Loving Others Into Hell

Quite often, my posts begin with a title before any words are written.  The title is placed in the little box where it belongs, I know the message I want to convey, but the page can remain blank for days, weeks, or even longer while I wait for the words to build in my mind.  This particular post has been graced with a title for over a month, and it's a doozy, don't you think?  I decided it needed an explanation and found myself gravitating to the computer today to fill in that blank page.

But before you get started reading my thoughts, stop for a moment and meditate on those three words.................................................................................................................................................................................................

Are you done?

Let's get started on why I chose such a startling title, and whether or not you are as guilty as I often am by its implication or, perhaps better put, insinuation.

If I had used each word individually, they could be viewed as innocuous, or less harmful.   Or if I had only used the first two words as my title, there would be the appearance of a warm and compassionate post filled with encouragement to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt 22:38-40).   But by adding the last two words, the title then becomes a little more threatening to our sensibilities.  It implies a negative connotation, creating an undertone of suspicion that the writer of this blog may be going just a little too far with what some perceive as finger-pointing, or today's popular usage of the accusation, "being judgmental."  However, what is possibly not being considered by the "judge not" crowd is that I am not only pointing the finger at some, but also right back at myself.

Are you confused?  If so, let me explain.

Each and every Christian has unsaved friends and family members.   If we were true to ourselves, we would even acknowledge that as we walk through a crowd of strangers, our eyes are incapable of landing on someone who isn't in need of hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  As I sit here writing this post, there are two men, one I've known for over 30 years, who are working on a foundation for a new addition to our house.  I'm as positive as we can be that neither are saved.  Their words and actions (their talk and walk) give enough evidence to assert that claim.  But what I am not positive about is if they have ever heard about their desperate need for salvation.

With that question bouncing around in my head, the burden then becomes mine.  Why should it be my burden?

God may have placed them before me for a reason, other than a new utility room.

Although I don't know the young man that is with my old friend, I can honestly say that I love them both.  Not in the physical or emotional sense that the world would understand.  Rather, I love them for what they lack.  I love them for what they sorely need.  I am given a glimpse with my eyes into their lives, I am able to hear with my ears their sins, and know that unless I or someone else speaks up and tells them about God's law and the death it can bring and why man has fallen from grace and how he can be restored to life and tell them of the One who secured that for us, they will leave this world without hope and suffer eternal punishment in Hell.

But fear prevents me because I don't want to offend, to anger, to be rejected, to be scoffed at, to become that "religious nut," or to possibly lose a long-time friendship, or fail to establish a new one.  And when it comes to our unsaved family members who exhibit all of the above, there is even less willingness to speak up for Jesus, because to be alienated from them is the worst possible scenario in this life.  We don't want to upset the apple cart of family continuity.  We say we love them too much to break the family apart, or to be avoided at family gatherings.  But do we truly love them enough?   Do we love them so much that we would be willing to sacrifice good relationships with them by boldly giving the prescription they desperately need and that would cure them of the soul destroying disease of depravity and eternal death?

Sadly, the answer with most of us is usually "No."  We would rather that someone else step up and do for us what we ourselves should have done.

In other words, by our failure to obey the LORD Jesus' command to go out and make disciples of men (Matt 28:18-20), we are loving our friends and family straight into Hell.

By now, I'm sure you've caught on to the subject matter.

The greatest love we can demonstrate is to give the Gospel to everyone, regardless of their relationship to us, or the situation we find ourselves in with them.  To remain silent is a gross exhibition of hatred in its worst form.   When it comes to family and friends we say we love and would do anything for, it could safely be said that the love we have for them is shallow and without substance.  We love their sense of humor.  We love being with them.  We love their little quirks.  And we love that they also love us.

But that's not enough.

There are four types of "love" in the Greek language which are used throughout Scripture:

1. "Storge," a term rarely used in ancient text, denotes affection mainly between family members.
2. "Philia" or "phileo" is used to demonstrate loyalty to friends, family, and community and must include virtue, equality, and familiarity.
3. "Eros" is physical, passionate love that compels one to sensual desire and longing.  It's the type of love described as "love at first sight;" romantic, pure emotion without the balance of logic.  Although the word is usually used in the context of sexual desire, it isn't necessarily always attributed to it, but is also used as a deeper form of the "philia" type of love between friends, or an appreciation of the beauty within another person.
4. "Agape" means love in a spiritual sense, or unconditional love.  It is selfless, expecting nothing in return.  It is a deep and abiding love that expresses God's unconditional love for His wayward children.  The apostle, Paul, wrote of this type of love in 1Corinthians 13:1-13.

Taking these words and definitions into context, in what should be our witness for Christ, most Christians never succeed in getting past the first two Greek words when it comes to the type of love we demonstrate.  We have deep affection for our family and friends.  We are loyal to them and consider them to be equal with us, but that's as far as our professed love goes.  We all too often overlook their sinfulness and depravity.  We roll our eyes, maybe uttering a prayer for their repentance and redemption.  We neglect their absolute need of Jesus Christ and His gift of salvation, and fail them - and Him - time and time again, until it's too late and their destination after they die is fixed for all eternity.

We just don't want the reaction we think we're going to receive.

When I consider my failings and my utter unwillingness to give the Gospel of Jesus Christ to certain family and friends, I understand just how superficial and limited my love is for them.  Honesty with myself compels me to admit it borders on hatred.  Hatred not for their physical presence in the here and now, but for their soul that will continue to live on after their body is mere dust.  We should love as Jesus loved, not the way we think is appropriate and acceptable.  In light of the glaring fact that life on this earth and our relationships with others is fleeting, our primary focus should be on the next life and what those can expect who do not yet know, and are known by, Jesus Christ.

Instead of loving others into Hell through our complacency, unwillingness, or fear of reprisal, we should strive for the same love Jesus Christ demonstrated by faithfully telling them the truth.  And just as equally important, Christians should never think that any specific moment is inappropriate, especially during gatherings of frivolity and gaity, or a few moments together over coffee.  Seconds are ticking by, and the clock that measures the length of a person's life on this earth cannot be paused or stopped.

Three times, Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him.  Three times, Peter responded with a "yes."  But the third time, Peter understood the depth of Christ's question and it grieved him (John 21:15-17).   I am often reminded that my love for Jesus Christ is just as shallow and limited as the love I have for my family and friends.  I shouldn't be able to find the bottom but, ashamedly, I do, just as Peter realized his own lack.  I, too, should be willing to go out and "feed" Jesus' sheep each and every time the opportunity is presented, even if it means Jesus telling me what He told Peter: "Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”  (John 21:18)

If anything would compel someone to keep silent about the way to salvation, Jesus telling Peter how he would die should have done so.  But Peter understood the vital necessity of the message he would carry and faithfully delivered it.

Peter loved others as Christ loved.  Never faltering.  Never wavering.  Never watering down the Gospel.  And in all circumstances and all situations, Peter never feared rejection or persecution when he gave it.

Thus the meaning for the title of this post.

It took a while to reveal my thoughts and the conviction that I fail my Savior far too often, including the courage to confess it.  Although I am ashamed to admit it, my failures are ever before me.   But I'm thankful Jesus has revealed one more of my endless flaws that needs gentle correction.  Sanctification is a long process, and I am thankful He is patient with me.

If we truly love Jesus as we should, instead of loving others into Hell through our silence, we will love them with the same "agape" He has for us.  Knowing that, with each breath, our unsaved friends and family members are approaching eternity and a fixed location, we must be driven to set aside any discomfort we may have while in their presence and love them into Heaven by giving them the greatest gift a man can receive, regardless of the situation or timing.

So, here I am, pointing the proverbial finger at you and praying for your conviction, as well.  It sure gave me pause, and I hope it does you.

There's a world of sinners waiting for someone to speak up without fear.  Some you know.  Some you won't know until God places them in front of you.  Some will reject it in various ways.  Some will embrace it with joy.  And we should always remember it's not us that does the heart work.  It's the Holy Spirit.  We're just the instrument by which the Good News is given.

As I told my late father once, when he was attempting to give the Gospel to his sisters who were lost in false beliefs, and who cruelly refused to believe what he brought them, "It's not you they were rejecting, but the Holy Spirit Who sent you.  You did what the LORD asked, and that's all that was required of you."

So, go out and boldly proclaim Jesus Christ to your friends and loved ones so that they may also know and live in the glorious presence of God with you for all eternity.

The Name Most Hated Above All Names

In the wake of all the recent violence in Egypt, have you considered that there are things we are NOT being told?  Or if we are being told what's really going on, it has been minimized and ignored, and another reason tops the headlines?

All too often, we are spoon fed the political aspects of these kinds of events by both our government and our mainstream media, instead of being fully informed of all that's actually occurring.  It doesn't take a political science major or a Middle East expert to know that what we receive in the way of explanations has been cleverly written by our own leaders to not only keep us content that our government has a close eye on the problem and a genuine understanding of and concern for the implications, but also to keep us complacent and apathetic and more politically correct about Muslims and the religion they practice.  

That became obvious when the Egyptian people flooded Tahrir Square last year and we were inundated with talking heads on the news, giving their "expert" opinions and celebrating how wonderful it was that the people were rising up for democracy.   The stark images of millions rising to denounce their government were astounding. 

However, within one short year and the arrival of the latest uprising, new talking points were quickly written and dispersed to those talking heads, and "Plan B" was put into place because that short-lived, so-called "freedom" rally failed in a big way.  If it weren't for the internet and instantaneous news and images, we would remain in the dark about most subjects.  The "experts" also probably figured that they wouldn't appear so foolish, and more important, ignorant of the reality of the situation by revising their positions.

When it came to the players in what it appeared to be a game of politics, they were most ignorant over the Muslim Brotherhood.

The fact of the entire matter is that the Muslim Brotherhood, which portrayed itself as Egypt's salvation and was covertly placed into power following the removal of Egypt's former President Hosni Mubarak, is one of many  fanatical Islamist factions bent upon destruction and domination of the world.  Their history and belief system was foolishly glossed over and blatantly ignored, with some even going so far to say that the Muslim Brotherhood has a true desire for "civil democracy" and has done much good for the nation of Egypt.  Any trouble that came out of their organization was blamed on a small portion of members within their ranks.  Their official English website paints a rosy picture of peaceful protests, tolerance and altruism, a desire for democracy, and their membership as the victims and martyrs.  But if you have your eyes and ears open, and look objectively at that organization and its presence in the Middle East, including what Islam represents and their affiliation with other terror groups, like Al Qaeda, and their collusion with Hamas during the 2011 revolution, they are unable to pull the wool over your eyes.

What these "experts" are failing to mention is that the goal of the Muslim Brotherhood isn't focused only on Egypt, but the entire Middle East and points beyond and recently, our government, much to their chagrin - and, I might add, shame - actually supported their rise to power.  Oh, the Democrats and the Obama administration, and even conservative politicians we thought had more sense, tried to make us believe that they were unbiased regarding the revolt, but failed to convince some of us.   It would be a hard task to get them to admit that now, however.  Politicians and news pundits have very short memories, especially if they're caught in contradictions and errors.  And our President is now back-pedaling and denying he had anything to do with supporting their insurrection, while still attempting to convince Congress to "give them another chance."

In spite of the collateral damage in Egypt - i.e., 51 innocent children being killed in the initial military crackdown, and whose parents are the truly guilty ones for placing their children in the line of danger, a common practice among Islamists and Muslim terrorists -  it's my contention that the Egyptian Army may have a legitimate reason for what they are doing.  Although our President, for political and military strategic reasons, refuses to call the latest skirmish a "military coup," it just may not be one.  When a nation of people is so clearly divided and takes to the streets with weapons and is bent on killing and destruction, even placing their children on the front line, what other option is left but to send in the military to quell the violence?

It becomes a matter of the strongest over the weakest, and what if the strongest are those who would do the most damage if allowed to take over the government?  If, God forbid, Americans finally reached the point of revolt over what they see happening in the United States that is clearly threatening their freedoms and their nation's sovereignty, and rose up in massive numbers to storm Washington D.C., the front lawn of the White House would become a battlefield with our military and police forces shooting back at citizens, including the children who are present, in an attempt to restore peace.  Can anyone deny that?

From a secular standpoint, answers are clearly needed for why men behave the way they do.  But, sadly, the wrong answers are being given, and what's going on with the Egyptian people is a good example.

When things like this occur in other parts of the world, specifically in the Middle East, our first thought is that it's all politically based.  A despot has been in power for decades and ruled with an iron, and often cruel, fist, until a generation of people rise up and drag him from his throne, usually leaving a wake of death and destruction in their path.  Celebrating their new-found illusion of freedom, they rush into placing another leader into power who has wooed them with fine-sounding promises of democracy, free elections, equality and economic and religious freedom and prosperity, foolishly thinking that, at last, they will have the government they desire.  Far too many struggling nations have fallen into that trap, and Egypt is only the latest.

However, the problem lies in the fact that the people in the Middle East have no real understanding of the concept of democracy, nor will they ever understand it.  They see it being practiced in western nations yet, because of their Islamic religion, which constitutes and demands a mixture of religion with politics and outright hatred for capitalism and religious freedom, are unable to correctly and effectively implement it.  Factor in that they can't have their democracy cake and eat it with Sharia Law as a side dish.  The two are as opposed to each other as the east is from the west or, as in this case, Islam from Christianity.  (As is obvious in most nations they have immigrated to, they quickly demand that side dish, and it usually involves more violence until they get what they want.)  It's not long before those who celebrated the overthrow of a oppressive government with jubilation in the city square find themselves regretting being so quick to replace it.

The Muslim Brotherhood led a successful campaign in making it appear that they were a peaceful and equitable arm of Islam.  At least, they were able to convince the secular portion of the world who are ignorant regarding the truth behind this religion and what their real agenda is, including our own President Barrack Hussein Obama.  That is, if he truly is that ignorant.  But not so much with those of us who have discernment and an understanding of the role that the sons of Ishmael (Gen 17:18-21; Gen 21:8-21; Psalm 83) and Esau (Gen 25:21-34; Gen 27; Mal 1:2-5; Heb 12:1-17) will play in the end of times scenario.  Following the ouster of Mubarak and the successful placement of the Muslim Brotherhood into the Egyptian government, it took a while for their true character to rear its ugly face.  Within just a few months, Egypt's newly elected President, Mohamed Morsi, began revealing his intentions and implementing his previous unspoken commitment to the Muslim Brotherhood and its agenda.

Let's get to the meat and potatoes of what I view to be the cause of this mess, shall we?

Take a moment and consider the escalation of persecution against the Egyptian Coptic Church as one possible reason for the Egyptian army's intervention.

The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, which was established 2,000 years ago and believes the "Patriarchate of Alexandria" was founded by Mark the Evangelist around 33 A.D., is modeled after the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), even venerating a Pope of their own.  Like the RCC, it is in error over many doctrinal issues.  In short, they believe in seven sacraments: baptism, including baptism of babies, confirmation, confession (penance), Eucharist (communion), matrimony, ordination, unction of the sick, and teaches salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Copts practice fasting, in which 210 days of the year are considered fast days.  Like the RCC, they rely heavily on tradition, celebrate mass, and teach that works earn merit.  Although worship of saints is forbidden, they do teach that dead saints intervene for the faithful, and they also venerate icons (Gen 20:1-4).

It's not that the Coptic Church is necessarily a true Christ- and Gospel-centered church that drives the Muslim Brotherhood to expel them from Egypt with whatever method is necessary, even through extreme persecution.  It's the fact that the name of Jesus Christ is associated with the church.  That's what compels them to hatred and violence.  Their motivation to kill is urged on by their utter hatred and lack of understanding true Christianity and the One True God Jesus Christ who is sovereign and hates the worship of false gods like Allah, the god of Islam.  They see and hear the Name that is above all names being proclaimed - that Jesus alone is worthy to be worshiped, and that He is the only way to true salvation - and that fuels their vehement and complete prejudiced hostility for Him that spills out upon any one church or group that elevates Jesus Christ above all other false religions, including their own, Islam, which is the predominate religion causing all the trouble in the current state of world affairs. 

This linked article, depicting a Christian orphanage that was recently burned by Morsi supporters, is only the latest in a stream of violence that has been perpetuated against Coptic Christians in Egypt.

In a National Review Online article dated August 14th, reporter, Raymond Ibrahim, reports that the level of violence against Egyptian Christians "has reached unprecedented levels in the modern era."  However, regarding the Egyptian army's perceived violations, he writes:

While Western media, following the lead of pro-Brotherhood Al Jazeera, continue demonizing the Egyptian military’s attempts to neutralize the Muslim Brotherhood terror bases – where people have been tortured, raped, and killed, all according to Islamist fatwas (yes, including the rape, more on this later) the media portray them as “sit ins” where Islamists are “holding vigil” only to be slaughtered by the military – the Western media has been incredibly silent about the terrors being visited on Egypt’s Coptic Christians, the nation’s original inhabitants, by the very same people in the “sit ins.”

For starters, and as CBN’s Gary Lane just put it, “What do Muslim Brotherhood members do when Egyptian Security Forces launch a forewarned operation to clear them from Cairo tent cities? Attack Christians. That’s right. Morsi supporters responded with a monumental attack — unprecedented in modern times — on churches throughout Egypt. The torching and destruction of churches occurred within six hours of the start of the military crackdown.”

Mr. Ibrahim continues to verify that the persecution of Coptic Christians didn't begin with this latest military crackdown.  He cites numerous examples of arrests and sentences being handed out against them by Morsi's government, verifying that the Muslim Brotherhood's long arm of Islamic justice against those who would dare to blaspheme their "prophet" and their religion played a very important role in the first year of this newly elected government.

As Mr. Ibrahim concludes, he could fill pages of his article (as well as myself on this blog) with examples of severe persecution that has been perpetrated by the Muslim Brotherhood, its spread across all of Egypt, and the world turning a blind eye to the slaughter occurring there.  He calls for "the full, ugly truth about Muslim persecution of Christians [to be made] known – and acted upon."  I join him in this cry out to the world.  And I do so with a better understanding of who the enemy actually is that is perpetuating the violence and brutality.   But with the unwillingness of the secular media to report the truth, and the world's populace cowering in fear of this vile and disgusting "religion" and what they are capable of doling out if they offend them, it will only get worse.

The violence we're seeing against Christians in Egypt didn't begin after Morsi's ouster.  As another article from the Christian Science Monitor describes, Christians were marked for persecution long before this latest uprising began.  It states, "Christian homes and shops [were marked] with red graffiti, vowing to protect Morsi's electoral legitimacy with 'blood.' ”

 It is also common knowledge (or should be) that Egypt hasn't been particularly fond of the protestant and evangelical Christian faith.   In 1980, Islam was established as the state religion and Sharia Law was instituted as their primary source of legislation, prohibiting any religious practices that conflicted with Sharia.  However, in the past, the Egyptian government didn't see a conflict with Judeo/Christian practices and those of Islam, and the non-Muslim minority were free to worship without legal constraints.  I am confident that if the Muslim Brotherhood had been successful in pushing forward their agenda, it would have become a conflict and their laws would have changed to strictly forbid the practice of any form of Christianity.

It hasn't been as easy as it sounds for Egyptian Christians.  The current Egyptian government strictly requires building permits for constructing church buildings, but the process is still subject to security authorities and the approval process has been found to be so lengthy and insufficiently responsive that most protestant Christians use private buildings and homes for their religious services.  I have also heard that open evangelism is viewed as an insult to Islam and strongly discouraged.

With a population of nearly 83 million people, 80 million Egyptians are considered to be Muslim, which comprises almost 95% of the citizenry.  Approximately 7.2 million people, or 95% of the Christian population, are Coptic Christians.  The remaining 27,000 Christians are a mixture of 19 other varying denominations of Christianity, which range from Greek Orthodox to pentecostal, but with no recognizable mainstream western churches in the mix.   However there are western evangelical missionaries established in the nation.  It has also been noticed that the persecution against the Coptic church is due to an increase in it returning to its missionary roots, not only in Egypt, but in all parts of the Middle East and northern Africa where their presence is known.

It is apparent that there is much of God's work to be done and that the harvest field in Egypt is ripe for the picking.  But only if the violence that's escalating and spilling over throughout the entire Middle East doesn't close off that region forever from hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We need to be in constant prayer that those whom God has chosen for His Son are quickly drawn and receive salvation.

It has been reported by many, who closely follow the progress of spreading the Gospel in the Middle East, that multitudes are coming to Christ.  Forsaking their prior beliefs, their families, their jobs, and even their safety, Muslims are hearing the Name they once hated and being given a new life and new hope, then taking that Name out to their own villages, towns, and cities so that others may know Him.  We have seen the results of their courage and boldness.  What they can expect to experience in the way of persecution is far greater than anything we in the United States can even begin to imagine.  Our witness can be met with debate, maybe harsh profanity, or a complete lack of interest and rejection.  But theirs is often met with ostracism, isolation, utter hatred, and violence.

Jesus Christ: the Name most hated above all names.  He warned His disciples that this hatred for everyone who put their trust in Him would continue to the end of time as we know it.  "If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."  (John 15:18-19)  We are seeing played out on the world's stage a continuance of that hatred in the form of Islam and what it represents.

The explanation Jesus gave for the persecution that would come following His departure and until His second coming should be understood and embraced by all Christians.  More important, it should be applied as the only reason when we see hatred and violence spilling out on all parts of the world, including our own.  The ignorance of not knowing the One True God, and the total depravity of man and his willingness to subvert, subject, and enforce a false and destructive world view upon others through persecution, can only be explained as utter and complete hatred for our God and Savior Jesus Christ. 

"But all these things they will do to you on account of My name, because they do not know Him who sent Me.  If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.  Whoever hates Me hates my Father also.  If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both Me and my Father.  But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: 'They hated Me without a cause.’ "  (John 15:21-25; Psalm 35:19; 69:4)

The violence we are now seeing is only the beginning of greater persecution to come.   As the end draws nearer, the hatred for Jesus Christ will grow beyond anything the world has yet seen.  While preaching to His disciples, they "...came to Him privately, saying, 'Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?'  And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.   For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.  And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.   All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

 

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.   And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.   And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.   And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.   But the one who endures to the end will be saved.   And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.' "

Jesus was preparing His disciples for the hatred that would eventually break out against everyone who believed in His Name and the Gospel He brought them, and that, to this day, continues to be broadcast across the world through His faithful servants.  And we should also be prepared for it.  Satan knows his time is short and will use any means he has available to him to destroy as many souls as he can.  It has already grown obvious that, as our nation draws further from God, extreme persecution is on the very near horizon.

While we wait for the glorious return of our long anticipated King, we must always keep in mind the things we witness are a culmination of hatred for Jesus that has propelled the secular and unbelieving world into wars and death throughout the world's brief history.  And throughout this tumultuous history, many have succumbed to Satan's wiles and have falsely used the Name of Jesus Christ to deceive the masses and subject them to their cruelty.  Even in this present day we often hear politicians and world leaders invoke the Name of Jesus in order to convince Christians they are righteous men and gain what their wicked hearts desire.  Man may be the recipient of the evil that permeates every society, but the Name above all names, Jesus Christ, is the cause (1Peter 2:7-8).  For genuine Christians, to proclaim His Name, to worship His Name, to know that His Name is written upon the hearts of every true believer, and to offer His Name to the lost will bring more terror, more destruction, and more death as the history of this world draws to a close.

Recently, Pastor John MacArthur stated in a free CD set he offered to his subscribers, "How To Think and Act In Evil Days," (I was unable to find a link to this sermon) that the increase of persecution will reveal those who truly belong to Jesus Christ.  When persecution like those in Egypt and other parts of the world are experiencing comes to America, the truth will be revealed as many who have professed Him abandon and deny Him, as most did while He walked this earth (John 6:66-69).

When it reaches the point described in Scripture where untold persecution is inflicted upon those who proclaim the Name most hated above all names, the depth of love we hold in our hearts for Jesus Christ and His Gospel will determine whether or not we are true believers.

We must stand firmly upon the foundation that has been set before us (1Cor 10:12; 16:13-14; Gal 5:1; Eph 6:10-13;  never wavering, never faltering, always faithful to the One who secured our salvation, and proclaiming as we go forward, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt 10:7)

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.  But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene ^... But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.' " (2Tim 2:14, 15, 19)

Repent, seek forgiveness, and believe in the Name of our LORD Jesus Christ and what He has done for you, trusting Him in all things.  For His glory and honor.  Amen 

C.S. Lewis: Should Christians Embrace His Theology?

"You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!"

 James 2:19

While navigating through Facebook one day, I came upon a recent post by Mike Gendron of Proclaiming the Gospel.  As usual, the comments ranged from complete agreement with Mike to vitriolic outrage from the Catholics he witnesses to, but one of his "friends" provided a link in a comment on Mike's post to add support to the topic being discussed and Mike's analysis of C.S. Lewis.  It's a long read, but if you believe that Lewis was a evangelical Christian who defended the truth of the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it should be read in its entirety, merely because after reading it, you may change your mind.  

However, before we delve into the theology of C.S. Lewis, let me remind you that I am not claiming to have divine knowledge about whether or not he was saved.   Nor am I "judging" the man, as so many, I'm sure, will accuse me (I do sincerely wish that professing Christians would study that particular passage in order to exegete it properly).   I will leave Lewis' salvation to God, as we all should.

C.S. Lewis began his writing career creating fantasy stories for children, yet ended it by defining his faith, his world view, and his interpretation of Scripture.  My first real notice of C.S. Lewis came after reading the first book of his "Narnia" series because of the appeal they had to Christians.  Regardless of the fact that the seven book series written between 1939 and 1951 were intended for children, and that over 100 million copies in over 47 languages have been sold, my critique of the first book caused me to not want to continue with the other six, and forced me to place them on the immaturely and mundane written back shelf to collect dust.  It must be noted, however, that Lewis initially did not have the intention of making the books allegorical, but preferred to term their Christian similarities as "supposition."  In a letter he wrote in 1958, in which he responded to the allegorical question, Lewis maintains that the books weren't allegory:

"If Aslan represented the immaterial Deity in the same way in which Giant Despair [a character in The Pilgrim's Progress] represents despair, he would be an allegorical figure.  In reality however he is an invention giving an imaginary answer to the question, 'What might Christ become like, if there really were a world like Narnia and He chose to be incarnate and die and rise again in that world as He actually has done in ours?'  This is not allegory at all."

Besides finding no enjoyment in reading the Narnia books, I also view them as a spiritual deception.  Like many fictional stories that borrow from Scripture, there is often a departure from the Truth and embellishments are inserted to keep the reader hooked - including the line and sinker.  Whether intentionally or not, C.S. Lewis drew his story line from Scripture, and also from Greek, Turkish, and Roman mythology.  Because of the pagan themes that run throughout the books, he has been accused by many Christian leaders of promoting "soft-sell paganism and occultism".  He had a fascination with medieval cosmology, astrology, and Celtic pagan tales, and most of his fictional writings reflect aspects from each culture.

Many will disagree with me, especially after Hollywood decided to capitalize on the "Chronicle" series and people flooded the theaters to engage themselves in the fantasy.  Although as a child I always loved good fantasy and fairy tales, I found the movies to be a waste of my money and time.  Following the release of the movies, Lewis made it back to the top of the renowned author throne and his books began a new cycle on the Best Seller list, where they once again were being touted by the church as a metaphor of Jesus Christ and His Gospel.  I'm still waiting for someone to provide me with Biblical evidence of this claim, other than drawing from a title given to our LORD, "the Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Hosea 5:14, Rev 5:5) and comparing the death and "resurrection" of the lion, "Aslan," to Christ and His atonement.  I consider that argument to be a fanciful twist of the Truth, and a way for professing Christians to minimize our Savior's redeeming act.

Mature Christians would have no problem rightly dividing the man Jesus Christ from the image of a Lion.  But the books and movies were aimed at children, and for children, the reality of the humanity and divine nature of Jesus Christ which they should be taught is muddied with unrestrained fancy, throwing the King of kings and LORD of lords into the same category as Superman, Sponge Bob Square Pants, or Harry Potter.  In other words, without proper guidance and instruction, when a small child who has overheard the comparison of the Narnia fantasy with Jesus Christ and is asked to describe Him, he will immediately draw from his own experience: that of sitting in a dark theater, his eyes glued to a massive screen with popcorn in his lap, and the image of children traveling through a mirror to bounce between alternate universes where they meet a huge talking lion who saves mankind.

It wasn't until later in his life that C.S. Lewis became a "convert" to Christianity.  Setting aside his fictional writing and fascination with the occult and fantasy, this is the C.S. Lewis we should examine.  Born an Irishman in 1898 and baptized at birth in the Church of Ireland (Anglican Communion), he quickly rejected Christianity in his adolescence and declared himself to be an atheist.  But at the age of 32, Lewis returned to the Anglican Communion and much of his writing reflected his renewed faith.  It has been said that the faith he re-embraced faltered upon the death of his wife from cancer in 1960.  From "A Grief Observed," and written under a pseudonym in order not to be recognized, Lewis lashed out in anger at God:

Talk to me about the truth of religion and I'll listen gladly. Talk to me about the duty of religion and I'll listen submissively. But don't come talking to me about the consolation of religion or I shall suspect that you don't understand. The conclusion is not "So there's no God, after all" but "So this is what God is really like, the Cosmic Sadist. The spiteful imbecile?"

Although Lewis' grief, anger, and distrust of God was vehemently expressed, it is commonly viewed that his faith was later restored.  Three years following his wife's death, C.S. Lewis died on the same day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.  Because of this sensational headline and also the death of Aldous Huxley, Lewis' death was barely noticed.

Upon his professed conversion, Lewis authored a number of Christian apologetics. (For a complete list of his books, including anthologies written after his death, click here.) His book, "Mere Christianity," was placed third in Christianity Today's list of most influential evangelical books since 1945.  The book is more of a testimony of Lewis' journey from atheism to belief, than a tome full of godly wisdom.  Although Lewis believed that God's moral law and man's inability to keep it must first be understood and acknowledged before Christ's atonement can be embraced, it's his philosophical pondering and insistence that much of the Bible is from the imaginations of men that brings into question his world view and understanding of the Gospel.  Regardless of his desire to write fictional fantasy stories for children, it is his understanding of the Word of God that begs, by us,  a second look.

As mentioned, the following are excerpts from an article by The Trinity Foundation, entitled "Did C.S. Lewis Go to Heaven?" that was shared on Mike Gendron's post.   I have broken them down to give you a clearer understanding of Lewis' position(s).  They should be viewed using the only reliable source available to us, the Bible, and given careful examination and compared against the Word of God.   They include just a few glaring errors that Lewis embraced and wrote about in his four books on apologetics, which are described as "encyclopedic," and letters written by him while conversing with other theologians, and they reinforced within me why I have always felt a little distrust of C.S. Lewis.

1.  The Psalms were characterized by Lewis as “fatal confusion,” “devilish,” “diabolical,” “contemptible,” petty,"  "vulgar," full of "contradiction," and written with "naivety," and "error."

2.  Lewis rejected the doctrine of Scriptural inerrancy, claiming that the Bible is not the Word of God, that all Christian literature is "inspired," and that in order to be led to Christ (who, according to Lewis, is the "real" Word of God, which John rightly ascribes to Jesus, yet is misconstrued by Lewis), one must read it in the "right spirit."  According to Lewis, the Bible "does not speak for itself, but only through its interpreters."   He went on to say, “Somehow, when we least expect it but truly need it for our 'spiritual life,' we will know whether a particular passage is rightly translated or is myth (but of course myth specially chosen by God from among countless myths to carry a spiritual truth) or history.... But we must not use the Bible (our fathers too often did) as a sort of Encyclopedia out of which texts...can be taken for use as weapons."

3.  Regarding the Book of John, Lewis wrote: “Either this [John’s Gospel] is reportage – though it may no doubt contain errors – pretty close up to the facts; nearly as close as Boswell. Or else, some unknown writer in the second century, without known predecessors or successors, suddenly anticipated the whole technique of modern, novelistic, realistic, narrative.”  In other words, the Apostle John, who was an eye witness of Jesus' teaching, miracles, and atonement, used creative license in writing his account of Jesus Christ and made many "errors" in his narration.

4.  Lewis overtly avoided the doctrine of justification by faith alone in all four of his massive books, only mentioning it in one sentence in a radio interview, yet never addressing his position to clarify it.

5.  Lewis believed that “Humanity is already ‘saved’ in principle..."  This particular section is enough to make you see his gross errors, including his belief that what Christ did for us we should have done for ourselves.

6.  Lewis called salvation a "good infection":  "Jesus does it 'in us and for us.'   If we get 'close enough' to him, whatever that means, we catch the 'new life,' as one catches an infection."  He also asserted that we can accept or reject any or all of the truths regarding salvation, depending upon what "appeals" to us, thereby falling into the trap of subjectivism and relativism.  He further asserts that we should not quarrel with another who holds a different theological "formula" for salvation.

7.  Lewis insists that one must employ the heresy of mysticism and pass through the "dark night of the soul" before he is converted.

8.  Lewis called God's sovereignty in choosing who does and does not go to Heaven "frightfully unfair," and by contradicting Christ's own words that only those who know the Son will be saved (John 3:14-18), he rejects that Christian faith is the only way to salvation.  Lewis insisted that there are others in other belief systems that are "being led by God’s secret influence to concentrate on those parts of their religion which are in agreement with Christianity, and who thus belong to Christ without knowing it."   In other words, the Holy Spirit's work in the heart is kept secret from the pagan recipient of God's grace, making it unnecessary for the recipient to acknowledge his depravity and need for repentance while the work is being done, and free to continue to worship false gods.  (If someone can provide me with a better explanation of Lewis' thoughts here, feel free to do so!)  Furthermore, he goes on to state, "I think that every prayer which is sincerely made even to a false god or to a very imperfectly conceived true God, is accepted by the true God and that Christ saves many who do not think they know Him."

9.  Lewis believed that even Jesus Christ erred, particularly regarding Mark 13:32, whereby he stated that it is "certainly the most embarrassing verse in the Bible."  Continuing on this heresy, he wrote, “The one exhibition of error and the one confession of ignorance [Mark 13:32] grow side by side. That they stood thus in the mouth of Jesus himself, and were not merely placed thus by the reporter, we surely need not doubt.... The facts, then, are these: that Jesus professed himself (in some sense) ignorant, and within a moment showed that he really was so.”

10.  Lewis wrote that God sends "good dreams" in the form of mythology, which reveals his intention for writing the Narnia series.

The following is the author's conclusion to this article:

"Lewis taught and believed in purgatory (despite the fact that Article 22 of the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England describes the doctrine of purgatory as 'repugnant to the Word of God'), said prayers for the dead, believed in the physical presence of Christ’s body and blood in the bread and wine, a sacrament that he came to call 'Mass,' practiced and taught auricular confession, believed in baptismal salvation, and free will. As we have seen, he rejected the inerrancy of Scripture and justification by faith alone, as well as the doctrines of total depravity and the sovereignty of God.

"So we ask again: Did C. S. Lewis go to Heaven? And our answer must be: Not if he believed what he wrote in his books and letters."

For an even deeper look into the beliefs Lewis adhered to, I would encourage everyone to read the entire article, which touches on more of his un-Scriptural beliefs. 

I found it interesting, and a little bit comforting, that I may not be alone in my distrust of C.S. Lewis.  No one wants to cast aspersions on another, nor ever assume to know their eternal destination.  At this point and without speaking directly to the man, all of my discomfort over Lewis is conjecture, and I must leave it at that.  But in my attempt to give him the benefit of the doubt, I did some more online research looking for reliable sources with the same opinion as my own.  Pastor John MacArthur, in his recent article, "A Redeemed Soul," uses Lewis as an example of grossly misunderstanding sanctification and glorification, and perpetuating the myth of "purgatory":

Moreover, the holiness our sanctification produces could never be sufficient to fit us for heaven by itself.  In heaven we will be perfectly Christlike.  Sanctification is the earthly process of growth by which we press toward that goal; glorification is the instantaneous completion of it.  God graciously, summarily glorifies us and admits us into His pres­ence.  There is no waiting period, no soul sleep, and no purgatory.

           Misunderstanding on this point runs deep.  No less a scholar than C. S. Lewis  wrote:

"Our souls demand purgatory, don’t they?  Would it not break the heart if God said to us, 'It is true, my son, that your breath smells and your rags drip with mud and slime, but we are charitable here and no one will upbraid you with these things, nor draw away from you. Enter into the joy'?  Should we not reply, 'With submission, sir, and if there is no objection, I’d rather be cleaned first.'   'It may hurt, you know.' — 'Even so, sir.' (C. S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer [New York: Harcourt, 1964], 108–109.)

Lewis was no theologian.  He was prone—like too many Anglicans—to water down the clarity of biblical truth with Roman Catholic tradi­tion.  But this is surely one of his most glaring and baffling errors. It is as if he were totally oblivious to the biblical promise of glorification.

Nothing in Scripture even hints at the notion of pur­gatory, and nothing indicates that our glorification will in any way be drawn out or painful.  On the contrary, the moment a believer dies, his soul is instantly glorified and he enters God’s presence.  To depart this world is to be with Christ (Philippians 1:23).  And upon seeing Christ, we become like Him.  It is a graceful, peaceful, painless, instantaneous transition. Paul says that to be ab­sent from the body is to be “at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

C.S. Lewis was baffling, indeed.  The myriad quotes from Lewis that are seen and shared on Facebook and the web definitely give us the impression that his theology was sound and without error.  But when we take a deeper look into the mind of this man, there is no solid footing to be found; no place to rest and feel satisfied that his faith was genuine, that he understood the Gospel, and that he's at peace for eternity.  There are too many variables; too many, "Yes, but..."  Because he was considered a "religious skeptic" and actually given the title "The Apostle to the Skeptics," there's no wonder that many of us question him.  Therein lies my discomfort with and distrust of Lewis, along with that little voice in the back of my head uttering caution.

Are some Christians so bent on proving that Lewis was no different than all of us who occasionally express doubt, fear, or anger with God, or become briefly convinced of an error, that they only pick and choose the most positive from amongst his writings?  Or is there an underlying shadow of deception and confusion beneath what we perceive to be the man and what he believed, and an unwillingness for Christians to acknowledge it?

Other than his confession of faith in Jesus Christ, albeit "skeptical," and his fine-sounding quips and quotations that are so highly viewed, we must be content that the state of C.S. Lewis' soul remains known to only him and the God with whom he had such a tumultuous relationship.  However, we should never take a man's word at face value.  Rather, we should dig deeper to see if what he is saying is aligned with God's Word and whether or not it should be embraced by us, to ensure we are on God's solid ground and our hearts, minds, and souls are in the safety of His hands.

My conclusion?  I'm not sure, but I'm leaning heavily towards an answer to the title of this post, and that answer is, "No".  If C.S. Lewis' writings are any indication, his theology should not be embraced.  And as was stated at the conclusion of the above article, if Lewis truly held to the things he wrote in his books and letters to the day of his death, then the question of his salvation remains.

Eternity will tell.