Day 07: The Reason for Everything

Just when we were getting on so well together...

My first thoughts on this chapter were very positive and I was enthusiastic about statement that seemed to do justice to his opening words... "it's not about you". The earlier part of the chapter puts the Glory of God as 'the reason for everything' and that is a great issue to settle.

TPDL then explains 'how' we become part of a world in which the "Glory of God" is "the reason for everything." "All you need do" it declares "is to receive and believe. The Bible promises , 'to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.' Will you receive God's offer?" I am tempted to ask 'which Bible?" The Bible makes no such 'promise'. My Bible gives an account of the days of Christ's physical presence on earth and makes the statement that “...as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:” (John 1:12 NKJV) This is a historical statement not a promise.

TPDL continues..."Wherever you are reading this, I invite you to bow your head and quietly whisper the prayer that will change your eternity: 'Jesus, I believe in you and I receive you.' " and then, even more alarming "If you sincerely meant that prayer, congratulations! Welcome to the family of God." Roman Catholicism teaches that automatic entrance to the Kingdom and Family of God is effected immediately by water baptism. Modern day Evangelicalism is headed in a similar direction. Say the words, go through the methodology... and welcome to the family of God? This is really a sad travesty of genuine Evangelicalism but it has become so much the 'norm' that to suggest anything different is to be questioned as to just how authentic an 'Evangelical' you really are.

If this is the foundation upon which TPDL is going to build its Purpose Driven Life I am going to find it difficult to stay the course.