Rick Warren's Great Folly

Rick Warren, the pastor of Saddleback Church and author of the Purpose Driven Church and Purpose Driven Life, recently spoke at the Desiring God Conference, creating quite a controversy. The reason I bring this up is that I have always had my reservations about pastor Warren, but after watching his presentation, I cannot consider him to be a sound, biblical preacher. I invite you not to take my word for this, but to carefully examine what Warren says against Scripture and the context within which each verse he cites is written. If you want to follow along with my review, the video for Warren's sermon can be found here. This is a long read, but there were many points to cover in Rick's hour long message.

The first thing that comes up is the title of Warren's talk, called “The Battle for Your Mind.” Since when has it been a battle for our minds? Has not the ancient battle been for our souls? This is not a mental battle, but a battle between Spirit and flesh. Scripture says, “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please” (Galatians 5:17, NASB). This is the battle that believers face; those who are unbelievers fight against the sovereign Lord (Jeremiah 2:29). These too do not fight a battle for the mind, for their mind is wholly set against the Lord. Those who are in Christ have been given the Spirit, which fights against the lusts of the flesh, that we may be sanctified. Sanctification is not a psychological process, but rather is entirely spiritual. Christianity is not behavior modification, but a complete transformation and renewal of the heart and mind – one that produces fruit in the form of righteous acts (Colossians 1:10).

Rick starts out talking about this battle for our minds and how our greatest asset is our mind. Is it not our soul? This sounds very psychological and not very spiritual. The mind will perish, but the soul will endure forever. Therefore, let not even our soul be our greatest asset in our own sight, but rather let Christ be greatest, and not only greatest, but everything. Rick goes on to say that he has seen mental illness and people whose minds are broken and cannot “connect” to Christ. As though that rests with man and not with God. God sovereignly elects those who are saved, not one's own self (see Romans chapter 9). Furthermore, Rick states that we must learn to, among other things, renew and strengthen our minds. Is this something we learn? Rather, it is the Lord who renews and strengthens us (Isaiah 40:31). Romans 12:2 says, “and be not conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind ” (YLT). Young's Literal Translation is extremely literal, rendering the words as they are in the original Hebrew/Greek. Note that is says “be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” not, “learn to renew your mind.” What is implied here is that the renewing of the mind is not something of human effort, but rather something we must allow to be done by the Spirit. You should already begin to see some of Warren's theology coming up here, which is largely based upon human works and psychology.

Rick continues, saying, “The battle for sin always starts in our mind.” Psychology again. The battle for sin starts in our fallen nature, the corrupt flesh which lusts against the will of God. These desires may result in a battle in our mind – this is known as a “moral dilemma”. But the real battle is always between Spirit and flesh. Furthermore, moral dilemma is more confined to unbelievers. The one who is saved by grace knows full well where morals stand and does not try to nitpick, in an attempt to justify sin. As Warren continues, he begins to read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, where he states that the strongholds we demolish are “mental blocks.” Again, more psychology. The Bible says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12, KJV). The strongholds mentioned are not so-called “mental blocks” but the powers of darkness. This is a spiritual battle, not a mental one. If we are to say this is of our mind, then the atheist is proven right when he says this is all of our imagination. Warren also talks about how our minds like to wander and do their own thing. This is true, and we must deal with distraction, but this is a much deeper spiritual battle.

Warren brings up a big issue when he says “So many Christians are ineffective today because they do not know how the fight the battle of the mind.” The reality is this: so many “Christians” are ineffective because they are simply not Christians (Matthew 7:13-27; 22:14). Those who are of Christ will not fail to bear fruit (Jeremiah 17:8). He then says that we must teach and equip people to fight this “battle of the mind.” No! We must teach and equip people to fulfill the Great Commission! (Matthew 28:18-20) Rick then makes a statement about how much the Bible says on the mind. The mind? What about Christ? I hope you can see by now just how much Warren has departed from Scripture and sound doctrine. Going on, Warren likens sin to mental illness. Since when has sin been a mental illness? Sin is outright rebellion against God, not a mental illness. “We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments” (Daniel 9:5, KJV). Mental illness is an affliction caused by sin. To say otherwise is putting the cart before the horse. Furthermore, to reduce sin to mental illness is removing accountability for our sin, thus making God's judgment upon the world unjust, and thereby nullifying grace. This is dangerous theology that is being put forth by Rick Warren. He also says this is why we have so many fallen leaders. Has any thought been given that many of these fallen leaders were never of us to begin with? (1 John 2:19)

It is ironic that one of the points Warren brings up is that we must “guard our minds from garbage.” This is why we must spend much in Scripture, in prayer and in study of sound doctrine, lest we be deceived by teachings such as these. Warren claims that we should actually spend less time teaching on Scripture and more time on application. This is absurd, because the more we study Scripture, the more the Spirit will reveal to us its application. Men are called to teach the truth of Scripture, not to teach its application. Those who have the Spirit and study diligently will already know all there is to know about application. If we know the Word, then we will know the application. Teaching the truth of the Word is of the utmost importance. Application is meaningless apart from that. Furthermore, any kind of application can only occur through the power of the Holy Spirit, and not by our own efforts. Another thing to note is that Warren frequently changes Bible translations to suit what he wants to say, often using paraphrases. We must do the opposite. We must conform what we teach to what the Bible says, and so relying upon the original language, and not some paraphrase. If we are well versed in the original Hebrew and Greek, we should make an effort to gain a deeper understanding of what Scripture says in its original language. For those who are not, Young's Literal Translation (YLT) is an excellent resource to gain a better understanding of Scripture in its original rendition. Personally, I just avoid the paraphrases altogether. The NIV is about as far as I will go in terms of dynamic equivalence (thought for thought translation).

Further on in his talk, Warren says that we are commanded to bear fruit. That we are. However, Warren implies that this is of human effort, i.e. works-righteousness or Pelagianism. The Bible says true converts will not fail to bear fruit, as it is the result of God's work in us (Matthew 7:15-20, Jeremiah 17:8). Fruitfulness is the evidence of saving faith, not a requirement of it. Warren does preach the Law well, but he leaves out the necessity for repentance and God's grace. He makes much of laying out conditions for the blessings of God which are given unconditionally to those whom He has elected unto salvation.

About 20 minutes in, Warren proceeds to talk about knowledge. Now, knowledge is important; however, worldly knowledge is largely meaningless. Everything there is to know and ever is to know about the world we will know when we enter into the Lord's eternal kingdom. But we will never even begin to grasp the immeasurable greatness that is the Lord our God. Rick talks about the absurdity of pastors who have not taken a class in years. How is that absurd? Is taking a class somehow the key to knowledge? I have not taken a single theological, biblical or other seminary class; therefore, am I without knowledge? Rather, I have resolved not to make myself a student of men and their methods, but instead I have resolved to be a student of Scripture. Any true convert need not be told to acquire knowledge, for he or she will seek it. But, at the same time, we must be careful. If we turn to Scripture, we are told: “We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1, NIV). Rick appears to boast upon his knowledge, it has apparently puffed him up. I will be first to say that my knowledge is indeed feeble; I know that I must be totally dependent upon the Lord for what I know about Him. I know nothing next to the surpassing fullness of what there is to know about this mighty, sovereign King. Warren goes on to claim that the only thing Scripture says we should store is up knowledge, when it also talks about storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20), in reference to forsaking material possessions. Warren then says that knowledge is something we take with us. “Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away” (1 Corinthians 13:8). Scripture would not agree with Warren here. When we enter into eternity, knowledge will be at an end. We will go from knowing to beholding. Knowledge in this age is important, but when Christ comes, everything will fade before the insurmountable greatness of beholding Him.

The next thing Rick Warren says just blows everything out of the water: “If you store up knowledge for yourself, you are taking you to heaven.” I simply cannot believe he said this. So if I do these things for myself, I take me to heaven? Where is God in all this? Where is Christ? Where is the cross, the atonement, unmerited grace, the sovereignty of God? Instead, let's throw out the gospel, throw out God, throw out our need for mercy and grace – and replace it with what I can do to get me into heaven. Presenting the “me” gospel, brought to you by the letter H. H for heresy. This is blatant heresy, plain and simple. I hate to say this, but Rick Warren is a false teacher, condemned by his own words. Many who are in hell right now were great men of knowledge and learning. Judas knew everything that the other disciples knew, yet God left him to his own depravity, and he perished in that, taking all his knowledge with him to eternal fire. Jonathan Edwards, perhaps the most famous American theologian, spoke these words:

If we could speak with them, and inquire of them, one by one, whether they expected, when alive, and when they used to hear about hell, ever to be the subjects of misery: we doubtless, should hear one and another reply,

“No, I never intended to come here: I had laid out matters otherwise in my mind; I thought I should contrive well for myself — I thought my scheme good. I intended to take effectual care; but it came upon me unexpected; I did not look for it at that time, and in that manner; it came as a thief — Death outwitted me: God’s wrath was too quick for me. Oh, my cursed foolishness! I was flattering myself, and pleasing myself with vain dreams of what I would do hereafter; and when I was saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction came upon me.”

-Jonathan Edwards, Sinners in the hands of an Angry God

No matter our scheme, we cannot procure our own salvation. We are depraved beings, wicked beyond all measure, and we deserve nothing less than the eternal fires of hell. Shall we thwart the justice of God by gaining knowledge? Only a madman would make such a claim. The Word of God speaks against Warren: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV). It is by the sovereign, unmerited grace of God that anyone is saved; through faith, but even saving faith is not our own, but given of God, that we should not boast. Is mere knowledge of the gospel sufficient to save? Not in the least. It is by the power of God (Romans 1:16). Part of saving faith is knowledge of the gospel, but mere knowledge is not sufficient. Therefore, if you have not come to grace in Christ, if you have been deceived, repent and “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). If you cannot, cry out for mercy and come to Christ, empty handed, apart from your works. “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37, KJV). Let your hope rest in Christ and Christ alone, for all else shall perish. I lament how Rick has so perverted the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is not a man of God, but a lost man and a deceiver. Pray that he would find grace before God, and repent of his ways.

Warren then goes on to boast about his book collection. He says, “The impact on your life will be largely from the people you meet and the books you read.” Whatever happened to the impact Christ has on one's life. If Christ does not have the largest impact on a person's life, then what kind of faith is that? Certainly not saving faith. He continues, boasting that he has over 20,000 volumes in his library and talks about how much he has read. Is that kind of boasting fruitful? If we are to boast, let us boast about our weakness (2 Corinthians 11:30) and boast in the Lord (2 Corinthians 10:17), not boasting in ourselves, our possessions nor our accomplishments. To make matters worse, Warren then boasts about his ministry – how long he's been doing this, what his church has done and then throws up a lot of numbers. He also says that a church's health is based not on its seating capacity, but its sending capacity. How about looking at the fruit that the congregants bear, and not numbers? After saying all this, he says we must not just teach people to love the Word, but to do the Word. We must teach people how to love the word and do the word? The fruit of the true believer is that he or she will love the Word and obey God's commands even without instruction to do so.

As he continues, Warren implies that conviction arises from perspective. This is true from a worldly standpoint. However, true conviction only comes through the Holy Spirit, and not from our perspective. In fact, our perspective is also shaped by the Spirit. Warren then says that “nothing can separate me from God” (referring to Romans 8:38-39) is merely a conviction. That is absurd. That nothing can separate us from God (if we are truly in Him) is by His own power, not by our convictions. Ironically, Warren considers himself to be a Calvinist, yet what he is saying is completely contrary to the Doctrines of Grace (not that what he speaks would be considered Armenian either). He then quotes Romans 8:28-30 and says that it is a conviction. No, it is not a conviction, it is truth. Certainly, conviction is based on truth, but to say that Scripture is conviction nullifies its authority. Scripture is truth, pure and inerrant truth, not a conviction. It is purely of God, and not the conviction of the men who wrote it (2 Timothy 3:16). Warren then implies something even more absurd – that prayer will not bring success, but skill will. Prayer is the means by which all works in the Kingdom are accomplished. Certainly, skill is needed for worldly success, but success in the Kingdom is not determined in the least by our skill, but by our commitment to prayer. God often uses the most feeble of men to accomplish the greatest of things. These were not always skilled men, but they all had one thing in common – they were men of prayer. We can see already Warren's low view of prayer, low view of Scripture, low view of the gospel and ultimately, His low view of God.

Going on, Warren implies that we must teach behavior along with doctrine. Yes, we must be teachers of the Law if we are to be teachers of grace, but to merely teach behavior and doctrine turns salvation by grace into behavior modification, i.e. teaching goats to act like sheep. After discussing this, he says that “we only believe the parts of the Bible we actually do.” So, if I do not a make a sacrificial offering to the Lord for my sins, do I not believe that part of the Law? As it is fulfilled in Christ, the offerings are no longer necessary, but that does not mean that they never happened. Must I partake in this in order to believe in it? Quite a nonsensical argument that Rick Warren has brought to the table. Warren then brings up the whole application mess again, claiming that our lives cannot change probably more than one application a week. More nonsense. By the power of the Spirit, a man can be completely changed in an instant. If you are trying to make applications to your life in order that you may change, then I fear that you might be a goat trying to be a sheep. In that case, you must abandon your works and trust wholly in Christ. For grace comes not of our own effort, but wholly by the merit of Christ. The growth that comes thereafter is no different. True spiritual growth is the result of the work of Christ being done in us, not us trying to apply some biblical or doctrinal lesson to our lives. While we must obey the commands of Scripture and know what it says, we must trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to transform us into His likeness. Warren then says that there is a wide gap between knowing and doing, and it is caused by too much teaching. I wish there were more teaching! We must be students of Scripture, while at the same time allowing Christ to work in us.

Another thing Warren says is that “interpretation without application is abortion.” I say that interpretation without allowing the Spirit to work in us is abortion – not only that, but it is the mother of all heresies. Warren then says that “your mental state is totally dependent upon what you think about.” This is actually psychologically wrong, but that's a whole nother venue. Merely thinking about Jesus won't change anything. Christ must be formed in you. You must be conformed to the likeness of Christ by God's grace, otherwise, you will persist in ungodly rebellion, regardless of how much you think about Christ. Satan thinks about Christ all the time, but it is to oppose Him, not to submit to Him. We must be regenerated by the Holy Spirit, else we have no means to gain righteousness (John 3:3-7).

Warren then progresses into talking about imagination, and how we must allow God to stretch it. If we try to imagine God, we have created an idol in our minds. God must be revealed to us. We must live in the continuous revelation of God, otherwise, we are nothing more than idolaters. In addition, we cannot imagine what God wants us to do, it must be revealed to us. Otherwise, we are living in disobedience. Warren misquotes proverbs 29:18 (mistakenly says Proverbs 28:8), saying that we must have a dream. If we look Proverbs 29:18 up in Young's Literal Translation, it says: “Without a Vision is a people made naked, And whoso is keeping the law, O his happiness!” Does this mean that unimaginative people are unrighteous or will perish? No, it means that unless people live in the revelation of God, they will live naked, stripped of any kind of righteousness. We must allow God to reveal Himself to us, and not imagine such things. Presumption upon God is a terrible sin, and has led to the vilest of heresies. We do not need great dreamers, but people who will spend much time in the Word and in prayer, living in the revelation of His glory. Warren also misquotes Acts 2:17, but this too simply talks about revelation from God, of God. Warren then poses a question: “What is your dream for your next ten years?” Personally, I have no dream. That may sound like a sad thing, but it is not. I am surrendered to God and am leaning on His will and not my own. I know I am called to be a pastor, but I have no way of knowing how I will get there. God has thwarted all my plans, and for this I am grateful, for I have gained much in Him taking me His own way. The Lord has only shown me a few steps at a time, and never the full path. “And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:16, KJV). He has not forsaken me, but has lead me along paths unknown – and I refuse to make any sort of presumption as to where He will take me. I walk by faith.

Warren then brings up two things as he finishes up. First, he implies that we can merely put on salvation like a helmet – more salvation by works. Secondly, he reduces repentance to merely changing our minds. Yes, repentance is a change of mind, but the change is not wrought by our own effort, but by the power of God. Salvation is by grace, yet Warren insists on saying otherwise. He has so badly perverted the gospel, and yet is considered a godly man by many. Far from it. Warren then goes back to imagination and likens it to a blank check. Just imagine whatever you want, and if you have the faith you'll get it. Right...sounds very similar to all the prosperity gospel garbage going around. Lastly, in his closing prayer, he finally mentions Jesus – I can't recall him saying anything about Jesus in his whole sermon. Just a bunch of works apart from grace.

In conclusion, I am appalled at what I've heard. Rick Warren is a major influence in the American church and around the world. It saddens me that he brings forth so much heresy. I can only hope that more people realize what he is saying and compare it with biblical truth. Warren would make a great psychologist, but he should not by any means be a pastor. The Bible speaks so clearly about salvation by grace and not by our own effort or self-righteousness. And yet, Warren repeatedly heralds this message. He is completely contrary to sound doctrine, and it is alarming that someone like John Piper, who seemingly champions sound doctrine, would allow Warren to speak at his conference. Until he repents, I cannot take John Piper seriously any longer. Piper says we have slandered Warren, but should we keep quiet on such matters? Rather, we must expose them (Ephesians 5:11). Because of what Warren has said in this sermon, I cannot recommend any of his sermons, books, etc. for they simply do not hold up to biblical truth. I hope you have read through this and watched Warren's speech with discernment, and that you too can come to agreement with what I have written. If you agree with me, please let others know that this man cannot be trusted. If not, I will be glad to discuss this further, but only if you come with an open mind.

Christ Rosebrough has another excellent review of this sermon on his radio show, Fighting for the Faith, found here.