative expression, and yoga. In fact, some of the most popular methods of spiritual formation have been lifted from Catholicism, new age mysticism, or other religions and rebranded with biblical-sounding terminology.

But any kind of subjective spirituality that draws your focus away from the Lord and His truth can have disastrous results, derailing your spiritual growth and cutting you off from God’s plan for your sanctification.”

2. The Steps of Biblical Sanctification? by John MacArthur

Excerpt: “But you won’t truly love God’s Word if it’s not already shaping the way you live. And it can’t shape the way you live if you don’t know it. That’s why any methods or patterns for spiritual growth that don’t start with the study of God’s truth cannot lead you to true sanctification.”

Spiritual Formation Fathers: Foster, Willard, Nouwen

The fact is that unbiblical spiritual formation teachings invaded our evangelical seminaries back in the late 70’s and 80’s. One of its lead figures is the Quaker, Richard Foster. He wrote Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth in 1978 (see Book Review) which was widely read by church leaders and future church leaders at the time.

On the heels of Foster, was the invasion of spiritual formation into many churches via the teachings of Dallas Willard. He wrote The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives in 1999 with a cover endorsement by Richard Foster. His roots in mystical thought and Catholic spiritual formations can be assured when you take a look at his website. He takes you to people like George Fox, Madame Guyon, Teresa of Avila, St. Ignatius of Loyola, Francis de Sales, Henri Nouwen, and Richard Foster who are all Catholics/Mystics, as well as others. Although he throws a few orthodox writers into the mix, that shouldn’t deter us from realizing what he really teaches.

And then there is the most visibly current teacher, Henry Nouwen, who we have already quoted. Let’s put his quotes in context, from his final book/journal, Sabbatical Journey. Nouwen references a certain group of people he had observed who (accurately) believe that everyone should be converted to Jesus. He said these people seemed very deep, intense and radical in their belief in Jesus. But then he writes:

“Still…I felt somewhat uncomfortable, even though this belief was present in my own upbringing. My conviction as a young man was that there is no salvation outside the Catholic Church and that it was my task to bring all ‘nonbelievers’ into the one true church. But much has happened to me over the years. My own psychological training, my exposure to people from the most different religious backgrounds, the Second Vatican Council, the new theology of mission, and my life in L’Arche have all deepened and broadened my views on Jesus’ saving work. Today I personally believe that while Jesus came to open the door to God’s house, all human beings can walk through that door, whether they know about Jesus or not. Today I see it as my call to help every person claim his or her own way to God. (emphasis added)” (Henri Nouwen, Sabbatical Journey, pg. 51)

Without a doubt, this teaching by Nouwen is the unbiblical belief called inclusivism. On his page titled “Trust the Inner Voice” Henri Nouwen states the following:

“Do you really want to be converted? Are you willing to be transformed? Or do you keep clutching your old ways of life….You have to trust the inner voice that shows the way……You know that inner voice…..You turn to it often…..But after you have heard with clarity what you are asked to do, you start raising questions,….and lose touch with the God in you….Only by attending constantly to the inner voice can you be converted to a new life of freedom and joy.” The Inner Voice of Love, by Henri Nouwen, Doubleday, 1996, p. 6

Take careful note: Nouwen teaches that real conversion means listening to an inner voice! This is the mystical bedrock of spiritual formation teachings. His writings will quite often use biblical words, but seldom quote Scripture or help one understand any actual teaching from Scripture. A few more brief quotes from the book will confirm exactly what he teaches:

“You have to trust that there is another place, to which your spiritual guides want to lead you and where you can be safe.” p. 14

“You see that you are called to go toward solitude, prayer, hiddenness, and great simplicity.” p. 16

“It is far from easy to keep living where God is. Therefore, God gives you people who help to hold you in that place and call you back to it every time you wander off. Your spiritual guides keep reminding you of where your deepest desire is being fulfilled. You know where that is, but you distrust your own knowledge.” p. 25

“You must trust the depth of God’s presence in you and live from there. This is the way to keep moving toward full incarnation.” p. 52

“It is not going to be easy to listen to God’s call…But you know that God speaks to you through your inner voice and that you will find joy and peace only if you follow it.” p. 89

Based upon Nouwen’s teachings in Sabbatical Journey and The Inner Voice of Love, simply put, he is clearly and dangerously unbiblical. And yet there is this seminary course in an evangelical university where Nouwen is lauded:

Bethel Seminary 2020-2021 Academic Catalog –
SP 652 • Christian Spiritual Life: Henri Nouwen 1.5-3 Credits
A study of major themes in the thought of Henri Nouwen (1932-1996), one of the most influential Christian spiritual writers of our generation. The emphasis is on primary sources, set in the framework of his life and development, and complemented by reflections from the instructor, who served as a teaching fellow with Nouwen during the author’s Harvard years (1983-1985). The goal is for this experience to provide critical insights and personal values that illuminate and encourage our lives as beloved and faithful children of the Lord.

So, ask yourself, will this course with Nouwen’s teachings actually help “illuminate and encourage” someone’s Christian life as the course description says? Unfortunately, there are probably similar courses in many seminaries, including evangelical ones, throughout the world.

Evidence in Worship

In 2011, I came across an article in a Christian university magazine about their chapel services. It is a good example of what happens when spiritual formation and its lingo are incorporated into a worship setting. I would like to draw your attention to a few quotes from the article. As you read them, take notice of what, or rather who, the focus is.

“…chapel is a vital catalyst for students’ spiritual transformation.”

“…pursuing a kingdom vision of worship, which guides our intentionality in being artistically and linguistically inclusive in crafting our worship experiences.”
“…creates worship experiences…”
“To create an atmosphere that will steward a kingdom vision.”

“To continue to help all students go deeper…and incorporate lighting, staging, video, and creative arts into chapel services. Whatever an individual’s preference or learning style, ‘We want people to say, Wow, I really saw God’…Some people ‘hear’ God speak through the message, and others through dance, worship, or images.” (i.e. The point here is to “experience” God in new ways.)

“In whatever format, at whatever campus, the goal of chapel is always the same: Spiritual Transformation.”

Did you notice the emphasis on the student? Read them again. It is all about how chapel can cater to what the students’ experience in worship. But where in Scripture does it state that worship (in this case chapel) is to be an experience or entertainment? Shouldn’t the goal of chapel be to worship God as He is and as He requires?You see, what spiritual transformation does is it really begins to focus the mind/heart on the inward self. The most important thing in true corporate worship is the object of our worship – the true and living God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. God is pleased when He is worshiped in accordance with His Word. Mind you, we should have passion for God. But that follows the illumination of God from the Bible. Otherwise, it is not true passion for God!Based on what is stated in the article, any question of how God is to be worshipped has become secondary. Instead, the human-centered event is based in the preferences of people. Images, sounds, videos, and dancing are the main concentration – intended to help one “hear” and “see” God. Is this “encounter with God” brought through rational thinking – that is, the truth of God as He is revealed in His Word? Or is it through feelings and impressions via some beautiful song, a pretty picture, a talented guitarist, or a stimulating video? Is it primarily to provide a “spiritual atmosphere”?Let’s look at another quote from the article:

“After the dynamic student-led worship, a pastor or other speaker offers an inspiring or thought-provoking message, the focal point of each chapel service.” (emphasis added)

Ask yourself: Is a “thought-provoking message” the same thing as “the authoritative and straightforward preaching of the Word of God?” In other words, is the Word given and received as authoritative, or is it an “offer”?

In actuality, this emphasis on the inward life has become sense and experience-based through the introduction of means that are in addition to the “hearing” of the Word. This type of worship is not only seen in this university chapel – it has exploded in many “evangelical” churches.

Luther and the Counterfeit Spiritualities of Rome

Martin Luther, as the foundational leader of the Reformation, confronted Rome’s false gospel AND renounced her false ways, simultaneously. This is clearly seen as you read the 95 Theses, as well as this quote from Luther:

“Idolatry is all manner of seeming holiness and worshipping, let these counterfeit spiritualities shine outwardly as glorious and fair as they may; in a word, all manner of devotion in those that we would serve God without Christ the Mediator, his Word and command. In popedom it was held a work of the greatest sanctity for the monks to sit in their cells and meditate of God, [solitude] and of his wonderful works; to be kindled with zeal, kneeling on their knees, praying, and having their imaginary contemplations of celestial objects [meditation], with such supposed devotion, that they wept for joy.
In these their conceits, they banished all desires and thoughts of women, and what else is temporal and evanescent. They seemed to meditate only of God, and of his wonderful works.
Yet all these seeming holy actions of devotion, which the wit and wisdom of man holds to be angelical sanctity, are nothing else but works of the flesh. All manner of religion, where people serve God without his Word and command, is simply idolatry, and the more holy and spiritual such a religion seems, the more hurtful and venomous it is; for it leads people away from the faith of Christ, and makes them rely and depend upon their own strength, works, and righteousness.” (Quote found here)

As usual, Luther didn’t mince words. He was saying that apart from the teaching of the actual truths of the Word of God, all religious acts, as holy and devoted as they may seem, are deadly! Rome’s false worship and false ways were on his radar as well as Rome’s false gospel and unbiblical view of justification. As a Catholic monk, he had observed (and at one time practiced) what they taught and did, which was immersed in “spiritual formations”. He then realized it was not Biblical, and gave Rome his judgment based on the Word of God.The growing modern-day infatuation and implementation with spiritual formation as if it is true biblical sanctification and actual worship would receive Luther’s same direct criticism.

As Luther said, counterfeit spiritualities are outwardly glorious, but they are without Christ the Mediator. They come by human hands, apart from the sole agency of God’s Word/Spirit, which is how Jesus now operates as Mediator for His people from His exalted position as Lord.

Conclusion

Spiritual formation, as defined by the false teachers mentioned in this article, is a deceptive pathway being taken by both the unsaved and even the saved. Where contemporary spiritual formation is central, you can be assured there is a false spirituality taking place.

The groundwork of spiritual formation teachings is laid in certain modern-day practices like contemplative prayer, breath prayers, entering the silence, lectio divina, meditation on the “inward christ”, creative expression, creative imagination, and, yes, even yoga techniques.

Spiritual formation teachings and practices need to be repented of in order for true spiritual growth to happen in the church. The reality of the Spiritual Formation Movement is that it is largely based in the mysticism of a number of the desert fathers of the early centuries of Christendom. It has continued on through the many centuries of teachings within Catholicism, along with other teachings found in more recent groups like the Quakers or expressed in the teachings/encouragements of a number of individuals which are too numerous to mention. Those who are not saved need to hear the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Those already saved need to be in the Word to understand all that they already have in their union to Jesus Christ in the gospel. They are called to believe Him and obey Him according to Scripture.

This article was originally written 9/01/21.

For More on Spiritual Formation

→ What is the Spiritual Formation Movement? Got Questions
→ What Did Henri Nouwen Really Believe? By Ray Yungen

→ Review: Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth By David Sheldon

→ The Dangers of Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Disciplines: A Critique of Dallas Willard and The Spirit of the Disciplines By Bob DeWaay

→ The Vineyard Movement Grabs Hold of Contemplative Spirituality Lighthouse Trails

→ Panentheism! What is that? By Orrel Steinkamp

“And after the earthquake, a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire, a sound of a gentle blowing.” (NASB) 

The phrase “gentle blowing” is also translated “gentle whisper” (NIV), “still small voice” (KJV & NKJV), and “low whisper” (ESV).

So, what was this sound/voice? Was it God whispering to Elijah?

Many people say God spoke to Elijah in a “still small voice” and that is how Christians will hear Him today. They say we will know God’s whispering, still small voice based on how familiar we are with Him.

Is this what 1 Kings 19:12 is actually teaching? Does God whisper gentle things to Christians through a still small voice? Moreover, is God’s main and only attribute His gentleness? Or, is this account of Elijah merely an example of God dealing gently with one of His prophets?

A closer look at this phrase “still small voice” is quite revealing!

Still Small Voice

The context of 1 Kings 19:12 will help us understand “still small voice.” Elijah, a mighty prophet, was used significantly by God one day, and shortly thereafter, so fearful and despondent he wanted to die (you can read 1 Kings 18 here and 19:1-8 here). Let’s pick up from there and read 1 Kings 19:9-14.

Then he came there to a cave and spent the night there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ And he said, ‘I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of armies; for the sons of Israel have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they have sought to take my life.’
So He said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD.’ And behold, the LORD was passing by! And a great and powerful wind was tearing out the mountains and breaking the rocks in pieces before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire, a sound of a gentle blowing. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ Then he said, ‘I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of armies; for the sons of Israel have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they have sought to take my life.’ 1 Kings 19:9-14 NASB (emphasis mine)

The phrase “still small voice” comes from a Hebrew word that means “still gentle rustling.” It “…literally means ‘the tone of a gentle blowing’” (Keil & Delitzsch, Commentary on the O.T., Volume 3, p. 182).

This same Hebrew word is used in Genesis 3:8-9 when Eve succumbed to the temptation of the Serpent, and Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. Looking at these verses can help us understand/interpret the meaning. Read both the KJV and ESV translations.

 “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?” KJV (emphasis added)

“And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” ESV (emphasis added)

These verses beg the question: Is it possible to hear the voice of the Lord walking? Of course not! That is not what is being said. Rather, Adam and Eve simply heard the sound of God’s presence in the garden. Notice, it was after Adam and Eve heard God walking and after they hid that then God called to them in actual spoken words! Do you see the difference? With both Elijah and Adam and Eve, something was heard, and then God addressed them in clear, spoken words.

So, what was the reason for this gentle rustling sound? Evidently it was what Elijah needed. God’s servant, fearful Elijah (can you believe it?), heard the gentle noise, came out of the cave humbly and ready to receive specific instruction from God. God knew it was going to be a difficult command to hear, so He met Elijah in the way he evidently needed.

Saying we should listen for God’s gentle whispers is confusing for two reasons. First, it gives a false sense that God has spoken only in calming and pleasant ways. This makes it way too easy to comfort ourselves with the “kind truths” of Scripture while ignoring those things that are hard to receive. If we choose to only hear those pleasant things, we give ourselves false assurance.

The second reason we should not listen for a gentle voice from God is because God does not speak to us outside of what He has already spoken in Scripture. Of course, like Elijah, we can be calm and quiet in God’s presence, but it is not required of Him to whisper sweet and pleasant things into our ears.

God Decides

This brings us to another aspect we want to briefly touch on – why it is so important that we don’t try to dictate to God how or what He communicates to us.

This supernatural visitation by God, in the instance of Elijah on Mount Horeb, is called a theophany. There are instances earlier in Scripture of theophanies in this same location on Mount Horeb (aka Mount Sinai) with God sending similar phenomena.

• • Exodus 19:16 &19 – God sends thunder and lightning and smoke and trumpet sound from the mountain to display His presence. This invoked fear within His people. In fact, Moses at one time speaks to God and God answers with thunder! The people of God tremble at His presence on the mountain.
  • God speaks to Moses on that same mountain and delivers the Word of God – the Ten Commandments. It is such a frightful thing for the people of God that in Exodus 20:18 the people wish for Moses to speak to them and they will listen. God’s direct words are too much for them to handle.
  • Job 38:1 – God answers Job from a whirlwind.
  • Psalm 68:8 – Sinai quaked at the presence of God.
  • Psalm 104:4 “He makes the winds His messengers, Flaming fire His ministers.” NASB

In all these cases it was the same mountain and similar powerful displays as with Elijah. Yet in these instances, God is encountered amidst the catastrophic events – revealing His power and glory. But with Elijah, God’s purpose was different.

As a prophet of God, Elijah spoke for God and God spoke directly to him. You see, God decides to whom He speaks directly. Those times have been few and far between!

We don’t have theophanies today. We don’t have to wait for God to appear to us. We already have promises and commands in His Word which we hear with the ears of faith and then obey. The same Holy Spirit who makes them known to us in the Word will encourage, comfort, strengthen, warn, rebuke, reprove, etc. for our sanctification. The text of Scripture in 1 Kings 19 is not a prescription for how we hear God. It is a description of what happened to Elijah. And even for Elijah, the event was not some formula for God’s speaking to him on a regular basis (or anyone else in the Scripture for that matter).

That is not to say that God can’t or doesn’t calm our weary hearts or get us away and alone with Him. Remember Jesus words:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29 NASB

God may providentially provide in some manner to reassure us. But God does it. It is not if I do this, then God must do that. It is not some formula to follow. It is not us determining how God can speak into our lives so as not to disturb our “peaceful” or “serene” existence. Prophets often did not have very “peaceful” experiences in carrying out their obedience before God. It was a blessing that God chose to minister to Elijah in this way and send him on. Hopefully, we too have times when God deals with us in a reassuring fashion!

In closing, a reminder of certain Scripture gives us a more sober and complete look at God. Hebrews 12 explains that we don’t go to Mount Sinai for salvation but, instead, we go to Mount Zion. There we find an overwhelming provision of grace through Jesus Christ, which is greatly reassuring. Together both of these mountains are still an overwhelming revelation of the holiness and salvation of the true and living God. (Read Hebrews 12:18-29 here.)

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let’s show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29 for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28

And that is in the context of:

“And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.” Hebrews 12:26 NASB

It is humbling and sobering to think that God is working and revealing Himself, in the way He chooses, for our sanctification and to display His coming glory. All of the things God has said in His Word, within their contexts, are written for us to receive, no matter our condition or state of mind. Sometimes they invoke awe and reverence. Sometimes they speak of serious judgments and cataclysmic events. Sometimes they soothe our troubled souls. No formula here. Rather, awe, humble submission, thankfulness, and comfort – unto His glory!

*Many of the false techniques and teachings described in this article have come into many seminaries and multitudes of churches under the heading of Spiritual Formations. What they actually are is “contemplative spirituality” – teachings found in many traditions within the sphere of Christendom. They are based in an unbiblical view of the spiritual life of the believer that incorporates impressions, emotions, mysticism, etc. that is centered upon self. This in contrast to the truth of God as He is known in the objective Word of God, by the illumination of the Spirit of God to our minds and embraced by our hearts.

*Check out more articles on this same subject of hearing from God:

Hearing God’s Voice

How Does God Speak?

What Does “Be Still” From Psalm 46:10 Actually Mean?

There are numerous teachers within Christian circles today directing much attention to the phrase “be still” found in Psalm 46:10. They often suggest it means to “enter the silence” or “empty your mind” to hear God’s voice or be more aware of His presence. Just like anything, we must ask ourselves if this is accurate. Is this the correct interpretation and God’s intended purpose for Psalm 46:10? Does the command to “Be still and know that He is God” mean we are to enter into silence? Does God need His people to empty their minds to guide and direct them? Let’s dive in and answer these questions. (Also see Should Christians Listen for a “Still Small Voice”?)

The text is quoted below from three different translations:

1. 1. “Stop striving and know that I am God;…” NASB
   2. “Be still, and know that I am God:…” KJV
   3. “Be still, and know that I am God…” ESV

Reading the whole of Psalm 46:1-11 will help us:

“God is our refuge and strength,
A very ready help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth shakes
And the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make the city of God happy,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth quaked.
7 The LORD of armies is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has inflicted horrific events on the earth.
9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
10 ‘Stop striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth.’
11 The LORD of armies is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold.” Psalm 46:1-11 NASB

In one sense, Psalm 46 is a warning by God against His enemies, and it is also an encouragement for His people. This Psalm is saying God is with His people and a refuge when it looks like things are overwhelming (v. 1). Therefore, don’t fear amid troubles before God (v. 2). He is a sure foundation and an ever-joyful presence along with His mighty armies for His own people (vs. 4-7). Come and behold, look hard and long, at the mighty providential works of God (vs. 8-9) because there is no doubt He will be exalted among the nations (v. 10). God is a stronghold for His people (v. 11).

Some teachings associated with this verse might have you think there is a “gateway” of silence/calmness into the unknown called God and if you tap into it, you can know the unknowable. This is generally known as contemplative prayer (or contemplative spirituality). It is used as a meditative technique to embrace a transformed state of mind/thinking. But there is no actual Biblical instruction that tells us these things. Do we read anywhere in this passage that we are to silently position ourselves in order to know God? No!

The context for “be still” is to know God has complete sovereign control over everything and you are absolutely incapable of changing any of it apart from Him! And not only is He the sovereign over everything, but He is the refuge and strength and stronghold of His people. So, we might say, “Stop!” Be silent in the midst of all of the commotion of the world! Know that God is in charge over all of it! Come before God and don’t fret about the overwhelming events around you! It has nothing to do with getting a personal word or instruction or impression from God if you are quiet or use the right technique.

Jonathan Edwards, the great American Theologian, said in his sermon on Psalm 46:10,

“The great works of God, wherein his sovereignty appeared, had been described in the foregoing verses. In the awful desolations that he made, and by delivering his people by terrible things, he showed his greatness and dominion. Herein he manifested his power and sovereignty, and so commands all to be still, and know that he is God.” (Jonathan Edwards, Sermon The Sole Consideration, That God Is God, Sufficient To Still All Objections To His Sovereignty, June 1735)

“Be still” is not “entering the silence” so you can get feelings or impressions of the otherwise “unknowable” God. God has communicated His character qualities in creation (Romans 1:18-23), His appearances/thoughts in words, i.e. Scripture (1 Corinthians 2:1-16) and His very likeness in the Incarnate Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-3; John 1:14; Colossians 1:13-20). Are we required to “position our inner selves” in such a way – silence or stillness – in order to know a deity who communicates through impressions and feelings rather than words? Hardly!

I would suppose the world is attracted to those in the church who would take the phrase “be still” out of its’ biblical context. After all, the world is told in various yoga techniques and false spiritual “awareness” teachings to either: center-down, breathe deeply, empty your mind, enter the silence, etc. So, the “be still” from Scripture might be used to falsely cater to some felt need rather than help someone understand and know actual thoughts about the God of the Bible.

In conclusion, the immediate context of the command “be still” or “cease” is that you cease “warring within” because it is God who is in charge of the armies of heaven (46:11) and in perfect watch-care over His people! He is our stronghold, defense and refuge in context. So “cease striving” (NASB) as if you are on your own because the people of God are to know Him in His mighty sovereignty as their God!

It might now make sense to us that Psalm 46 “was the scriptural catalyst for Martin Luther’s great hymn, ‘A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.’” (MacArthur Study Bible, ESV, Crossway, p. 775,)

*Many of the false techniques and teachings described in this article have come into many seminaries and multitudes of churches under the heading of Spiritual Formations. What they actually are is “contemplative spirituality” – teachings found in many traditions within the sphere of Christendom. They are based in an unbiblical view of the spiritual life of the believer that incorporates impressions, emotions, mysticism, etc. that is centered upon self. This in contrast to the truth of God as He is known in the objective Word of God, by the illumination of the Spirit of God to our minds and embraced by our hearts. Read more on What is Spiritual Formation and Is It Biblical?

*For more on this subject of hearing from God, you can read:

Hearing God’s Voice
How Does God Speak?

Have you heard someone say, “God told me…,” or “God really spoke to me about…”? Or maybe you have read: “God spoke to me the application of His Word,” or “I knew that God communicated with me through the Bible, but I yearned for more…”. In each of these, the idea is that God spoke to them and they heard what He said.

How Does God Speak?

So, did God actually tell them something? In words? How did they hear it? Was it an audible voice? An inner prompting? In this article, we want to answer the question “How does God speak to us?” We will do that by reviewing the video transcript of a popular “hearing God’s voice” teacher.

We completed the transcript while surveying the teaching, to make sure we were very accurate. We will not mention the teacher’s name because the video has been removed from the internet. However, the teaching from it is still very widely used. So, we start with the transcript and our commentary follows.

Table of Contents

→ Transcription
→ Kinds of Revelation
→ The Word and the Spirit
→ Final Thoughts

Transcription

“In Romans 1:20, the Bible says that God speaks to all human beings through nature. It’s called general revelation. That means that even if you’re not a Christian, you can learn general things about God just by looking at the creation around you. I mean, it’s glorious isn’t it? He could’ve done this whole thing in black and white, but He gave us the colors of spring and fall and summer, and painted us such glorious pictures in the earth because He wanted us to have general revelation about his glory and his splendor and his majesty. That general revelation is available to all human beings.
Now, if you want to have specific revelation in your life – which is what I want – I want to know the details that God has for me. I want to know that I’m walking in His will for my life. If you want that, then you’ve got to be a believer in Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says that you can’t get the specifics that you want from God unless you have the spirit. It says only the spiritual person can appraise spiritual things. And so, if you want to have meaningful conversation and communion with God that lasts a lifetime, then you have to have the Holy Spirit living within you. And the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit is given as a gift to those who are believers in Jesus Christ. So, any meaningful conversation with the Lord begins with a relationship with him through His son Jesus Christ. Now, if you want to have continuous, ongoing, full conversation with God, as a believer, you’ve gotten that straight – you’re a believer. But if you want to make sure that you’re hearing God on a continual basis, then that means that you have to nurture your friendship and your relationship with God. It’s like any relationship that you have in your life. You know how there’s a girlfriend or another friend of yours that can call you up and, man, in the first 2 seconds of that phone call you know exactly who you’re talking to. Just by the way they’re breathing on the phone you know who it is that you’re talking to. They don’t have to go into some big explanation as to who they are and what they had on the last time you saw them so that they can describe themselves. You don’t need all that with a really good friend because you know their voice. It’s the same thing with God. He’s talking to us all the time. The more we get to know him, then the more clear we’ll be when we hear the voice of our God. We’ll know it’s Him because we’ve built a friendship with Him.

So, if you’re serious about hearing the voice of God on a continual basis, then my friend I encourage you to develop time building a rapport and a relationship and a friendship with God, so that when He speaks you can clearly hear what He has to say to you.”

Kinds of Revelation

This teacher has accurately stated that “you can learn general things about God just by looking at the creation around you.” But that statement has been perverted with the idea that there is “creation speech” from God, by claiming that Romans 1:20 says God speaks to all human beings through nature. But we should ask ourselves “Is that what Romans 1:20 says?” The answer is no. Why? Read what Paul says in Romans 1:20:

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”

“To speak” means to utter words; to communicate vocally; to converse. Paul says that God’s attributes are clearly seen because of creation. God does not actually speak to humans through the creation. Rather, God reveals His power and eternality through the creation, and this is understood by the creature. When the Scriptures say things like “the heavens declare the glory of the Lord,” it is personifying the creation and not referring to literal speech.

Consequently, this teacher’s definition of general revelation is inaccurate and incomplete. The verse says general revelation leaves men without excuse. You see, mankind – apart from God – likes to think general revelation is somehow reassuring, that God is close and personally known through the creation. He is not. The beauty and glory of creation does not put us into a right relationship with the One it reveals! It only reveals to us that God exists.

Our fallen hearts, without Christ, do not properly honor God as He has revealed Himself. We are still blind in our actual fallenness. We are lost and dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1), in rebellion to God, and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). We are guilty before our Creator as creatures. And general revelation does not provide a way to God.The wonderful news is there is a kind of revelation that addresses man’s dilemma. It is known as special revelation, and it is where God does speak – as in uttering words and communicating!

Special revelation is the very written Word of God – the Scripture. It is just that – special. It is special in that it is the only thing that tells what is of eternal use. It tells how one can be redeemed and reconciled to God through knowledge of the Savior. It tells of the gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).It is also special in that it is the only thing one needs to hear from God. Scripture is, in fact, God’s “speech” to His children. Through it, God tells believers all that is needed for life and godliness:

“Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, for His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. Through these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world on account of lust.” 2 Peter 1:1-4 NASB

Our only knowledge of Jesus Christ, until we enter His presence at death or He returns in glory, is found in the truths of Scripture alone. He has granted us all His precious and magnificent promises in the very truths He has given us in His Word – no additions needed.Notice that this teacher never mentions (at least not in this case) that Scripture is the only thing one needs to hear from God, know Him, and understand His truths. The necessity of special revelation has been omitted. If you leave that fact out it results in two things. It leaves general revelation as a “good” thing (which it is not). And, it leaves the door open to the idea that there is more to God’s speech than only His special revelation.

Accordingly, this teacher introduces something called “specific revelation” – God’s specific will for a Christian’s life. (1 Corinthians 2:14 is used to make the case, which we will dissect in the next section.) Evidently you have to be a believer in Christ to get this specific revelation, and it comes by possessing the Holy Spirit who then speaks directly to you like spirit to spirit conversation. Is this how the Holy Spirit operates?

The Word and the Spirit

God has graciously given Christians His written Word and His Spirit! We need both the Word and the Holy Spirit as the center-piece for our daily walk. The Biblical concept of this – Word and Spirit together – is essential. We need the objective truth of Scripture and the Holy Spirit to illumine the given truth of Scripture to our hearts. The saint of God does not expect one without the other because both are God’s promises for us.

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you…But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.” John 14:16-17,26 NASB

Notice that the promise of the Holy Spirit is given only to His own. And the Father and the Son have not relinquished on this promise. The Holy Spirit is a continually abiding presence with all of God’s people. That is great comfort!So, is this teacher correct in saying “you can’t get the specifics that you want from God unless you have the spirit?” Let’s read what 1 Corinthians 2:14 says:

“But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.”

This text is saying that without the Holy Spirit, one cannot understand the things of God. It does not mean that once a person has God’s Spirit, they can have direct, meaningful, and ongoing conversation with God. Let’s read just a few verses prior:

“For who among people knows the thoughts of a person except the spirit of the person that is in him? So also the thoughts of God no one knows, except the Spirit of God. Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.” 1 Corinthians 2:11-13 NASB

Now, this teacher rightly says that only the spiritual person can appraise spiritual things. But those spiritual things are not some conversation. Rather, they are the spiritual truths found in God’s Word. God speaks to us – in His Word – and He graciously listens to us – in our prayers. The wonderful truths of Scripture are not some springboard into hearing a mystical voice.So, how does the Holy Spirit operate? Does the Spirit speak as God’s voice? Does He speak directly to us apart from the Bible?The Holy Spirit guides His children into all truth.

“’But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.’” John 16:13-15 NASB

The Holy Spirit testifies to Jesus by guiding His own children into all the truth – Scripture. Imagine that! God “speaks” to us each time we go to the place where He has already spoken – His written Word. And we can hear and understand because of a special promise by God Himself to give us the Holy Spirit.Therefore, do we learn and recognize God’s voice through building a rapport and friendship with Him? Only if we mean that we go to where we can know Him – that is, to the words He has already spoken. This is where God makes His mind known. We can be spiritual and know the specifics of God’s will because we receive those words (Bible), not “specific and extra” words. It is not through some mystical (mysterious) or direct communication. The real Holy Spirit is not our own personal spirit.To be led by the Spirit means to believe God’s written Word and walk in the Spirit’s strength according to that Word. It is personal because it is the Spirit bearing witness to you or I as we do this. But it is not something more than the revelation of the Word already given to and for us. We must be careful if we believe we are hearing the voice of God, i.e. hearing from the Spirit, while not having the Word of God right before us externally or internally as memorized.Thomas Watson said, “The Word written is above an angelic embassy, or a voice from heaven.”When the Apostle Peter actually heard a voice from heaven, he used it to remind his readers that Scripture is God’s Word. He makes no mention of seeking or listening for more voices, whether they are external or internal.

“For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such a declaration as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory: “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased”— and we ourselves heard this declaration made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture becomes a matter of someone’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:16-21 NASB (emphasis added)

Final Thoughts

We should be quick to discern anyone who is promoting a mystical layer of theology, deceptively placed on top of the Scripture or in addition to Scripture, as in this case. It is an attempt to have direct and deeper communion with God – spirit to spirit speaking and hearing – apart from Scripture.If Scripture is no longer the solid foundation, we should also be careful to pay attention to other teachings from those with this mindset. And, maybe more importantly, we should notice who these teachers are willing to associate with in ministry.

For More on the Subject of Hearing From God

How Does God Speak to Christians? by Sinclair Ferguson

Hearing God’s Voice

Should Christians Listen for a “Still Small Voice”?

Hearing God’s Voice

This subject – Hearing God’s Voice – has become extremely widespread among the evangelical community. We will be sifting through some of the nuances of the subject in this article, primarily referring to a quote from a very popular “hearing God’s voice” teacher.

Table of Contents

→ Hearing God Quote & Introduction
→ God Has Spoken
→ The Shift
→ God’s Providence & Wisdom
→ For More on Hearing God

Hearing God Quote & Introduction

We begin with the quote. Read closely:

“As a believer matures, they should be grateful for but not satisfied with “hand-me-down” revelation from God. Why should we settle for God’s Word that has been revealed to someone else and simply handed on to us? Sure, those who teach and pass along their understanding of God’s Word should be appreciated and even honored but their impartation to us should never quell our own desire to hear God for ourselves. In fact, it should stir it up and incite that passion all the more. We should all crave a message from God’s Spirit that has our name on it and is designed to give us tailor-made, hand-picked, personal direction and guidance.”

The above quote is by teacher and author Priscilla Shirer. We chose to use this particular quote as an example because Shirer frequently teaches on this subject – Hearing God’s Voice. She has spoken at conferences, at churches, on television interviews, written books, and has things on her website dedicated to this subject. You may see it titled Position Yourself to Hear from God or her book titled Discerning the Voice of God. Certainly, she has devoted countless hours to expounding how Christians can hear the voice of God.

So, we must ask ourselves – why? Why do we need to learn how to hear God’s voice? Is it a difficult thing to do? How does God speak? Do we need to be taught how to hear Him? What does Shirer mean when she says “we should all crave a message from God’s Spirit” that is “tailor-made, hand-picked, personal direction and guidance?” Is she saying this message from God comes as fixed truth only from Scripture? Or is she saying it comes as something else – apart from or in addition to Scripture? If God has personal messages for us, should we not make certain we hear and receive that message? Where are we to look for it?

It is extremely important we get a handle on this. The reality is that God has spoken to His children, and we can know what He has told us. It is not a matter of if God speaks to His children. It is a matter of where God has spoken. It is not a matter of if we can hear God. It is a matter of how we hear (know) what God has already said. This article is dedicated to extrapolating those differences.

As we navigate through, keep in mind this one question: Is where we start with hearing God also where we end with hearing God?

God Has Spoken

The wonderful thing we hold in our hands – the Bible – is a precious deposit from God! Why is it so precious? It is God’s Word to us. It gives us the wisdom that leads to salvation in Jesus Christ – a common salvation handed down and revealed in writing for all who believe. Each and every “piece” of it is for all of God’s dear children. We are to study it, learn from it, and adhere to examples of faithfulness to it. It is all for our instruction – no matter what piece we are actually reading at any moment or thinking upon because we have it hidden in our hearts!We see the significance of God’s written Word in Paul’s letter to Timothy:

“You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17 NASB (emphasis added)

According to Paul’s testimony, Scripture is sacred writing! God has given it to us as His Word and it is incredible! It is fixed (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21) and sufficient for everything and anything we could possibly need.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 NASB

God’s written Word is His special revelation to us. It is what gives us guidance and direction in our daily lives. We can be comforted by and rest on that Word!

The Shift

So, is there a difference between resting on God’s written Word and what Shirer says we are to do? Absolutely. Remember, Shirer did not want “hand-me down” revelation. Evidently God’s written Word was not enough. She wanted something more, something fresh with her name on it. Hmmm.

It should be noted that such teachers will absolutely and totally affirm the objective authority of the written Word of God. You will most likely hear them speak truths from God’s Holy Word! Nevertheless, a shift ensues.

Where they started in their endeavor to hear God – God’s Word – is not where they end up. As with Shirer, she is now at a personal “message from God’s Spirit.” From where does this personal message come?

So, they may say we are hearing God through Scripture, but it’s as though they use that very Scripture as some springboard – to obtain the real message we need to hear for our own personal lives. Consequently, it becomes about listening for something else, something other, something…from within? Undoubtedly, self has become the new reference point!

Whether it be through some inner prompting, inner voice, impression, feeling, they shift the authority from the already written Word of God to one’s own leading. This is quite dangerous for our spiritual life and walk. After all, how would we know if it was God’s voice, our own thoughts, or some other influence?

George Mueller, an evangelist in the 19th century, said, “Faith has nothing to do with feelings or impressions, with improbabilities or outward experiences. If we desire to couple such things with faith, then we are no longer resting on the Word of God, because faith needs nothing of the kind. Faith rests on the naked Word of God. When we take Him at His Word, the heart is at peace.”

But we believe that Shirer and other such teachers do not land on Scripture as their final authority. In their wanting some fresh revelation, they have actual begun a mystical journey of hearing God directly. They go beyond the written Word to some direct inner access to God. (In fact, Shirer’s ministry is titled Going Beyond Ministries) Their new found quest becomes laden with the need for fresh revelations and on-going prophecies, as if something of real importance is missing from Scripture. This, no doubt, leaves the door wide open for other questionable teachings.

Read how forthright Charles Spurgeon was about the issue in this excerpt from his March 7, 1886 sermon on John 17:17:

“But what is the truth? There is the point. Is the truth that which I imagine to be revealed to me by some private communication? Am I to fancy that I enjoy some special revelation, and am I to order my life by voices, dreams, and impressions? Brethren, fall not into this common delusion. God’s word to us is in Holy Scripture. All the truth that sanctifies men is in God’s Word. Do not listen to those who cry, “Lo here!” and “Lo there!” I am plucked by the sleeve almost every day by crazy persons and pretenders who have revelations. One man tells me that God has sent a message to me by him; and I reply, “No, sir, the Lord knows where I dwell, and he is so near to me that he would not need to send to me by you.” Another man announces in God’s name a dogma which, on the face of it, is a lie against the Holy Ghost. He says the Spirit of God told him so-and-so; but we know that the Holy Ghost never contradicts himself. If your imaginary revelation is not according to this Word, it has no weight with us; and if it is according to this Word, it is no new thing.

Brethren, this Bible is enough if the Lord does but use it, and quicken it by his Spirit in our hearts. Truth is neither your opinion, nor mine; your message, nor mine. Jesus says, “Thy word is truth.” That which sanctifies men is not only truth, but it is the particular truth which is revealed in God’s Word—”Thy word is truth.” What a blessing it is that all the truth that is necessary to sanctify us is revealed in the Word of God, so that we have not to expend our energies upon discovering truth, but may, to our far greater profit, use revealed truth for its divine ends and purposes! There will be no more revelations; no more are needed. The canon is fixed and complete, and he that adds to it shall have added to him the plagues that are written in this Book. What need of more when here is enough for every practical purpose? ‘Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.’”

Spurgeon was referring to Revelation 22:18 which says, “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book.”

God’s Providence & Wisdom

The reason people want to hear personally from God may be because they are in need of something, they are searching for some direction, or they lack wisdom in making some decision. When we need understanding or direction in life, we can have God’s wisdom. But it is for those who ask and believe. James addresses this very matter:

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8

Seeking to hear a personal voice replaces what one should be doing – which is simply asking God for wisdom. That wisdom might come through specific truth from Scripture which we read in a providentially timely fashion. Or it might come to us in the midst of the providential circumstances we find ourselves in. The text does not say how the wisdom will be given and what exactly it will look like. But it will come. We are to have un-relinquishing confidence that it will, and we must not doubt. Again, this is a promise to be believed.

Please note that when God directs us toward a goal or acts upon our hearts, it is through His sovereign actions orchestrating our lives. It is not through His “speech.” The common word we use for it is providence. Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.”God can and will sovereignly direct our lives according to His own will and purposes for us. We may or may not fully know when this is happening, but we can take comfort in the fact that God is in control. He is trustworthy and we can rest in that.

To conclude this section, we must not be misled by modern day proponents of “hearing God’s voice.” Their idea of hearing from God may begin by going to the written Word, but they do not end there. They seek something more. They displace commands such as asking God for wisdom with a subjective human-centered journey of “hearing God’s voice.” In so doing, they display a lack of faith in the sufficiency of the final written Word of God and distort the on-going ministry of the Holy Spirit. Not only that, but they can leave saints feeling bewildered because of what seems to be contradictory statements and lacking confidence because they don’t seem to have the same “sense” of hearing God’s voice clearly.

But faith knows God’s provisions have already been made for His children. We can be confident in a completely sufficient Word already delivered for us! We hear God’s voice where He has spoken – His written Word is His speech!

For More on Hearing God

How Does God Speak? By David Sheldon
Should Christians Listen For a “Still Small Voice”? By David Sheldon

Generally speaking, over the past 50 years, various false movements within the evangelical church have led to unscriptural thought and practice. Philosophical and theological worldviews, not based in the Word of God, have slowly but surely gained the upper hand in the basic operations of many churches.

In many instances, the church is using worldly ideas to garner people into it. From theatrical displays and concert-like worship styles to a watered-down message, evangelicalism has largely succumbed to the ways of the world. The result? An unconverted mass. Over time, the church is now full of worldly people who have never actually heard the stumbling block message of the cross nor received the real Jesus Christ of the Scriptures.

How is this even possible you ask? In this article, we discuss some of the logistics of how the worldly church has come to fruition and some key identifiers. We will see that it is a worldly church that plays into the final apostasy spoken about in Scripture (such as 2 Thessalonians 2 and other places in the New Testament). You may be surprised to know that what is happening in our day is what God said in His Word would happen!

Table of Contents

→ The Stumbling Block of the Gospel
→ A Different Agenda
→ Massive Theological Deception
→ End-Time Events

The Stumbling Block of the Gospel

According to Scripture, fallen man has no interest in God and His gospel. When God says man is sinful, desperately wicked, deceitful, and in need of a Savior, man covers his ears and runs in the other direction. The world is offended when it is asked to consider its sinful ways and God’s only solution to the problem. Several texts of Scripture help us grasp this reality – Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 3:23, 1 Corinthians 1:22-23, 1 Corinthians 1:18 (all NASB).

Without the effectual work of the Holy Spirit, the message of the cross of Jesus Christ is offensive and foolish. The gospel is a scandal and a stumbling block for the world. The world is most likely to resist the witness of the Holy Spirit who Jesus said “will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). And if the world does acknowledge mankind as sinful, it is most apt to disagree with the penalty which is a place of everlasting human torment called hell and banishment from the presence of God. For those who repent and believe, Scripture promises eternal reward (Matthew 5:12). This, however, does not come without a high cost (Matthew 16:24).

It was pretty obvious in Jesus’ earthly ministry that the cost of following Him was quite high. The road to His kingdom was narrow as seen in Matthew 7:13-14.

A Different Agenda

Have you noticed that in many churches the stumbling block message of Jesus Christ crucified has taken a back seat to other things? Namely “connectedness.” The visible church’s overarching goal has become “to connect.”

What do we mean by this? People are number one. It is the socialization/incorporation of a person into the church that has become of first importance. This is no secret. There are multiple ways in which this is manifesting itself.

First, the attracting of people is apparent through all of the church’s “amenities” – the things the church offers. From cafes and coffee, to comfortable dress codes, to comfortable seating, to images everywhere, to theatrical displays, to lights and entertainment, people can get whatever will please them.

Now, of course, those things in and of themselves are not sinful, but should they be the goal of the church? The main attraction?

Second, as mentioned above, the world does not love the message of the cross, but rather is offended by it. Let me ask you, would the world be offended to go to and sit through a church service that gives them what makes them feel good and offers whatever they will “connect” with? Of course not. In fact, they have actually been put at ease and their consciences have been appeased, and they enjoy coming week in and week out.

The offense of the gospel message has been ever so craftily removed. Words like sin, rebellion, hell, etc. are no longer heard. The truth is not being shared candidly and with great clarity, and no one knows what they are missing. The actual ministry focus has shifted from the object – God – to the new object – self. Terms like “my purpose,” “my story,” “my experience,” are heard. Faith is now centralized in self, based upon feeling and experience rather than God and His objective Word.

Thus, we must wonder whether the people sitting in the church pews have actually been confronted by the One who came to save them from sin. When has true repentance and actual conversion to Jesus Christ occurred? Unfortunately, if such a preoccupation with some immediate creature connectedness is successful, it is often an inoculation to real salvation.

Third, the “connectedness” is heightened by a call to become a “world-changing” influence. After all, why wouldn’t anyone want to help change the world? Look at the mess we are in! So, get on the bandwagon. Come join the church’s “mission” to be an influence in a particular community. There is no longer a specific call to evangelize the lost whom Jesus came to seek and save. There is a new spirit of inclusiveness for people of all churches (or faiths) to get aboard in service to build, with human hands, the kingdom of God upon the earth.

Fourth, the deception is enhanced by leaders who function more like CEOs than actual Biblical preachers of Jesus Christ and shepherds of His flock. These new corporations operate just like any other worldly corporations, with the success of those leaders measured in terms of money, influence, and numbers. Shepherding (or pastoring) has now become directly related to the feel-good and consumer-driven contentment and commitment they have elicited from their flocks. These leaders permeate the American church stages with their stylish spirituality and are committed to religious compromise rather than boldly proclaiming the offense of the cross of Jesus Christ.

All these things have crept in and the flame has been fanned as if they actually represent true growth in Christ and the church. They do not. They clearly reflect the opposite attitude of what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 and 2 Corinthians 2:14-17.

Instead, we have the worldly church that caters to man’s fallen interests and panders to the Word of God. It loves to use Biblical language and ideas, but they are used to manipulate the masses into the new paradigm rather than a true conversion. The pure preaching of Jesus Christ and Him crucified from the pulpit is removed. They quote Scripture – to lead astray – just like the devil did when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness. The Lord resisted the devil’s temptations with true truth and so should every Christian.

But the world now feels welcomed in the church because they are not called to repent. They are immersed in a new brand of “Christianity” that has little regard for actual truth. This is just a delusional technique of our adversary to lead towards globalized false worship – as if it is real spiritual worship of the true God by a chosen people.

Massive Theological Deception

The characteristics of what is happening in the church are very troubling. How did it get to this point? There has been massive deception occurring, and as with all deception, Satan takes the Word of God and twists it for his own purposes.

There are two main theological areas that have been distorted: 1) Who Jesus Christ is and what He has done, and 2) How we know Jesus Christ. Let me explain.

Within the early church, there was certain Gnostic thought that separated the person of Christ from the “Christ-Spirit.” This teaching says having a spiritual connectedness to Christ is the mainspring of faith with little regard for the uniqueness and clarity of the Personhood of Jesus and the specifics of His actual salvation. This disregard is rearing its ugly head once again, maybe in a different form, but theologically similar.

It can be seen in the use of words like “faith,” “redeem,” “story,” “meditation,” and many other words. What happens is the words are redefined so that the person becomes the centerpiece of the concept/story rather than Jesus Christ who is the object of the actual Biblical concepts. It is a spiritual subjectivism. This can be quite seamless since we naturally worship the fallen image in us – as if it were divine. This is a false concept of “Christ in me” (ie. my story, my purpose) with no actual conversion to the Jesus of the Bible. It is the specifics of and fidelity to the real Jesus that makes one actually a Christian.

Shockingly, there can be a version of Christ preached and taught that really has nothing to do with the Lord Jesus Christ presented in the Holy Scriptures. It is what I call a “cultural Christ” that both the “worldly church” and the masses of fallen man will embrace. The “cultural Christ” calls no one to a narrow gate and a straight road. Discipleship to the “cultural Christ” would never think of having to suffer for a clear definition of the knowing and following the actual Lord and Savior.

This disregard is evident in clear testimony to the false teaching and belief about the Person of Christ. A survey published in 2020 by Ligonier Ministries shows that 30% of evangelicals now believe the statement “Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God.” It can also be seen in the reversal of what people think about man’s fallen condition and need for a Savior. That same Ligonier Ministries survey showed that 46% of “evangelicals” agreed with the following statement: “Everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature.”

The second part of what is taking place in the church relates to how man can know God. Scripture tells us that Jesus Christ came to us in His incarnation, was crucified for us, buried and raised and ascended into heaven as Savior and Lord. He who is seated at the right hand of the Father is made known now to us by His Spirit through the Word. Period.

Again, a wonderful biblical concept has been perverted. We now hear that Jesus comes to us in the creation (or events, life-stories, or even people) – to be seen by all – apart from Scripture. Technically, this is known as panentheism which means that God is both present in all things and has a separate existence as well. Panentheism, in our present generation, is the belief that we are on a spiritual journey through life to embrace God, in this case, the spirit of Christ, who is all and to be seen in all. It says our world isn’t in rebellion, but that it is on a good-hearted quest. That quest is for a “reconciled and gracious” Christ of modern culture who comes to us mystically. So, we now believe “Jesus” comes to us in stuff and if we are tuned in then we will be blessed (eucharisteo)!

So, the faith now is experientially based and emotionally embraced. Apparently, we have decided that this is how God is now approaching us – directly and personally. Christ fills it all and if we just get connected and feel blessed – “everything is spiritual” as Rob Bell would remind us. But “Jesus” doesn’t “come to us” in stuff. Nevertheless, with the popularity of books like Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Book Review on Berean Research) and One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (Book Review by Bob DeWaay), this panentheistic and deceptive view of Christ now coming to us will prevail in the worldly church.

These two theological pieces of massive deception we will call Christo-Panentheism. It will make way for that which God has ordained will occur before His Second Coming in visible power and glory.

End-Time Events

The Bible describes two events that will take place at the end of this present evil age against God and His Son, Jesus Christ: the final Apostasy of the church and a worldwide rebellion of fallen mankind. The final Apostasy is the falling away from the faith within the visible church. It will be those things of “worldly church” discussed in this article. It will not confront rebellious men with the exclusive claims of Jesus Christ. The global rebellion by this fallen world is for the purposes of both salvation and judgment. It will be allowed to come to fruition based on the pre-ordained and sovereign reasons of God. (Found in the book of Revelation.)

So, rebellion against God will occur both inside and outside of the church. The rebellion inside of the church will be disguised as a spiritual awakening. After all, how can the massive amounts of people we find within the church be blinded to truth? And since the “awakening” won’t be an offense to the global kingdom of mankind, it won’t be a threat for it. It can be conveniently tolerated and embraced globally because the offense of the cross and the scandalous nature of following the real Jesus Christ of the Scriptures have been removed.

The powers of darkness are being allowed to invade even what were once sound churches for the purposes of God’s judgments. But there is hope for any who have the Word of Christ richly dwelling in them and have the Holy Spirit. They will wake up in the midst of this evangelical compromise and realize that His judgments have already started. His judgments have come to the visible worldly church by means of God abandoning it to its folly.

Let us close this article with Scripture reminders for all true saints of Jesus Christ who desire to bear a true and faithful witness to Him.

“Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.” Hebrews 13:12-14 NASB

“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me.” John 15:18-21 NASB

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Side Note: Some have said this end-time scenario of Revelation is like a three-legged stool of man’s final rebellion. The over-arching phrase used for this rebellion is called “Babylon” and although it is used figuratively, it is very clear and specific as to its nature in context. The three aspects of this three-legged stool are:
1. State/Economic Control by the Beast/Antichrist and his System: Babylon
2. Worship of the Beast/Image through the False Prophet and his Manipulating Powers and Passion
3. Religious Control through the Great Harlot
You can read more about them in our articles on the book of Revelation.

Unfortunately, such a shift is happening today among evangelical circles at an increasing rate. A prime illustration is seen when a church has a statement of faith that includes something like, “We believe in the sole authority of Scripture for faith and practice,” yet they have practically abandoned that stance by allowing false teachings to enter in, whether deliberately or indirectly. If Scripture is really their authority, as they say, it should be in actuality, not just in statement. Sometimes it can be more telling to view a church’s list of current studies to know if they truly adhere to God’s Word.

Let’s turn our attention to a few specific examples of untrue teachings that have entered the visible church, making way for a foundational swing.

Table of Contents

→   #1 Hearing God’s Voice
→   #2 Experiencing God
→   #3 The Cosmic Christ
→   #4 The End of this Present Evil Age

#1 Hearing God’s Voice

It is quite possible you have heard the phrase “hearing God’s voice,” whether from some teacher or in conversation. Upon hearing such an expression, we should ask ourselves what the person means. Are they saying they were reading the Bible and the Holy Spirit illuminated the truth meaning of the text to their minds? Perhaps that is what they mean. But generally when the phrase is used it means something quite different.

Authors Henry and Richard Blackaby, as well as teachers Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer, to name a few, typically use the phrase to convey the concept that God’s voice is heard when one opens themselves up or learns through experience apart from or beyond Scripture. Keep in mind they might affirm that God’s voice is heard only in Scripture. However, in reality, usually the idea is that one should hear fresh inner promptings or whispers that are not found in the Bible. In fact, they suggest that to hear God’s voice immediately and directly is fresher and greater than simply reading and studying His Word.

Do you see why this teaching is so deceptive? It is not because of what is actually stated – to hear God’s voice – but because of what is not stated – how, when, and where to hear God’s voice. The truth is that Christians are commanded to read, study, memorize, believe, and obey God’s Word, not to listen for a voice. It is in the hearing and illumination of the Word that the Spirit then promises to be with us, guiding and empowering us, as we simply walk by faith.

For more on this subject, you can read How Does God Speak? and Hearing God’s Voice.

#2 Experiencing God

“Experiencing God” is another commonly heard theme. The idea is associated with having fresh encounters with God. An example can be seen in the book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Young states, “I knew that God communicated with me through the Bible, but I yearned for more…” (p. xi) What is this “more” for which Young longs? Is it for more of the Bible? It is not presented that way. Implicit in her statement is the desire for a personal encounter or direct experience with the Living God that is beyond, or other than through, the Word of God.

Should Christians desire to personally encounter God based on their own devices or whims? Is this even attainable? Mystics would answer “yes.” They believe that direct knowledge of God, spiritual truth, or ultimate reality can be attained through subjective experience as intuition or insight. But the believers’ “experiencing” of God is a knowing of God through His means – the Word of God and the Spirit of God. The eternal invisible God is unknowable to fallen and rebellious sinners apart from His own provision for them. Unfortunately, when someone wishes to experience God directly they will be operating from worldly or sensual desires.

Let’s remember what one of the more prolific writers and theologians of the 20th century, Francis Schaeffer, said:

“We must stress that the basis for our faith is neither experience nor emotion, but the truth as God has given it: in verbalized, propositional form in the Scripture and which we first of all apprehend with our mind – though, of course, the whole man must act upon it.”

Benjamin Warfield, a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, explained the difference between biblically “experiencing” God and mystical experience in The Biblical Review, Volume 2, 1917:

“Evangelical Christianity interprets all religious experience by the normative revelation of God recorded for us in the Holy Scriptures, and guides, directs, and corrects it from these Scriptures, and thus molds it into harmony with what God in His revealed Word lays down as the normal Christian life. The mystic, on the other hand, tends to substitute his religious experience for the objective revelation of God recorded in the written Word, as the source from which he derives his knowledge of God, or at least to subordinate the expressly revealed Word as the less direct and convincing source of knowledge of God to his own religious experience. The result is that the external revelation is relatively depressed in value, if not totally set aside.”

One of the more prominent people who introduced experience-based emphases and techniques into the visible church was author Richard Foster. His book Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth took the church world by storm when first published in 1978 (from which the below quotes are taken). It is about the quest for spirituality based on the inner workings of the soul and spiritual techniques. Interestingly, Foster was raised a Quaker. They believe in the “inward light.” To give you a taste of Foster’s book, the following quotes are given:

The inner world of meditation is most easily entered through the door of the imagination. (p. 22)

Another meditation aimed at centering oneself begins by concentrating on breathing…become silent outwardly and inwardly. Be attentive to the inward living Christ…then listen once again. (p.25)

You can see Foster believes that imagination, meditation, and the quest for the “inward Christ” are the new mediation before God. Of course that is absolutely not biblical, and is in contrast to the “outward” light who invaded our world of darkness in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He and His Word are the Light having come into our darkened lives. (You can read our review of Foster’s book to gain more insight.) Not long after Foster’s book, a new seminary category of study was born – spiritual formations. It is quite a conglomeration of teachings in most seminaries these days.

#3 The Cosmic Christ

Another false thought that has entered into evangelicalism is that of a Romantic and/or Cosmic Christ. It says God comes to us “in stuff” (like the creation) and that we need “spiritual eyes” to see Him there. But does Christ make Himself known personally through the creation? No, the true God reigns transcendent over His creation and made Himself personally known in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture.

Yet many are flocking to such authors as Ann Voskamp who writes in her book One Thousand Gifts, “Do I have eyes to see His face in all things…” (p.112). This is a new-age concept in that there is an ever present deity in the creation. It is not talking of the real Jesus, the One who became flesh and dwelt among us and died and was raised again and is seated at the right hand of God the Father. If you want that Christ, you should stick with only the Scriptures. (For an excellent review of One Thousand Gifts, you can read Bob DeWaay’s Romantic Panentheism: A Review of One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.)

#4 The End of this Present Evil Age

Unfortunately, the introduction of many false teachers and false doctrines as mentioned here has been “winked at” by most evangelical leaders. This is not ok. Where does that take us if we move even slightly off a biblical foundation? In Acts 20:17-38 we read of Paul’s ministry to the elders of Ephesus and his emphasis in that ministry. True shepherds warn the flock of such impending dangers just like Paul.

In light of this, we must not overlook the very nature of the end of this present evil age. Remember what Paul says in 2 Thessalonians 2. He warns that there would be a falling away from the faith led by the man of sin. In the midst of the church at the end of the age, a beast will arise and be the catalyst of a false church and the world’s final rebellion against the God of the Scriptures. The spirit of antichrist starts in the visible church and the final apostasy will be no exception. For saints who are alive, it will be very costly to maintain a faithful testimony to the Lord Jesus Christ in the environment of both the visible apostate church and the fallen world.

But our ultimate hope is eternal and will be revealed when the Lord Jesus Christ Himself returns on that glorious day of His revelation! Until then, we should be on guard (even while sitting in a church pew) and wait patiently with watchful eyes and prayerful hearts.

This post was first written in 2018 as a guest blog post on Michelle Lesley’s Discipleship for Christian Women blog. You can also find Bible Studies, warnings against false teachers, and much more on Michelle’s blog.

The following is a review of 40 Days of Purpose Introductory Video by Rick Warren (Accompanying Book – The Purpose-Driven® Life by Rick Warren)

Did you know that, according to a leading voice in the American church scene, one can now “connect” to Christ?

I was introduced to Rick Warren at my church in the fall of 2003 through his introductory video of 40 Days of Purpose and his accompanying book The Purpose-Driven® Life. The video, as originally recorded, used to be available on his website, but I can no longer find it. The video presents an introductory “gospel” and Warren leading in a prayer of salvation.

During Warren’s original first session of the 40 Days of Purpose® tape you are introduced to two main concepts: 1) That a person is an eternal soul and 2) That life should have purpose before God. Then, Warren states, “what you do with your life on earth will determine where you spend eternity.” At the close, Warren leads in a prayer for those who have not yet “opened their life” to Christ. But what does it mean to open your life to Jesus Christ when you have not considered the sin issue? There was no mention of the cross, sin, Jesus blood shed for remission, death of Christ, resurrection of Christ – nothing! This was certainly no “sinner’s prayer”.

The problem with leading in a prayer for salvation without acknowledging sin is that there is no foundation laid of guilt before God or a call to Biblical repentance (a change of mind – which results in a change of life). In fact, Warren is issuing this relationship with Jesus Christ to those who have both been in church or have never gone to church at all. In other words, an understanding of the holiness of God, sin, repentance, and the need for forgiveness is not an issue. He simply leads the prayer with “as much as I know how I open my life to you” (Christ). With this done, he then welcomes them into the family of God.

The full context of the first session of this video tape very clearly indicates that he believes he has presented the gospel. But, he has not mentioned one thing about sin.

Please take time to review the original tape for yourself. A different gospel preached in the public arena, at a church no less, was my introduction to Rick Warren and probably the same introduction of thousands upon thousands of churches and, unfortunately, probably millions of people!

Therefore, this begs the question: Unto what Christ have those who followed him in the prayer opened themselves? Is Warren indirectly saying that a persons’ sin is that they did not know that they were an eternal creature (which is mentioned in one of his points)? In addition, is their sin that they did not know that they can live a life of purpose before God? If a person opens their life up to this information, which evidently Jesus provides and is the reason they are now opening their life to Him, are they then saved? These are the only sins that it would seem he is addressing. In reality, these sins are the philosophical basis of the gospel he presents.

In context, these thoughts raise themselves up against the knowledge of God and the word of the cross. That is, they wrongly place a person in a position before the cross that says they can add Jesus onto their life without considering their sinful condition.

Now tell me, when you look in the gospels, do you ever see Jesus allowing for anyone to do this? Does He allow people to be in a position where He permits them to think that they can add Him onto their life or open their life to Him while ignoring their sinful ways?

The real issue is that we are sinners before a Holy God. True Scriptural faith/repentance cannot occur unless the true gospel message is proclaimed and received. Faith comes by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17). The fact is, if one is ignoring the reality of sin and its consequences, then one cannot be receiving the Lord Jesus Christ of the gospel. Only sinners need a Savior!

Thus, are we missing a few important Biblical truths in this gospel presentation? Are the Biblical ideas of repentance and faith and forgiveness before a Holy God optional in presenting the gospel? If the answer is no, yet a person is moved to pray a prayer based on a gospel presentation missing these concepts, do we know who moved them? It should be noted that if the gospel is not presented, then another spirit is at work rather than the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth always presents the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, in the Biblical context of His redemptive work at Calvary. The Lord Jesus Christ of the gospel is the door and there is no other way into the fold. The Scripture tells us that the thief, robber, and false shepherd will tell us otherwise.

I believe a careful reading of the book which accompanies the video session will clearly show it is centered in humanistic philosophy rather than the cross, similar to the self-esteem gospel. Go to your local public library sometime and read the chapter on the Fatherhood of God in Self-Esteem: The New Reformation by Robert Schuller. (Or you can read Review: Self-Esteem: The New Reformation) If you are truly Christian make sure you are seated. Notice how he twists the real meaning of Scriptural words/concepts and yet continues to use those very same Biblical words.

Many people replace the cross of Christ with the vain philosophies of men (Colossians 2:8). But that ends up making the message of the cross empty (1 Corinthians 1:17). The cross of Christ is central to the gospel message! When you remove the center, you remove the true message! Thus, you remove the scandal and the reproach (1 Corinthians 1:18; Hebrews 13:12,13).

When Jesus looked toward the cross during His earthly ministry, He said it was the reason He came into the world. Yet we dare omit its’ meaning from our gospel? The growing apostasy in the American church seems quite content in doing so. Not only was Jesus crucified at Calvary, but according to Paul the cross has something to do with us as well. (Galatians 2:20) Do you know of anywhere in the New Testament epistles where the Apostles ever view our crucifixion in Christ as optional? Life as we knew it came to an end! Are we allowed to pick and choose? That is, do we have the forgiveness He has provided without agreeing with the judgment God rendered there about the condition of our life apart from Him? You do realize it was one event, don’t you? Why then continue, as the book and video do, to talk about forgiveness, about service, or fellowship or mission if we have indeed allowed for people to miss the Lord Jesus Christ of Calvary as the door? Not only that, those who opened their life to Christ now actually think they are bound for heaven. God help us if we have only further helped them continue in their lost condition before a Holy God and actually done it in Jesus name.

I thank God that those who shared the Lord Jesus Christ of the gospel with me for the first time had the audacity to think that I was a sinner and because of that I was on the road to eternal separation from God in a place called hell. They lovingly pleaded with me in regards to the truth of the gospel and my condition before a Holy God. They actually preached the Real One – knowing that I was to come under conviction of the Holy Spirit as a sinner and so I believed in the Savior! Do you know the love of that Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ of the Scriptures?

Unfortunately, Rick Warren placed a false door to the kingdom of God before people in a church setting, personally walked them through it, and then told them they were part of the family of God!

See Galatians 1:6-10 and notice:
1. “Who” do we desert when we follow a different gospel?
2. Do you know why the Apostle Paul knew they received the gospel? (See Acts 18:23)
3. What does the Apostle Paul think about the “person” who makes a different public proclamation of the gospel than the gospel that HE preached and knew the Galatians received?
4. When Paul stood firmly on the gospel he was seeking whose favor? Do you?
5. When we don’t stand firmly on the gospel Paul says we are seeking whose favor?
Finally, are YOU, like Paul, a true and faithful witness to the Lord Jesus Christ of the Gospel? Do you think like he thought when he made the above statements in Galatians 1:6-10?

*It should be noted in any look at Rick Warren’s 40 Days of Purpose videos that his original video of 2003 was on VCR and sent to thousands of churches. Many of those are no longer available. Within a year or two after that fact he came out with a DVD that made some changes from the original VCR tape sent to churches. Any pastor or layperson who watched and was actually paying attention to that original video can confirm the critique given here.