Our
view of God has a great impact on our life. The authors have written
this book to reveal their view of God and His character. I am
disappointed that the view of God they portray does not follow clear Scripture teaching.
The
authors write about God, “Beyond a shadow of a doubt, know this –
He is completely devoted to your success and wholeheartedly loves and
cares for you.” (7) I think the “completely devoted” idea is a
bit exaggerated.
The
authors deny the never ending punishment of hell, saying it doesn't
make sense. (13) “What if hell isn't a permanent fire, but a fire
that purifies – permanently?” (16) Sometimes it's a little
difficult to understand what they are communicating because they ask
a series of questions, much like Rob Bell did in his book about hell.
I think, however, that the authors say a person who is not a believer
is just gone, ceases to exist, after death. (18) They clarify that
later by saying the rebellious will perish eternally. “They won't
be able to exist in His presence.” (35) This is known as the
doctrine of annihilation, something that has been debated
theologically through the centuries.
“God
in His great mercy,” they write, “offered Lucifer repeated
opportunities to turn from the path of death. Again and again
repentance and submission were presented to the great deceiver as his
hope of life – he wouldn't listen. Jesus warned and counseled him.”
(23) And, “All who joined Lucifer's rebellion were given ample
opportunity to return to their previous state of peace, until the
situation grew into open rebellion.” (29) I honestly don't remember
ever reading that in the Bible – and I've read it through many
times.
The
authors clarify that God really didn't do all the Bible says He did.
“Even though God did not begin the rebellion against His kingdom of
love, He takes responsibility for it. Search the Scriptures and you
will find Him taking responsibility for all kinds of acts that you
know were not His doing. Yet, He says that He did them.” (24) I am
surprised that my “knowing” negates what Scripture says.
“God
assumes responsibility for everything that happens in His creation,”
they write. “The buck stops with Him.” (53) Yet, they also write
that Scripture reveals, “Satan is the deceiver and responsible
party behind the devastation that plagues your soul...” (54) I am
confused. Satan is responsible but God assumes responsibility?
The
authors also write, “[God] has taken responsibility for each and
every broken human being's mistakes. He assumes all responsibility.”
(24) So, I don't have any responsibility for my actions? I won't have
to give an account? Not even my “idle” words, as Jesus claimed?
Then why would I need a Savior?
The
authors want us to know that, “It is not your fault that you were
infected with a terminal illness. You are not to blame for being born
broken.” (31-32) In other words, it is not our fault we are born
with original sin, with a bent to sin. If it were only so.
The
authors repeatedly say that God is not angry at us. “He is angry
for you.” (33) They ask if the “wrath of God” has been
misunderstood. They write, “God is not vengeful and wrathful.”
(38) I was just reading Jeremiah 42:18a the other day: “For thus
says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: As my anger and my wrath
were poured out on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so my wrath will be
poured out on you when you go to Egypt.” (ESV) And what about
Romans 12:19? “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room
for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will
repay,' says the Lord.” (NIV) Those Scriptures seem pretty clear to
me.
One
major aspect of God the authors have neglected in this short book is
His holiness. They write, “God, however, will always be who He is –
truth, love and light.” (25-26) They neglect God described as
“holy, holy, holy.” And God's holiness is very important in
understanding His character and actions.
I
cannot recommend this book as I feel it is a misrepresentation of
what the Bible clearly says.
My rating: 2/5 stars.
James
Bars and Blake Bars began working together in 2007. Both graduated
from Eastern Oregon University, James with a BS in Business and Blake
with an MBA. Blake currently manages a health food store. James is a
human behavior consultant, Christian counselor, and board certified
Master Life Coach. You can find out more at www.MyNewMadfats.com.
Home
of Love Publications, 88 pages.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club
Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
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