Twice this week matters have crossed my desk concerning Rob Bell. What is all the hubbub about? Rob’s new book “Love Wins”, in which he takes exception to the idea of hell being a place of torment for those who die in their sin. Apparently, this concept is catching on with some. A young Methodist pastor in rural North Carolina was fired for espousing the “Bellwinian” view.
On top of that is an incident that recently involved myself and another young writer whose name I will not disclose. I received a copy of his book, which I will also not disclose, and was asked to give my humble opinion. Well I had read about a third of the book when, out of the blue, the author phones me for my thoughts. I tried to be nice although I had definite concerns about where this book was going. So, in my naivety, I complimented his gift of imagination and handed the phone to my dear wife who had read the whole thing. She also tried to be nice and even though she told him she disagreed, she admitted it made her love God even more since the book extols the love and grace of God.
Well the book got published and to our amazement, our names were on the flyleaf quoted as saying, “It made us love God more.” Now, here’s the rub. This book is a novel that promotes the idea that a person can be saved within their first twenty-two days in heaven. The twenty-two days coincide with Israel’s fall festivals.
A few weeks after our phone conversation, I met with the author and personally shared my disagreement. In fact, I told him that if the book becomes a big deal guys like MacArthur and Piper are going to eat his lunch. It was heresy and my name is on the flyleaf! Judy and I are hoping the book flops. And if the author happens to read my blog well, please, don’t take it personally.
In all, there seems to be a movement afloat that softens the Biblical concept of judgment. It is frightening indeed to think there are pastors out there holding out the false hope of either a second chance for salvation after death, or taking the fire out of hell. In the words of Tozer, one of my heroes, these guys are “slaying truth to provide a feast for the marriage of heaven and hell.” So, no more Mister Nice Guy. Rob Bell, and anyone else whose teachings clearly contradict the Word of God, are heretics.
// News Article About Bell's Book: "Christian author's book sparks charges of heresy"
