book review purpose driven life

David Sheldon, Bible theologian and teacher

David Sheldon has spent over 50 years studying theology, teaching, and discipling. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History, with an emphasis in Greek, Roman, Jewish, and Early Church history in 1973 from The Ohio State University. He received his Master of Divinity Degree in 1981 from Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, MN. In 1981, David assisted with a church plant near OSU’s campus called Christ’s Church. He was in pastoral ministry there for ten years, seven of those years being the preaching pastor. Though not a formal pastor currently, David continues to shepherd the flock informally and through 4 Truth Ministry. His emphasis includes studies/teachings on the books of Daniel and Revelation. Both of these books can be difficult to study and understand, and so he has created visual charts and timelines to assist in that. He also wrote a book, Resolute, with his daughter. Of special interest is the fact that David was one of those who was asked to be on the research team for the book “Evidence That Demands a Verdict” by Josh McDowell. He did his research with the team in the summer of 1972 in Dallas, Texas. His research resulted in Chapter 9 of the book titled: The Messianic Prophecies of the Old Testament Fulfilled in Christ. David and his wife, Lynn, have been married since 1972. They have two daughters and a son-in-law, Tammi Wright (and Tom) and Kerri Sheldon, and they have two grandchildren, Kailyn Wright and Ethan Wright.

Newsletter Sign-Up

Review: The Purpose Driven Life® by Rick Warren

By david sheldon, november 27, 2006, book reviews, the following is a review of chapters 1-7 of rick warren’s book ‘the purpose driven life®’ published in 2002..

Turn on the news or skim the newspaper, and you will quickly see that The Purpose-Driven® Life by Rick Warren has a strong appeal to a variety of people. There must be a reason for this. Is its message so profound and precise that one can meet the God of the Bible between its covers? Or, just the opposite, does it have an obscure message allowing any reader to extract what is relevant to them ? The real message of this book may be found simply in noticing the wide array of people enamored with it! As we will see in this review, the book’s underlying message exhibits philosophies and “wisdom” which could be purposefully laying the groundwork for a growing world religion and humanistic spirituality.

→ Introduction → Chapter 1 – Purpose in Creation or Purpose in Redemption → Chapter 2 – No Accident Here → Chapter 3 – The “Driving Force” → Chapter 4 – Death as “Unfair” → Chapter 5 – Getting a “Handle” on Life → Chapter 6 – Citizens, Strangers – And Rejected → Chapter 7 – “Failing” to Give Glory to God → Conclusion

Introduction

The first seven chapters of The Purpose Driven Life (PDL) are filled with talk about the love of God, something everyone enjoys hearing about. However, many don’t realize the love of God we enjoy hearing about is really only His love in the original creation! Let me explain.

The book begins with the title “It All Starts with God.” But it should state “It All Starts with God’s Original Intention in Creation.” Scripture gives very little knowledge on the original intention of creation. But the original intent is over and done with anyways because of the fall of man! We can, however, conclude from Scripture the following:

∗Are we fearfully and wonderfully made? Answer: Yes ∗Shouldn’t this wonderful fact save us? Answer: No

∗Isn’t it wonderful that we have an internal revelation from our Creator that we are eternal creatures? Answer: Yes ∗Doesn’t this wonderful revelation give us a sure hope of eternity with Him? Answer: No

∗Isn’t it wonderful that when we look at the creation we know there must be a Creator? Answer: Yes ∗Does that mean we each have the internal potential to know this Creator in our present condition? Answer: No

∗Is each of us created in the image of God? Answer: Yes ∗Is “salvation,” then, just seeing oneself in this light? Answer: No

Thus, we can conclude the hope of true salvation is not based in “general revelation” (which is the term that has been coined to describe the above types of questions).

In the first three chapters of Romans when Paul is laying out the gospel message, he first shows how utterly needy and depraved we are as fallen man within the creation! Every man is without excuse. In fact, even the revelation that there is a God is skewed by the fallen human heart. Paul uses the word “exchange.” Even though we have revelation of the fact of God, our sinful hearts won’t acknowledge that revelation, but rather “exchange” it for false worship. The reason we do this is because of our fallen idolatrous hearts. This is the foundation Paul uses to then show us the need for a Savior! On the other hand, Warren lays the groundwork for his “gospel” using the exact opposite tactic. Yes, he, like Paul, spends time talking about God the Creator. He will even talk about “sin” later on. But, the reasons and goals seem different.

Chapter One – Purpose in Creation or Purpose in Redemption

This chapter is marketed as “everything starts with God.” But in reality, it is all about the image of man as related to the original creation. The problem with this is that being born into this world does not equate to being born “by his purpose and for his purpose” (p.17) in a necessarily good sense. If we were not fallen creatures in Adam, we might agree with Warren when he states in a positive manner “You were born by his purpose and for his purpose.” But the reality is that we are born “in Adam” a sinful creature rebellious to God.

Warren quotes Colossians 1:16 to introduce his first chapter. This quote is specific to the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the preeminence of Jesus Christ as Lord over all of His creation. Warren does not include the full text which also says that he created all things “whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities.” Why is this significant? It is this: Jesus Christ is Lord over everything that has been created, whether it is in rebellion to Him or not! He reigns over it! We must not prematurely take assurance or comfort in the fact that He has made everything for His purpose because even the devil and hell itself fulfills a specific purpose of God.

Next, we must ask, if this chapter really is all about God, why does Warren misquote and misapply texts of Scripture that enhance man’s image in his fallen state ? The following three points in chapter 1 confirm this:

Warren says (p.18) “Many people try to use God for their own self-actualization…” He then denies that is what his book is about. Then continuing with his thought two paragraphs later on the very next page he quotes from The Message Bible : “Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.”

The same Scripture in the NASB says: “For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.”

The same Scripture in the KJV Bible says: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.”

The Message Bible misquotes Holy Scripture! The context of the passage in question is of course the verse before: Matthew 16:24 “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (KJV)

Ponder for a moment the mis translation “self-sacrifice is…my way” versus the true meaning “whoever loses his life for My sake.” This is not about self “doing” through “self-sacrifice” so “self” can attain a “self” identity. In context, it is about self “dying,” and it is about the new object found, which is Jesus Christ Himself , and not that which is supposedly the “true” self. This is the death of self to Christ. It is conversion, not self-actualization through self-sacrifice. It is about a new identity, but only as it relates to Jesus Christ and for His sake.

Even though he says his book is not about self-actualization, Warren uses a mistranslation of Scripture to make this text seem like it is about self-actualization – which it is not . The Message Bible quote is obviously a very poor paraphrase of the Holy Scriptures which is then used by Warren to support his point.

Warren claims (p. 20) that we can have “God’s wisdom” from the Word of God. He then quotes about God’s wisdom from 1Corinthians 2:7. Yet, on the next page in describing this “wisdom” he tells a story of someone who had an “experience” of deity. (p.21) “Suddenly, all by itself, a phrase appeared: Without God life makes no sense . Repeating it in astonishment, I rode the phrase up like a moving staircase, got out of the metro and walked into God’s light.” (He then summarizes your purpose for life (via his book) as though you are walking into the light.) That statement should be found in a book on New Age Mysticism so that you couldn’t miss what it really is! How disconcerting that you find it in this “Christian” book. The good thing is that it doesn’t matter what it is labeled. It only matters if it is truth.

God’s wisdom that Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 1:17-2:2 is the real wisdom of the cross! Warren uses this very passage to support his own version of wisdom! Jesus had to be crucified because we are sinners! This is the only way we can be saved. The wisdom of the cross is that God can still be a holy God and yet can save sinners in the foolishness of the gospel preached. This wisdom is not that we can decide through some mystical experience that we need God and we secure the knowledge of God by our walk into the “light.” Salvation is of God and is based in the message of Christ crucified for sinners . Thus, Warren’s example leads us astray from Scripture.

Warren’s own interpretation of 1 Corinthians 2:7 leads us astray as well.

Here is his quote from the Message Bible : “God’s wisdom…goes deep into the interior of his purposes…It’s not the latest message, but more like the oldest – what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us.”

Now let’s read the same passage from the New American Standard Version: “But we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God predestined before the ages to our glory;”

Now we read from the King James Version: “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:”

As you can see, the Message Bible is misquoting the Holy Word of God once again! God’s wisdom is the reality of His being able to save us through the gospel as Paul had already made clear in 1 Corinthians 1:17-2:2. That is what is to “our glory.” It was determined this way from eternity, and it is His wisdom , Christ crucified for sinners! In our conversion, He makes us new creatures in Christ Jesus with a new life from and in Him . This wisdom is not “God bringing out his best in us.” In fact, the Scriptures say that our “old man” (sinful nature) was crucified at Calvary when we were placed “in Christ.” (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:6) God did not “bring out his best in us” in crucifying Christ. In Christ Jesus, He forgave us all of our sins, identifying us with His crucified Son on Calvary, and recreating us anew, giving us a new heart!

Unfortunately, Warren introduces you to a different wisdom and labels it God’s wisdom. You might not have even noticed since you were reading a “Christian” book. Instead of your thoughts entering the door of “Christ Jesus crucified” they were taken through the door of “mysticism/humanistic philosophy.” The reality is that the “wisdom” throughout this book is consistent with the example and the Scriptural mis-quote cited above. It has nothing to do with the wisdom which Paul describes in 1 Corinthians.

Thus, Warren begins his book by laying a humanistic philosophy based in the original creation as if the fall was inconsequential to you . At the same time, he is negating and twisting Scripture which clearly describes to us the need and provision in Christ of His life and a new creation via His crucifixion, resurrection, and our death and new life in Him.

Chapter 2 – No Accident Here

“You Are Not an Accident” is the title of the second chapter of PDL. Therefore, Warren continues with his theme of “purpose” through an understanding of the original creation. But now he is keying in on specifics: “This really is about God creating you .” According to Warren, the thrust of this theme of purpose via an understanding of the original creation is even found in the New Testament Scriptures, that is, in his misuse of the Message Bible and misapplying Scripture yet again! The following three examples prove this:

(p.24) “ Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love. ” (From the Message Bible, Ephesians 1:4a)

There is a key piece of the verse missing from the Message Bible. If we read the KJV, it says, “ According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, ” and the NASB says, “ just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world. ” This love is a love Christians receive in Christ . The fact is that God’s love is a love for His new creation through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. Paul says in Ephesians 1 that we are blessed because we are now “in Christ” via the new birth, not because we are simply born into this world. We find this was God’s plan from long ago and we now have and know about this blessing through our conversion. The Message Bible makes salvation seem universal.

(p.24) “God decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things he made.” (James 1:18, NCV)

Once again, Warren uses a bad translation of this verse to misapply Scripture and imply a universal concept of purpose rather than the specific concept found only in Christ. James 1:18 from the NASB says, “In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures.” And the KJV says, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.” This text is not about birth in the original creation . This text is about new birth through the gospel of Jesus Christ!

(p.24) “God formed the earth…He did not create it to be empty but formed it to be inhabited.” (Isaiah 45:18, GWT)

This text about creation is in the context of God’s redemptive purposes for Israel as their Savior! Let’s read it in it’s full context.

“Truly, Thou art a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, Savior! ….Israel has been saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation; You will not be put to shame or humiliated to all eternity. For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it and did not create it a waste place, But formed it to be inhabited), I am the Lord, and there is none else…. And there is no other God beside Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me. Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other” Isaiah 45:15-22, NASB

God is the Savior of Israel, who is the special object of His love. Isaiah states God’s love is a specific redeeming love, not a universal original creation love. Warren’s comments just before and after his quote, twists this concept into a universal love for creation apart from God being a Savior. Martin Luther described it as the humanistic “theology of glory” versus his Biblical “theology of the cross.” Luther saw verse 15 as pivotal to his theology of the cross. “Truly, Thou art a God who hides Himself.” For Luther, God’s “glory” is now hidden behind His cross !!! One can not see it or know it clearly – unless you truly behold the One who died on Calvary, the Lord Jesus Christ!!!

The New Testament makes it clear that Christ was given to make us “new creatures in Christ.” Even though we are fallen creatures, it is not “outside” God’s love to use Christ’s death on Calvary to redeem us. John 3:16 starts with the adverb “thus” or “so” which relates the love expressed in Christ to what went just before this familiar verse. The children of Israel were being bit by serpents and dying in the wilderness. God intervened. That is redeeming love!

In conclusion, the truth is “It is all about God’s love in Christ Jesus.” The truth is not as Warren implies, “It’s all about God’s love in the original creation!” God’s love was planned from eternity for His own people and exhibited in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ! Warren misapplies Holy Scripture disregarding mankind being born into a fallen state of rebellion to God.

Chapter 3 – The “Driving Force”

This chapter begins with the question: “What is the driving force in your life?” This question implies that each person has a mis-appropriated drive and that this drive must be targeted or channeled toward good. Warren lists five reasons why the human condition can miss the “good” goal and suggests there are many other reasons. He says the problem is because this force that drives your life hasn’t come under the guidance of God’s purposes. In other words, it is misdirected, unfocused and misinformed. But are our lives directed by some misguided force? On the contrary, Jeremiah 17:9 gives a different assessment of this “force” that drives your life: “The heart is more deceitful than all else, and is desperately sick, who can understand it?” (NASB) What is the driving force in my life? Could it possibly be a deceitful heart? Yet, Warren is saying this is what the “God of the Bible” is all about: He is there to grant purpose to our misdirected “driving force” of life. Nothing could be further from the truth!

God is the author of new life in Jesus Christ, not a refocused or redirected old life. You might say that Warren informs his readers that God is in the business of giving “fresh” starts, so what is the problem? God is in the “business” (if we can say that) of recreating. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (NASB) The “fresh start” comes from a “new heart” given in a new creation according to this passage. (The old “driving force of life” heart is crucified.) It is God who establishes this new relationship when He saves us. {It can be generally noted in Warren’s writings and even his website that he often thinks like this: I will show you how you can establish a relationship with Jesus Christ.}

The reality is that we have the “fresh start” only as the result of being saved, and it is Christ that does it. Not vice versa. It happens when we acknowledge our need for a Savior from sin , not our need for an avatar of purpose who Warren says is the God of the Bible and is evidently also the author/creator of this “driving force” of life. The real Jesus is Savior from sin not Avatar for purpose whom we then call “Savior.” Yet again, Warren’s humanism remains intact and his points are enhanced toward his ultimate conclusions.

Chapter 4 – Death as “Unfair”

The results of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden were total and devastating. They are (not were) spiritual and physical death, along with a few specific curses for Adam and Eve and the serpent. It was the just due of man before a Holy God and it was God’s curse upon their disobedience. Yet Warren says that “death always seems unnatural and unfair.” (p.37). Why does he throw this “spin” upon the curse of God?

The real tragedy of death is the second death which is eternal separation from God. Apart from Jesus Christ, the condition of any human is eternity without God. We are spiritually dead in trespasses and sins. (Ephesians 2:1) Death is what our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ had to conquer on our behalf! Unless God in His infinite mercy and grace saves us through the gospel, we remain in our already lost condition. Let me say this again: unless Jesus Christ in His infinite grace and mercy saves you and I from our sinful condition, we have no hope! Physical death is not unfair. It is a curse, and God’s curse at that. It is the result of our sin before a holy God. Physical death is definitely not a “door to eternity” (p.40) that we go through which will be our “birthday into eternal life” (p.40) as Warren states. Death is the result of our disobedience in Adam! Unless we already possess the life of our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, that will be a very awful day indeed.

Carefully note in the first 7 chapters that Warren never clearly presents Christ Jesus as the Resurrected Lord, the One who conquered death, destroyed the powers of darkness at Calvary, and the Coming King on the clouds of heaven! Yet, two chapters later, he will offer a prayer you can quietly whisper. He says if you pray this, you have “believed” and “become a part of the family of God” (pg 59). However, it is spiritually deadly to present death as unfair, when it is actually a curse. To present death as a “door,” and that a “Jesus” is waiting for us on the other side of this door is our “birthday” and to not mention that death is what our resurrected Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had to conquer on our behalf is also spiritually deadly! But this is exactly what Warren has done! The real Jesus is Lord over hell, death, and the grave . He is not the “Lord” waiting for us on the other side of this door called death .

Chapter 5 – Getting a “handle” on life

“How you define life determines your destiny.” (p.41) Ponder that statement for a moment. I am sure that the last time you looked at the stars in the heavens this is the exact phrase that crossed your mind – am I right?? Warren has this incredible capacity to say or give the impression that he is being God-centered in his thinking. Yet, everything is turned back upon man as being the central focus. “ Seeing ” is “ shaping ” according to Warren’s view of life.

This chapter has a section that deals with the tests and trusts of our lives as a stewardship before God. They are probably accurate statements for the most part. But what is their context? Is Warren saying man is a creature or determinator? Warren has brought “God” into the picture, but is it the sovereign God of the universe? Do his stewardship statements become misstatements because they are not centered upon the reality of life from God in Christ Jesus? They don’t seem to be based on the sovereignty of God in such life.

This chapter is about the possibility of you gaining or reclaiming or refocusing a life which he then calls the purpose-driven® life. In the process, you shape that life. That can’t be the Christian life because the Christian life is about Jesus Christ giving us His life. The Scriptures state that “in Him was Life” and that “He who has the Son has Life.” First, we have a new life in Christ Jesus. It is His life given for us and to us. Because we have been purchased by Him based on His redemption at Calvary, our lives are not our own. So then, how could it be about you shaping your life when such life is not your own? It is supposed to be about the new life a Christian has been given as a gift through the Lord Jesus Christ. The stewardship then is our continual response to His sovereign work in and through us. Therefore, we don’t determine our stewardship because we don’t determine our destiny. This new stewardship we are given is within the framework and sovereign control of an all holy, loving and providential Creator. Unfortunately, Warren’s humanistic underpinnings once again shine brightly.

Chapter 6 – Citizens, Strangers – And Rejected

Most people don’t act like the world is their temporal home. Maybe that is why it has to be told to us. In this chapter, Warren tells us that our life is a temporary assignment. True! He says it is a mistake to assume that the goal of God for your life is worldly success. True! And that every one of us really has dual citizenship. True! And that the physical place called “this earth” is not our final home. True! Now, the next thing to follow should be: As a disciple of Jesus Christ you have the potential to be reviled and misunderstood and labeled an enemy by the “god” of this present evil age along with those upon this earth. In fact, such disciples of Jesus Christ have the potential to be put to death for their beliefs. Oops! Warren has left that out.

The lofty thoughts as presented in this chapter have nothing to do with the “cutting edge” nature and character of Holy Scripture, the call of Jesus Christ for His disciples, the experiences of all the Apostles, let alone Jesus Himself, and anything remotely associated with the challenges of the Christian life. Meaning, the rest of the world knows “Christianity” differently compared with the “Americanized” version of the Christian life. Why don’t Americans suffer for the gospel of Jesus Christ? One reason only. We refuse. We must only be “contagious” Christians. That is certainly better than being an “obnoxious” Christian. But, it is not what it means to be an ambassador of another kingdom when that kingdom is absolutely contrary to your present living quarters.

Chapter 7 – “Failing” to Give Glory to God

Well, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. Fallen man is now going to live for the glory of God. How can fallen man bring glory to God? Warren lists five reasons. He once again has fallen man look to the original creation, specifically Gods’ glory in the creation, to bring us to “faith” and the all important “purpose-driven®” life. Warren says even Jesus lived this purpose-driven® life, so you can too! Oops! Oops! Oops! Warren takes his readers through a series of missteps to bring Jesus to our level and raise fallen man to Jesus’ level. Follow along the steps:

On page 54, he lists a series of opportunities that God has given for fallen man to “see” God’s glory. Jesus is one in the list. NO! Jesus is NOT one in a list! Jesus is the ONLY way to “see” God’s glory.
Immediately following this statement, Warren has a perfect opportunity to tell us that Jesus is Unique and Incarnate Deity. He quotes John 1:14. But he leaves from the quote: “glory as of the only-begotten from the Father” which is a specific reference to His deity. This is in the context where he says that Jesus is one who “illumines” the world. Many people and religions in the world view Jesus as someone who “illumines” the world, including those who believe in the “Christ” of the New Age movement. Some view him even as someone who came into the world but not uniquely. But they do not see His uniqueness as Incarnate Deity, and Lord and Savior in their Biblical context. Even the word “son” is not defined specifically in many peoples’ minds, nor is it by Warren. In the Scriptures, however, it is used very uniquely of Jesus.
On page 55, “Jesus honored God by fulfilling his purpose on earth. We honor God the same way.” Once again, Warren belittles the uniqueness of Christ and elevates the abilities of man. Within the immediate context it is about us “refusing to give glory to God” and so now it is time. But, the truth is that we can’t not refuse apart from the unique ministry of Jesus Christ! It is not Christ’s example for us to then also “copy” because we decide we too can live to God’s glory. It is the reality of our obedience within the context of Christ’s redemptive work and His saving and recreating us. He is the only reason we can live to God’s glory and the glory of the gospel.
On page 57, Jesus struggled with following a difficult path to bring glory to God – just like you. When he was facing His crucifixion was when this was made clear. Warren states “Jesus stood at a fork in the road. Would he fulfill his purpose and bring glory to God, or would he shrink back and live a comfortable, self-centered life? You face the same choice.” Why does Warren think that Jesus can shrink back and live a “sinful” life?? How in the world can either you or I be facing the same choice in the same way that Jesus did? Do you see this quote as belittling to our Savior and as self-glorifying of man? This takes place just moments before people are asked to “believe” in him. Why does it sound to me like you are really being asked to “believe in yourself?”

So now we come to the ground of the cross. What do we find there? After 7 chapters Warren asks us to consider: “ It’s time to settle this issue. Who are you going to live for – yourself or God?” (page. 58)

Not – it’s time to understand you are a fallen sinful creature.

Instead – “believe you’re not an accident”

Not – it’s time for you to be crucified!

Instead – “believe you were made to last forever”

Not – it’s time to realize the Savior bore the wrath of God for your sinful condition!Instead – “believe that no matter what you’ve done, God wants to forgive you.”

Not – it’s time to repent of your sins.

Instead – “believe God loves you and made you for his purposes.”

Not – it’s time to be broken and amazed at holy, redeeming and unmerited love.

Instead – “believe that no matter what you’ve done, God wants to forgive you.”

So when you look at the cross, what do you think? “Who are you going to live for…” Or – Is this what it cost My Lord and Savior? As the hymn states: “What wondrous love is this, that caused the Lord of bliss, to bear the dreadful curse – for my soul.”

The sad fact is that Warren soothes our souls instead of allowing the Spirit of God to bring conviction to us of our sinful ways. He does this through a combination of two things. First, is the constant emphasis on general revelation in the original creation. These things always find a “yes” response in the human heart!! But second is the constant watering-down of the abiding and enduring realities of man’s already present fallen and lost condition before a Holy God. The lack of horror of that condition before a holy God – which Jesus Himself clearly understood in the Garden of Gethsemane – since He would bear that penalty! These two things are a spiritually deadly combination. The final stage is set for us along this path by his expressing his gospel in terms of “whispering” a prayer that puts a change of eternity in your hands – instead of being “convicted” by the Spirit as a sinner with sorrow for that sin, repenting and trusting the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. Only He can change a destiny. Warren’s gospel is not about our conversion in Jesus Christ. It is not about the “crucifixion” of our sinful nature. “Let Jesus do the dying – I want to live!” seems to be its’ mantra. Unfortunately, the western world is filled with this kind of “gospel” message. It is not about Christ Jesus crucified for sinners as Paul preached. The Apostle Paul said he gloried in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14) and that the word of the cross (i.e. its’ meaning “) is foolishness to those who are perishing ( 1 Corinthians 1:18 ). The same text says the saved view it differently. It is the power of God.

Since this chapter is about “failing to give glory to God” let’s look at three fundamental concepts as it relates to God’s glory and man’s failure to give glory to God:

Romans 1:23 – This text says about man that we “exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man…” In man’s fallen condition, he is most willing to exchange a true view of God’s glory for a perverted one. How does man do this? He exchanges the revelation of the character of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. If we don’t like the fact that God is holy, we pervert His image. If we don’t like the fact that God’s love is specific through His Son, Jesus Christ, we make it universal. If we don’t like the fact that God’s wrath is revealed from heaven, we say that His love in Christ already has affected our eternal outcome. We just don’t know it yet, etc. We repaint God in our image and then “accept” or “believe” him. We should be careful that someone doesn’t help us do this. We cannot exchange the revelation of the God of the Bible as One who is ALL Holy and ALL Righteous and ALL Loving and in ALL of these Immutable – so that he is then made palatable for fallen man. If we do, we have exchanged the images. Yet, we have still been told it is “gospel.”
The outcome of exchanging the glory of God is “double-speak.” Warren says he is helping us to glory in God. And yet, clearly, he glories in man bringing his “driving life force” under the direction of the Creator. But as such, it cannot possibly be glorying in God because it does not glory in the God who recreates us in Christ Jesus through the message of the cross. That is not what Paul or any of the apostles preached or expected to take place in the word of the cross. Warren’s “gospel” strokes and soothes our Adamic ego to then bring it to “faith.”

3. In a careful reading of the Apostle Paul in the Holy Scriptures as relating to “glory” one finds a very important fact. He did not glory in the God of creation, he did not glory in the “feelings” he got through worship, he did not glory in what he had accomplished, he did not glory in his own Christian life or walk – he only gloried in the cross of Jesus Christ – by his own words! (Galatians 6:14) Warren is quite content to have the cross be one of a number of things which seems to be in our hands to bring glory to God. If we do this we no longer glory only in the Lord Jesus Christ of the gospel.

As I stated in the introduction, Warren could be, in this book, laying the groundwork for a growing world religion and humanistic spirituality. Further proof of this conviction is found in the first session of his “40 Days of Purpose” video tape (Fall 2003). Warren introduces, to an innumerable amount of churches, this book which supposedly introduces people to Christ, and yet fails to even mention that Jesus had to go to Calvary to die for our sins! Does that sound like “glorying” in the God who placed His Son on the cross for you? Yet he leads people in a prayer and welcomes them into “the family of God.” Many Christians sit under the preaching of the tape not even realizing that is what has happened! Not realizing it was a different gospel means you were mesmerized into believing it was something that it was not! What spirit did that to you? Unfortunately, people who prayed the prayer were told something they should have never been told based on his “gospel” presentation.

What is the Gospel? Core Bible Doctrines False Movements Charles Spurgeon Discernment

More Book Reviews

Review: The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson

Aug 3, 2020

The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson presents a legend as a sacred symbol for Christians to emulate. But is it biblical? This book review explains.

Review: The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Jun 28, 2020

Have you considered the message of The Jesus Storybook Bible? This review explains that it is actually an unbiblical view of God the Father and the nature of the fall.

Review: Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge

Nov 1, 2010

Is Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge a good Christian book? In this article, we review the many false statements presented by the authors.

Review: Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell

Jun 24, 2006

Popular author Rob Bell leads readers through a mystical journey of self-discovery and change in his book Velvet Elvis. This, however, is not Scriptural.

Review: Self Esteem: The New Reformation

Jun 1, 2006

Robert Schuller’s book Self Esteem: The New Reformation is Christian Humanism at its core. This brief review will help you understand that reality.

Review: Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth

May 1, 2006

Is Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster a book Christians should be reading? In this review, we highlight several concerns.

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Thank you for joining our group.

Sign Me Up!

Marlo Yonocruz

Books, Entertainment, Self-Improvement & Big Ideas

Book notes: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren

Synopsis : Translated into over 50 languages, The Purpose Driven Life is far more than just a book; it is a guide to a spiritual journey that has transformed millions of lives. Once you take this journey, you’ll never be the same again.

On your journey you’ll find the answers to 3 of life’s most important questions: The Question of Existence: Why am I alive? The Question of Significance: Does my life matter? The Question of Purpose: What on earth am I here for?

Initial thoughts:

Pastor Rick is actually my pastor! I go to Saddleback Irvine South, which is one of his church’s several campuses in Southern California (though there are some outside the country).

I’ve heard him and other pastors mention this book on different occasions. My roommate even told me that my pastor (before I knew) was a well-known pastor and has one of the biggest congregations in the country! I had no idea that my pastor was such an influential and successful person.

He’s also claimed to have read tens of thousands of books over the course of his life, which is apparent as he comes across as a very learned and intellectual, as well as compassionate, person. Needless to say, I’ve felt compelled to read his book for a while now.

A couple weeks ago, pastor Rick actually told an anecdote about how this book helped Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps get out of depression and get out of retirement and back to training for the most recent Olympics.

Although I am a Christian and I imagine I will get a ton of value for myself (mentally, emotionally, and spiritually) out of this read, I’m also determined to draw some of the key nuggets that can add value to anyone else no matter what their beliefs are.

“It’s not about you” -opening phrase
The purpose of your life is greater than any personal happiness, fulfillment, or self-satisfaction
Focusing on self will never reveal life’s purpose
The most valuable things in life are not things
Benefits to knowing your purpose: gives meaning, hope, simplification, peace of mind, and focus, and motivates
The most damaging aspect of contemporary living is short-term thinking
Best way to understand people, ask “how do you see your life?”
We’re stewards of our life and gifts, which are trusts from God
Meditation is simply focused thinking
Pain is the fuel of passion, it energizes us to make a change
Pain isn’t a punishment, it’s a wake up call
The highest use of life is love, without it life is pointless
Relationships must have priority above all else in your life
Best expression of love is time, the most precious thing you own
Forgive instantly, but not necessarily trust again
An honest answer is the sign of true friendship
Pride builds wall, humility builds bridges
Give more honor to others than yourself
Difficult people are put in our lives for their benefit and ours, its an opportunity for growth and fellowship
Be devoted to others like family, excel at showing respect to each other
Unresolved conflict will make you miserable, always take the initiative to reconcile whether you’re the offender or offended
You gain patience and wisdom from listening and understanding others
Attack the problem, not the person. A gentle response diffuses anger
Nagging never works, you’re not persuasive when you’re abrasive
Focus on reconciliation over resolution
Relationships are always worth restoring
You learn more with a humble attitude
Be thankful in every circumstance (but not necessarily for every circumstance)
Every temptation is opportunity to do good; don’t resist temptation, ignore and change focus
Your character is the sum total of your habits
We should spend our lives and energy helping others, we were made to ADD to life on Earth
We’re only fully alive when helping others; service is the pathway to significance
Our gifts are meant for the benefit of others, this way we would need each other
Your greatest ministry (service to others) will come from your greatest hurt
Shared experiences help people, it’s not what happens to you but what you do with it
Try many things and take many opportunities to find your gifts; start serving to discover your talents
Never compare your gifts with others
Do the little things as if they were great things
If you wait for perfect conditions, nothing will ever be done
Accept your weaknesses; authenticity attracts, were drawn to humble people
Vulnerability is the pathway to intimacy
Pass on what you’ve learned to others, it’s the best way to keep growing; knowledge comes with responsibility
3 problems we struggle with: identity, importance, and impact
An intelligent person aims at wise directions, a fool starts in many directions
Happiness is a choice; you’re as happy as you choose to be

Closing thoughts:

Fantastic book. Definitely adds a lot of direction to my own spirituality and quality to how I practice my own beliefs. One of my biggest takeaways is to think about myself less, but also focus on God and others more.

I think as a general life principle, increasing one’s gratitude, humility, and compassion will always increase the quality of one’s life no matter what your own religious beliefs.

Whether you’re a religious person or not, this is a fantastic book on how to live a higher quality life with more purpose through compassion towards others, valuing relationships, and service in your strengths.

Rating : 5/5

Try Audible for audiobooks 📚🎧

Personal recommendation : For the last 6 years, I’ve used Audible to listen to all of my favorite books. It’s easy to use, cost-effective, and they have the best library of audiobooks.

If you use my affiliate links below, not only will you get a special offer , but it’ll help support the costs to maintain this blog ! 😊👇

Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks

Audible Gift Memberships

Please donate! 🙂

Please consider a small donation to help support my blog ^_^ I love providing free book notes and other content. Any donations help me maintain my website and create content consistently. Thanks everyone for the continued support!

Email Address