On July 4, 2009, Rick Warren addressed the Islamic Society of North America. His speech included absolutely nothing offensive to Muslims. He did not rebuke them for their unbelief or even assert that they should take a hard look at Jesus as the Christ. Rather, he talked about Christians and Muslims working together on social causes. The impression he left with them is they are perfectly fine to reject the Christ and continue in their false religion.

I wrote an article about this that appeared in the September 2009 issue of Truth Magazine. One of the readers of the article sent it on to Rick Warren at Saddleback church. His Chief of Staff, David Chrzan, wrote a reply. You can find a review of one paragraph here. Another paragraph needs attention too because the preposterous claim to biblical purity is made by Chrzan on behalf of Saddleback and Warren.

The paragraph states:

Pastor Rick is Southern Baptist. While Saddleback Church may not look Southern Baptist to most casual observers, we are down the middle Southern Baptist in our theology and doctrinal statements. We are totally committed to reaching the unchurched and contemporary in our worship style, while remaining biblically pure.

“Southern Baptist” is something that cannot be found in the Bible. Never does the New Testament mention a “Southern Baptist” person or congregation. So, how can that be biblically pure?

We can read where the people of God, Christians, were referred to as the “church of God” (1 Cor. 1:2), the “churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16), the “churches of Galatia” or “church of the Thessalonians” (Gal. 1:2; 1 Thes. 1:1). The latter designations describe churches by their geographical location. The other two describe the church with reference to ownership or headship—God and Christ. Other terms are found in the Bible to describe God’s people, both collectively and individually, but you will never find “Southern Baptist.” Again, we submit, it is impossible to be “biblically pure” and “Southern Baptist.”

Further, Warren and Saddleback are not just “Southern Baptist,” but “down the middle Southern Baptist.” That screams “moderate!” In other words, they are not conservative Sothern Baptist, but among those who are compromisers. From our perspective Saddleback is misrepresenting itself here. Since they compromise with Christ-denying Muslims, they are extremely liberal Southern Baptists, not “down the middle.”

On Saddleback’s web site, under the “What We Believe” section, it professes multiple things that are biblically impure.

This is what they say about salvation and baptism: “Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith,” and “baptism does not save you.” The Bible plainly teaches that faith alone does not save you. “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). It also says baptism does save you. “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism…” (1 Peter 3:21). Rick Warren and Saddleback say baptism does not save you. The Holy Spirit and Peter say it does. Which is biblically pure?

Saddleback’s site also says, “…the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.” The Bible says we must take heed lest we fall (1 Cor. 10:12). Why the warning if it is impossible to fall? The fact is a Christian can fall from grace, as the Galatians did. “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4). Too, Paul said, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). Saddleback and Warren say you cannot lose your salvation and there is nothing you can do to keep it. The Bible teaches you can fall from grace and you must put forth effort to secure your final salvation. Who do you think is biblically pure; Warren and Saddleback or Paul and the Holy Spirit?

It is ridiculous for anyone to claim biblical purity while at the same time teaching and practicing the doctrines and commandments of men (Matt. 15:7-9). Sadly, many will not examine Warren’s teaching because of his popularity and the messages he presents are so non-offensive. This is the devil at work, getting people to drop their guard and accept error. Let us not be in that number (Acts 17:11; 1 Thes. 5:21).

Paul expressed deep concern for the Thessalonians. He realized the afflictions of faith they were facing. The devil was attempting to destroy them. Still, they held fast.

To know their condition, Paul sent Timothy, who brought back a good report. The Thessalonians remained faithful in spite of the things they suffered. Their example gave life to Paul and, thus, he wanted all the more to see them again.

The latter part of 1 Thessalonians 3 is a prayer for the church. Notice that for which he prayed.

1. That God would direct their way.
2. That the Lord would increase their love for one another.
3. That they would be pure in heart because of the coming judgment.

We need to utter such prayers and be an encouragement to our brethren, just as the Thessalonians were to Paul (and no doubt others).

The Thessalonians were an exceptional group of Christians. They received the apostles and prophets as all men should receive them, as messengers of God; not as men preaching their own philosophy. Too many of us hear what a man says and take it as his view or opinion, when it is in fact the teaching of God. We need to spend more time examining a man’s teaching in light of God’s word so we will know if it is of God or of man.

The saints here were no strangers to persecution. Their faith brought heavy opposition from society. Just as Christians in Judea were attacked, so were the Thessalonians being attacked. If we are faithful, if we become “imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus” we will be persecuted. One of my great fears is that the lack of opposition or light opposition we face today is because we are not as militant as saints of the first century. The gospel has not changed, nor has society. So, what’s the difference?

Another thing of particular interest is that the devil hindered Paul’s movements. The Bible teaches Satan has a limited providence. He works in this world. He is not stronger than God, nor can he overrule God. Yet, he is able to act so as to affect men and their plans, actions, and labors. Let us understand that some of the frustrations we face and feel in our work for the Lord might be the devil getting in our way. Just as Paul did not give up because of this, neither can we.

The first chapter of 1 Thessalonians is uplifting. The saints are faithful and active in the Lord. Paul esteems them highly for their “work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in [the] Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Thessalonians were busy spreading the gospel locally, regionally, and internationally (1:8).

Paul considered it a great triumph for them to turn from idols to the living God. And, truly it is a precious victory for every soul that escapes sin and the clutches of the devil.

If Paul were to write to us today, to our congregations, would he pen such a letter?

May we endeavor to be like the Thessalonian saints.

Mark 16 is the climax of the gospel story. The great victory that Satan thought he accomplished was suddenly reversed and became a crushing defeat (Gen. 3:15). In fact, it was so crushing he will never recover from it. He could not undo the plan of salvation. Rather, by his actions he helped to solidify it. In this we can see the infinite wisdom of God.

The disciples were taken completely off guard when they heard of Jesus’ resurrection. The women at the tomb were astounded; so were the eleven. Jesus rebuked the latter for their unbelief. Imagine the “rebuke” on the Judgment Day when the evidence has been clearly established for two millennia. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess (Phil. 2:9-11).

Thankfully, the apostles did develop faith, and rather quickly. Every single one remained true to the Lord even though they were terribly tormented, abused, and/or murdered. Let us thank God for the faithful who have gone before us; those who labored with blood and tears to pass the faith to the next generation. Too, let us thank God for revealing and confirming His soul-saving word.

Mark 3 highlights opposition and adoration for Jesus.

The Lord healed a man in the synagogue on the Sabbath by simply asking the man to stretch out his hand. When the man’s hand was healed, the Jews were so angry that the Pharisees and Herodians – two groups that normally hated each other – plotted to kill Jesus.

As word spread about Jesus’ works, multitudes from the surrounding regions flocked to Him. The Lord had to rebuke the demons to be silent as to His identity. He could not afford an endorsement from Satan, as well as it being premature.

On one occasion when Jesus cast out a demon, He was accused of being in league with the devil. He showed how utterly absurd this claim was saying a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.

Jesus’ family came looking for Him, thinking He had lost His mind (3:21, 31). When informed that they were trying to reach Him, Jesus explained who His true family is: those who do the will of God. We can be in that family…and are in that family…if we will simply do the will of God. What a blessing!

“When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (Jn. 8:44).

Satan is the father of lies because of the events in the Garden (Gen. 3:1-6). He has never ceased lying to men to lure them away from God. His work is relentless, but so is God’s.

One great deceit with which the devil has had much success is that salvation is by faith alone. Most of our religious friends and neighbors adhere to this doctrine. It is a part of Calvinism, though many are not strict Calvinist or would even know what that means.

The Methodist Book of Discipline teaches that salvation by faith only is a wholesome and comforting doctrine. If it was true, that would be true. However, it is a false doctrine and so any comfort is misleading and wholesomeness a fraud.

Faith-only salvation contradicts straight-forward language.

James teaches that salvation is “not by faith only” (Jas. 2:24). Rather, he says, it is by putting faith into action (Jas. 2:14-26). He points to Abraham as one example of true faith; so does the Hebrew writer.

In Hebrews 11, the writer sets before us not only Abraham, but also many others who lived by faith. They are concrete examples of faith. Abraham left his homeland at God’s command and offered His son for the same reason (Heb. 11:8-19). Able sacrificed by faith (Heb. 11:4). Noah built an ark (Heb. 11:7). Moses forsook Egypt and Israel crossed the Red Sea by faith (Heb. 11:24-29). Each case in this chapter is of individuals or groups that obeyed God’s command by faith. In other words, they believed what He said and acted on it.

If Israel believed God could part the Red Sea and save them, but refused to cross it when the waters rolled back, would they have been saved? If Noah took the position that God had the power to save him without the ark, and thus he neglected to build it, would he have been saved? The obvious answer is no. We are required to act on God’s commands, not just believe them.

Here is a specific case in point. There were men among the rulers of the Jews that believed in Jesus as the Christ, but refused to confess Him (Jn. 12:42, 43). They would not because of their love for the praise of men exceeded their love for the praise of God. Jesus said if we would not confess Him before men, He will not confess us before the Father (Lk. 12:8, 9). So, were the rulers saved by faith only? No. They lost their souls in spite of the fact that they believed in Jesus. There was another condition for salvation besides and beyond faith.

Faith-only salvation ignores plain teaching.

That more than faith is needed is abundantly clear from even a casual reading of the New Testament. Jesus said men must believe, repent, confess, and be baptized for salvation (Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3; 24:46, 47; Matt. 10:32, 33; Mk. 16:16; Matt. 28:19, 20). Peter commanded men to repent and be baptized in order to have their sins remitted (Acts 2:38). Note that at Cornelius’ house it says, “he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord” (Acts 10:48). Command is not an option, though that is what most people believe about baptism today. Ananias told Saul of Tarsus to arise and be baptized to have his sins washed away (Acts 22:16). The Spirit-guided apostle said baptism saves (1 Pet. 3:21). It cannot be any plainer than this. For one to miss these truths, he must either willfully ignore it or blindly follow the teaching of another.

Faith-only salvation leads men to hell.

When a person accepts the deceit of the devil he is lost. If he dies in this state he is eternally lost and will go to hell with the devil and his angels. As examined above, faith-only salvation is one such deceit. It is partial truth, which means it is a lie.

Our family, friends, and neighbors may be caught up in this lie. Our duty is to help them see the truth. It may not be easy. They may not like it. Still, we must do it.

Finally, it is important to understand that the difference between faith-only salvation and what the Bible teaches is not academic. It has real consequences. We must view it as a weapon of the enemy, Satan, and seek to destroy it. If we are successful, souls will be saved.

“When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (Jn. 8:44).

The devil is the father of lies because he told the first one. He lied to Eve by telling her she would not surely die (Gen. 3:4). Since that time he has worked relentlessly to deceive the whole world (Rev. 12:9). He has lied to you and me, luring us to sin against God and thereby condemning our souls.

Some of Satan’s lies are easily seen for what they are.

When he convinced Cain to kill Able, it was easy to see that as sin. Sodom and Gomorrah were caught up in the devil’s deceit, but others looking on could see their perversion for what it was—sick and sinful. Other lies told by the dragon are not so easily detected.

The most dangerous deceit invented by Satan is religious in nature. Nearly everyone reading this will agree that billions of people have been deceived by the false religions of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. More prevalent in our nation, however, are the lies of denominationalism.

Denominationalism is one of the greatest tools used by the devil to damn the souls of men. Denominations are pseudo churches. They are false representations of what the Bible teaches and portrays. They appear like the real thing, but are counterfeits.

Consider the following three points.

Denominations were founded at the wrong time: 6th to 21st centuries.
Denominations were founded in the wrong place: Italy, Germany, France, Great Britain, USA.
Denominations were founded by the wrong men: group of bishops, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, Joseph Smith, etc.

The Church of the New Testament is different.

It was founded in the 1st century.
It was founded in Jerusalem (Acts 2:47).
It was founded by Jesus the Christ (Matt. 16:18).

After sweeping the church into the paganistic error of Roman Catholicism, the devil took men into denominationalism. When men began to see the corruption, ungodliness, and anti-biblical teachings and practices of Roman Catholicism and work their way out, Satan provided multiple paths for them to take. One path led to Lutheranism, another to Calvinism (Presbyterianism), another to Anglicanism (Church of England, Episcopalianism), another to Wesleyanism (Methodist Church), another to Mormonism…and many, many more.

Initially, these different denominations fought hard for their beliefs and practices. They would take one another to task, holding debates and excoriating each other from the pulpit. However, there eventually developed a strong movement to get back to the Bible alone; commonly known as the Restoration Movement. As this movement began to spread like wild fire, the great deceiver pulled another weapon out of his arsenal: tolerance.

It took some time, but Satan has achieved a subtle but destructive goal. He has convinced people that it does not matter what you believe. In former times he used division over the doctrines of men to keep people from the truth. Now he uses compromise and indifference to disguise error.

We now live in a society where churches, for the most part, believe everyone is going to heaven. The mantra of the day is choose the “church of your choice.” They extend the right hand of fellowship to one another despite significant doctrinal differences. One claims salvation by faith alone, another says it is by faith plus something else. One teaches baptism is sprinkling, pouring or immersion, while another insists it is by immersion only. One baptizes infants, another decries that as unscriptural. However, when holidays roll around, they join hands and praise the Lord together. All is forgotten about their many dissimilarities while an emphasis is placed on their few similarities. They pat each other on the back and declare what a great day it will be when they are all in heaven together.

There is only one problem with all of this: it is anti-biblical.

The Bible teaches there is one church (Eph. 1:22, 23; 2:16; 4:4). The Lord prayed that all members of that church are to be united (Jn. 17:20-23). The unity for which He prayed is not one where people bury their convictions or turn a blind eye to others. It is a unity in truth. It is a unity where believers “speak the same thing,” are “joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” that “there be no divisions” (1 Cor. 1:10).

When error is taught or practiced by anyone, it is to be exposed, not ignored (Eph. 5:11). False teachers are to be marked, not given to pulpit for a joint-worship service (Rom. 16:17, 18). Fellowship is to be refused, not pursued (2 Jn. 9-11).

Denominationalism is a major religious lie created and promoted by Satan. Those who participate in it will lose their souls. We need to work to get people out of it, not apathetically watch them drown in it.

God’s not that strict.

Ever hear that? Me too. Dysfunctional preachers have taught people God is more of a granddad than a Father. They paint Him as a happy-go-lucky, tender-all-the-time, kinda guy. He loves you even when you purposely stick the cat’s tail in the fan.

The problem is many are convinced of God’s love, but not His wrath. They see Him as one who overlooks their “minor” faults and it is only the really “big” stuff that will get you in trouble. Don’t worry about going to church each week, let alone every service. There’s no problem with a little white lie now and then. He is not all that concerned how you worship or what church you go to so long as you believe in His Son.

The Bible indeed teaches God is love (1 Jn. 4:8). He loved the world enough to send His Son as a sacrifice (Jn. 3:16). His patience and longsuffering are beyond our comprehension. Time and again God extends mercy to us through His providence. We have to go around it to miss it. This truth is nearly universally agreed on.

What people see differently is whether or not God is a stickler for details and is truly willing to hold people accountable for their sins. Will He really punish people in eternal torment? My feelings and your feelings are beside the point. What matters is what the Bible says.

When God placed Adam and Eve in the garden He gave them only one rule; don’t eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:15-17). The punishment was spelled out. Yet, they transgressed God’s command and ate of the fruit of the tree (Gen. 3:1-6). At that time Adam and Eve were separated from God; they no longer had fellowship with Him (cf. Isa. 59:1, 2; 1 Jn. 1:5-7). It is obvious this affected the couple as they tried to cover up and hide from God. It was futile. God knew exactly what they did and pronounced punishments on the three involved. Eve was to have pain in child bearing and Adam was to work by the sweat of his brown in unfavorable conditions. They were kicked out of the garden and thus cut off from the tree of life. Physical death began to work on their bodies.

Was God too cruel in meeting out the punishments to man and woman? Was He too strict by asking them not to eat of the tree and then punishing them when their simply satisfied their curiosity? We dare not accuse God of such!

When God gave them the command not to eat of the tree He meant it. He is not man who wavers on decisions when crunch time comes. God sticks to His word, and thankfully so. What hope would we have of His promised blessings if He did not keep His word on cursings?

Jesus gave a parable to teach a lesson on forgiveness (Matt. 18:21-35). In it, the wicked servant is punished for being unforgiving. Notice what the text says, “And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him” (Matt. 18:34). Here is the picture: God is the master, we are the servants. If we do not forgive our fellow servants of the small things between us, God will not forgive us the massive debt we have. The consequence of us not being able to pay our debt is that we are “delivered…to the torturers” until all is paid. It will never be paid. We cannot pay it. Thus, all with an unforgiven debt will be tortured for all eternity.

If this is not a true picture of the judgment and God’s wrathful nature, then what is it? It ought to frighten every one of us. The torture Jesus refers to is not being locked in a dark room with blaring music. The torture is that of being cast into a lake of fire and brimstone with the devil and his angels (Rev. 20:14, 15; Matt. 25:41).

Why will men be cast into this torment? Revelation 21:8 says, “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Liars includes “little white” liars. Idolaters includes those who are covetous (Col. 3:5). It also includes those who put golf, fishing, and anything else before service to God—think of those who skip worship and/or Bible class on Sunday for their own pleasure (Heb. 10:24, 25). The abominable includes those who disgrace and despise His Son’s blood by supporting and participating in churches not found in the Bible—denominations, man-made religions that claim to love Jesus but do not follow His word (Heb. 10:26-31; Matt. 15:7-14).

If God was willing to strike down Nadab and Abihu for using different fire and Uzzah for simply trying to steady the ark, then He will be no less strict with us when it comes to judgment (Lev. 10:1, 2; 2 Sam. 6:6-8; Matt. 7:13, 14). Moses was kept out of the Promised Land for striking the rock instead of speaking to it (Num. 20:7-13). Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead for misrepresenting their gift (Acts 5:1-10). The rich young ruler lacked one thing (Mk. 10:21, 22).

Finally, Jesus said,

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. God therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…(Matt. 28:18-20).

Did He mean it? He has all authority and with it commanded the apostles to teach all disciples to keep all the commands. What man is foolish enough to say, “Don’t worry about it; God is not that strict”? Not me and I hope not you.

Paul worried about the Corinthians being deceived by the devil, just like Eve was (2 Cor. 11:3). Great consequences followed Eve’s deception, and so it would be with the Corinthians. The same is true for us. The devil lies to us and if we are deceived, we will suffer greatly.

Satan has those who have been deceived by him working on spreading that deception. Very often it is disguised as the religion of Christ. If you think about it, it makes sense. Which is harder to detect, Monopoly money or counterfeit money? Which is harder to detect in the moral/religious realm, paganism or a religion mostly like Christ’s?

One of the great lies of our time is that sincerity is enough. Millions are convinced that as long as you are sincere about your faith, you will go to heaven. You do not need to know the exact truth or hardly any truth at all as long as you are “honest” in it. Where else does this work in life?

If a man honestly believed he could jump off the top of a sixty-story building and float gently to the ground (without a parachute or any other contraption), would it be true? Would his sincerity alter the laws of physics?

The Bible gives us a number of examples that illustrate sincerity is not enough.

King Saul thought he should offer a sacrifice when Samuel did not show up when he wanted. He was worried about the battle with the Philistines. Samuel rebuked him for his foolishness, but Saul responded, “I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering” (1 Sam. 13:12). This did not fly with Samuel or God (1 Sam. 13:13, 14). His sincerity did not change the fact He did not obey God. His disobedience was to seek God’s favor. Saul did not consider it to be a rebellious act. It was a religious act, an act authorized by God, and for the purpose Saul intended. He went wrong by offering it himself instead of waiting on Samuel. A “minor” detail to most folks, but a “major” one to God.

Another Saul, Saul of Tarsus, serves as another example. He acted in accordance with his conscience (Acts 23:1). Saul did what he thought was right. We all know, however, he did what was wrong by persecuting Christians. Remember, Saul acted out of a sense of loyalty to Jehovah. Yet, his sincerity did not excuse his sin. It did not cause God to overlook his wickedness.

In 1 Kings 18, Elijah challenged to prophets of Baal to a debate. They were to pick a bull, build an altar, and call on Baal to send fire. As they did the latter for some time, Elijah made fun of them saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened” (1 Kgs. 18:27). At this, the false prophets “cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until blood gushed out on them” (1 Kgs. 18:28). To say they were not sincere is to deny the obvious truth. Their sincerity, however, did not alter the fact that there is no god named Baal. It is a figment of man’s imagination, nothing more.

Some will say, “But Baal’s prophets were pagans. Those who sincerely believe in the one, true God will not be condemned as long as they are sincere.” Just how far will this logic stretch? Will the sincere Christ-denying Jew or Muslim go to heaven? If you think so, you need to read 1 John 2:18-23, where such are described as “anti-christ.”

What about those who believe in Jesus? If they sincerely believe, but do not do exactly what He says, will they be lost? Will the Lord overlook their faults because of their sincerity?

Jesus gives us a picture of the judgment in Matthew 7:21-23.

Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”

The people Jesus describes are sincere believers. They acknowledge Him as Lord and fervently labored in His name. However, their service was done in “lawlessness,” without law. This is the idea of acting outside the boundaries set down in the Law of Christ, the gospel. It is not their belief that is in question, but their practice. They were sincere, but sincerely wrong. Is this no longer applicable?

We must be sincere in our faith and practice. However, sincerity alone is not enough to please God. Our convictions must be based on His word. The things we do in service to Him from day to day must strictly adhere to the gospel. Worship based on anything other than the gospel is vain, no matter how sincere.

Sincerity is not enough, but the devil wants you to think it is. Therefore, we need to sincerely search the Scriptures to see what is so (Acts 17:11). Our honest hearts will cause us to change anything that is not in agreement with God’s will, no matter how right it seems or how good it makes us feel. Sincerity in truth, not error, must be our goal.