C.S. Lewis Was No Christian!
by David J. Stewart
Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963) was born in Belfast, Ireland, the younger of two sons. He was educated at Malvern College for a year and then privately. In 1931, after being an atheist since age 15, Lewis claimed to have been converted to Christianity. It is clear from Lewis’ own words that he was not a born-again Christian. Lewis plainly taught that water baptism and sacraments were a means to finding, what he termed as, the “Christ-life” (Mere Christianity, pp.62,63). New Agers and ecumenical compromisers love C.S. Lewis, because his philosophies attempt to yoke Christian beliefs with pagan religion.
According to Lewis’ own words, he was: “A very ordinary layman of The Church of England.” The Church of England is apostate! C.S. Lewis authored over 60 books which included poems, novels, children’s books, science fiction, theology, literary criticisms, educational philosophy, and an autobiography. Mr. Lewis was a dangerous man, and his writings ought to be burned. Mr. Lewis was certainly no Christian. He may have had churchianity; but he didn’t have Christianity.
Worldly Compromise and Ecumenism
In 1993, Christianity Today explained why C.S. Lewis is so popular among Evangelicals. Among the reasons given for his popularity was the following:
“Lewis’s … concentration on the main doctrines of the church coincided with evangelicals’ concern to avoid ecclesiastical separatism” (Christianity Today, 10/25/93).
Christianity Today magazine admits that C.S. Lewis is popular to Evangelicals today because, like then, he despised Biblical separation. Like it or not, the Word of God teaches that Christians are to separate from the unsaved (2nd Corinthians 6:14-17; and from other professed “Christians” who live in unrepentant sin (1st Corinthians 5:11).
From 1954 until his death in 1963, C.S. Lewis was professor of medieval and Renaissance English at Cambridge University. Today, C.S. Lewis is known as a distinguished literary scholar and Christian apologist. This is tragic and a further sign of the apostate condition of the church today. Mere Christianity (a book upon which the beliefs of many professing Christians are based) is considered one of the most profound and logically irrefutable writings on Christian apologetics. In reality, it is a work of garbage, filled with lies and distortions of the truth. It is in this book (on page 139) that Lewis refers to man as the “highest animal” (1st Corinthians 15:39 calls Mr. Lewis a liar). The concept of “mere Christianity” means agreeing on a small common denominator of Christian truth, while tolerating great areas of disagreement. In essence, Lewis’ book is an attempt to corrupt the church.
Apostates and False Religions Praise C.S. Lewis
In a recent issue of Christianity Today, Millet, dean of Brigham Young University, is quoted as saying that C.S. Lewis “is so well received by Latter-day Saints [Mormons] because of his broad and inclusive vision of Christianity” (John W. Kennedy, “Southern Baptists Take Up the Mormon Challenge”, Christianity Today, 6/15/98, p. 30). This fact alone ought to show you that Lewis was a heretic. I mean, Mormonism is a false religion, a perverted sex-cult, and they honor Lewis.
As an indication of Lewis’s continued popularity, annual book sales remain over two million half of which comes from The Chronicles Of Narnia series, an occult fantasy series written for children. In an article commemorating the 100th anniversary of Lewis’s birth, J.I. Packer called him “our patron saint“. Christianity Today said Lewis “has come to be the Aquinas, the Augustine, and the Aesop of contemporary Evangelicalism” (”Still Surprised by Lewis”, Christianity Today, 9/7/98). Wheaton College sponsored a lecture series on C.S. Lewis, and Eerdmans published “The Pilgrim’s Guide“ to C.S. Lewis. In April 1998, Mormon professor Robert Millet spoke at Wheaton College on the topic of C.S. Lewis. This is all so tragic!
If it is true to say that “you are what you eat“, then it is also true to say that “a Christian is what he hears and reads“, since this is how he gets his spiritual food. Thus if Christians are brought up on a diet of C.S. Lewis, it should not surprise us to find they are seeking “to continue the legacy of C.S. Lewis“. The apostle Paul said, “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9). Thus, if evangelicals read and applaud such books as Mere Christianity, it should come as no surprise if we find them “working towards a common mission” with the enemies of the gospel. The young Christian should be very careful what he reads, and those in positions of authority (pastors, teachers, parents) should be very careful what they recommend others to read (Dr. Tony Baxter, “The Enigma of C.S. Lewis,” CRN Journal, Winter 1998, Christian Research Network, Colchester, United Kingdom, p. 30).
C.S. Lewis is regarded by many as the greatest contemporary lay writer for the Christian faith. With his witty English humor, sharp and simple logic, and seeming loyalty to the tenets of the Christian faith, C.S. Lewis has won the admiration of millions of fans in England and here in the United States. Churches all across America have embraced the writings of C.S. Lewis, not realizing that the man was of the Devil.
Lewis Taught Theistic Evolution
Lewis believed that God created the universe; but then men evolved from animals.
“… for we have good reason to believe that animals existed long before men… For long centuries God perfected the animal form which was to become the vehicle of humanity and the image of Himself … [Eventually,] God caused a new kind of consciousness to descend upon this organism” (The Problem of Pain, pp.133,77).
“…Man, the highest of the animals” (Mere Christianity, p.139)
“…but he (man) remains still a primate and an animal” (Reflections On The Psalms, pp.115,129)
“If … you mean simply that man is physically descended from animals, I have no objection” (The Problem of Pain, p.72)
“He made an earth at first ‘without form and void’ and brought it by degrees to its perfection” (Miracles, p.125)
Nature’s “pregnancy has been long and painful and anxious, but it has reached its climax” (Mere Christianity, p.172)
C.S. Lewis held that the Biblical Genesis account came from pagan and mythical sources.
“I have therefore no difficulty accepting, say, the view of those scholars who tell us that the account of Creation in Genesis is derived from earlier Semitic stories which were Pagan and mythical.” (Reflections On The Psalms, p.110).
How much more evidence do you need, to see that C.S. Lewis was an unsaved heretic. Lewis exploited the name of Jesus Christ, as do many Modernists today, to secure a profitable writing career. You had better get your doctrine from the Word of God; and not from the latest New York Times Bestseller! In John 5:39 Jesus said “SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES!“
Lewis Taught that Mankind is Inherently Good
As with most Modernists, Lewis saw mankind as inherently good.
“…when the consequence is drawn that, since we are totally depraved, our idea of good is worth simply nothing — may thus turn Christianity into a form of devil worship” (The Problem of Pain, pp.37-38).
The divine goodness differs:
“from ours not as white and black but as a perfect circle from a child’s first attempt to draw a wheel” (The Problem of Pain, p.39).
In other words, if we keep trying hard enough through human experience, we will attain divine perfection. Lewis likens God’s goodness as a perfect circle, and man’s imperfection as a distorted circle drawn by a child who is not very coordinated yet. Thus, as that child grows and develops, the circle eventually matches that of the divine circle. Folks, this is works salvation and New Age doctrine at its core. New Age teaches that man, through better education and rehabilitation, can “evolve” into a higher form of human culture. New Age boldly rejects the Biblical teaching that man’s heart is desperately wicked and deceitful above all else (Jeremiah 17:9).
Total depravity was rejected by Lewis.
(”I disbelieve that doctrine”) because: (1) “If we were totally depraved we could not know ourselves to be depraved”; (2) “Experience shows that there is much goodness in human nature” (The Problem of Pain, p.66).
In sharp contrast to the teachings of C.S. Lewis, Romans 3:12 states: “They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.“
Lewis Taught Baptismal Regeneration and Sacramental Salvation
Lewis believed that some people, devout members of false religions, were saved and didn’t even know it.
“There are people in other religions who 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 … For example a Buddhist of good will may be led to concentrate more and more on the Buddhist teaching about mercy and to leave in the background (though he might still say he believed) the Buddhist teaching on certain points. Many of the good Pagans long before Christ’s birth may have been in this position” (Mere Christianity, pp. 176-177).
Lies! C.S. Lewis was a Modernist (i.e. one who falsely professes to be a Christian). The world is filled with such imposters today who deceitfully speak of a god, spirituality and truth; but they exploit Christianity for their own benefit (2nd Peter 2:1-3). The name of the game is deception. The goal is to appear as “Christian”, while at the same time teaching damnable heresies and promoting cooperation between Christians (i.e. the saved) and the unsaved. Satan loves Modernists, and is making them very wealthy, because they are leading hundreds-of-millions of people into Hellfire.
Lewis also taught that water baptism and the sacraments were a means to obtaining salvation.
“There are three things that spread the Christ-life to us: baptism, belief, and that mysterious action which different Christians call by different names — Holy Communion, the Mass, the Lord’s Supper” (Mere Christianity, pp.62,63).
“…this new life is spread not only by purely mental acts like belief, but by bodily acts like baptism and Holy Communion.” (Mere Christianity, pp.62,63).
In the other world “there will be every occasion for being the sort of people that we can become only as the result of doing such acts here” (Mere Christianity, p.63).
Clearly, Lewis was an unsaved Modernist, who catered to all the different religions. As with those trying to destroy the New Testament Church today, Lewis promoted ecumenism (i.e. the unbiblical uniting of believers with unbelievers).
Lewis wrongly taught that God would pardon man’s selfish pride which keeps him ignorance and rebellion.
God “often makes prizes of humans who have given their lives for causes He thinks bad on the monstrously sophistical ground that the humans thought them good and were following the best they knew” (The Screwtape Letters, p.26).
But God says in Proverb 14:12, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” 2nd Thessalonians 1:8 plainly warns, “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” There will be NO exceptions! As we learned earlier, Lewis thinks that some people are saved and don’t even know it. That is unscriptural. Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” A Buddhist doesn’t follow Christ; but rather, Buddha. A Catholic doesn’t follow Christ; but rather, the Catholic Church. The Bible teaches that a genuine Christian will hear the Word of God (i.e. Jesus’ Voice — Hebrews 1:1,2) and will follow Jesus Christ. Don’t be deceived by lying imposters, like C.S. Lewis, who teach that Christ can be found in all religions. No Sir! Jesus Christ cannot be found in ANY religion; but rather, ONLY in the Word of God (1st Peter 1:23).
Lewis Became a Catholic Before his Death
Lewis indicates that shortly before his death he was turning toward the Catholic Church. Lewis termed himself “very Catholic” — his prayers for the dead, belief in purgatory, and rejection of the literal resurrection of the body are serious deviations from Biblical Christianity (C.S. Lewis: A Biography, p. 234). Lewis even went to a priest for regular confession (p. 198), and received the sacrament of extreme unction on 7/16/63 (p. 301). His contention that some pagans may “belong to Christ without knowing it” is a destructive heresy (Mere Christianity, pp. 176-177), as was his statement that “Christ fulfills both Paganism and Judaism…” (Reflections on the Psalms, p. 129).
Lewis Taught Works Salvation
C.S. Lewis plainly stated that he believed a person has to work to keep salvation.
“There are people (a great many of them) who are slowly ceasing to be Christians…” (Mere Christianity, p.162).
“…a Christian can lose the Christ-life which has been put into him, and he has to make efforts to keep it” (Mere Christianity, p.49).
Lewis believed that morality and obeying God’s Law were a means to eventually being born-again.
“… ye must be born again. Till then, we have duty, morality, the Law. A schoolmaster, as St. Paul says… But the schooldays, please God, are numbered” (Letters to Malcolm, p.115). [emphasis added]
“The point is not that God will refuse you admission to His eternal world if you have not certain qualities of character: the point is that if people have not got at least the beginnings of those qualities inside them, then no possible external conditions could make a ‘Heaven’ for them …” (Mere Christianity, p.63).
In context, to be “born again” for Lewis, is somewhere down the road yet (Mere Christianity, pp.59,60). Lewis taught that a life of self-righteousness was necessary to eventually become born-again. In sharp contrast, Jesus taught that being born-again was a second birth which BEGINS the believer’s life in Christ. Lewis was a very confused and doctrinally flawed man. As a consequence, Lewis is burning in Hell today and no doubt has led many people there too.
Lewis Denied a Literal Heaven
“All the scriptural imagery (harps, crowns, gold, etc.) is, of course, a merely symbolical attempt to express the inexpressible. Musical instruments are mentioned because for many people (not all) music is the thing known in the present life which most strongly suggests ecstasy and infinity. Crowns are mentioned to suggest the fact that those who are united with God in eternity share His splendor and power and joy. Gold is mentioned to suggest the timelessness of heaven (gold does not rust) and the preciousness of it” (Mere Christianity, p.106).
Lewis Denied a Literal Hell
Lewis never believed in a literal Hell, but instead believed hell is a state of mind one chooses to possess and become — he wrote:
“…every shutting-up of the creature within the dungeon of its own mind is, in the end, Hell” (The Great Divorce, p. 65)
Lewis Claimed the Bible Contained Myths
Lewis believed the Book of Job is “unhistorical” (Reflections on the Psalms, pp. 110), and that the Bible contained “error” (pp. 110, 112) and is not divinely inspired (The Inklings, p. 175).
“I have the deepest respect for Pagan myths, still more for myths in the Holy Scriptures” (The Problem of Pain, p.71)
Conclusion
C.S. Lewis was an imposter, who corrupted the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and led multitudes of victims into Hellfire with his doctrines of devils. Lewis used profanities, told lewd stories, and frequently got drunk with his students (5/19/90, World magazine). Christians need to read more critically The Abolition of Man, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, The Great Divorce, and God in the Dock.
By the time of his death, Lewis had moved from Idealism (no idea of a personal God) to Pantheism (an impersonal God in everything) and then to Theism (the existence of God). Unfortunately, in Letters to Malcolm (p. 107), Lewis indicates that shortly before his death he was turning toward the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is NO church at all; but rather, is a prisonhouse of false religion.
J.D. Douglas, writing in Christianity Today, for December 20, 1963 (p. 27) reports the reservations of Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones of historic Westminster Chapel of London:
Dr. Lloyd Jones told Christianity Today that because C.S. Lewis was essentially a philosopher, his view of salvation was defective… Lewis was an opponent of the substitutionary and penal theory of the Atonement.
Dr. W. Wesley Shrader of the First Baptist Church of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, wrote a letter to the editor in Christianity Today for February 28, 1964 (pp.34-35) in which he stated:
C.S. Lewis… would never embrace the (literal-infallible) view of the Bible. He would accept no theory of the “total depravity of man.” He rejected the “substitutionary theory” of the Atonement’” (F.B.F. News Bulletin, Fundamental Baptist Fellowship, March 4, 1984).
Every believer needs to shun the writings of C. S. Lewis and warn their friends and family about this wolf in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). It is sickening to hear so many professed Christians today praise and honor such a heretical man, who denied the literacy of the Scriptures and taught a bunch of wishy-washy nonsense. The writings of C.S. Lewis are nothing but a bunch of ramblings devoid of any meaningful Biblical substance. It’s a sure cure for insomnia.
The writings of C.S. Lewis are of the Devil.
David,
Wonderful, thoughtful and accurate expose’ of the fraud C.S.Lewis.
I have tried for years to warn and expose him as a deceiver, however the intelligentsia and the elitists in “mere” Christianity love the thought of a highbrow writer and “scholar” being a Christian.
You are right — Lewis is a fake! Or, at best, woefully and dangerously ignorant of Holy Scripture.
Keep up the great work contending for the faith and battling for the clear message of salvation our Savior Jesus Christ alone!
In Christ eternally,
ExP(Jack)
Comment by expreacherman — August 24, 2008 @ 10:44 am
David,
A suggestion… Turn off the feature “Possibly related posts: (automatically generated” which occurs at the end of your posts.
I had them automatically on my Blog but frequently noticed it listed links to Blogs with whom I disagreed.
Quick note about C.S. Lewis. My preference, when speaking of his salvation, would be to say something like “It appears from his writings and statements that he is not saved.” Since we mere humans can only see the exterior of the man, we must warn against his false teaching.
Only the Lord and Lewis know for sure whether he is saved.
Scripture says, “… for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
Had I been granted the opportunity to speak with Lewis before he died, I would have presented to him the clear, simple Gospel of Jesus Christ — with no flourishes — and asked him to trust Jesus Christ alone as his Savior. I doubt he had ever done that — at least I have never seen a clear declaration of such.
Thanks again for your writing.
In Christ eternally,
ExP(Jack)
Comment by expreacherman — August 24, 2008 @ 1:41 pm
>>Had I been granted the opportunity to speak with Lewis before he died, I would have presented to him the clear, simple Gospel of Jesus Christ — with no flourishes — and asked him to trust Jesus Christ alone as his Savior.
But you still it seems need first to start with yourself..
Comment by thenonconformer — August 24, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
It’s a shame there are Christians as judgmental as the display presented here, today. Jesus did tell us not to judge others, did He not? And here, we have someone that is throwing someone’s name around, judging them thoroughly, and judging someone that cannot defend himself. Very big of you. I, by the way, am Catholic. And if you believe Catholics are not Christians, you need to check out a World Youth Day sometime… don’t hand out tracts.. it doesn’t work at World Youth Day. Just take it all in. You’ll see more Christianity there than I’ve seen at some Christian concerts that I’ve been to.
Comment by Paul — August 24, 2008 @ 3:34 pm
“This fact alone ought to show you that Lewis was a heretic. I mean, Mormonism is a false religion, a perverted sex-cult, and they honor Lewis.” Wow, Mormonism is a perverted sex-cult? Please provide some documentation for that one. I’ve been a Mormon for almost 40 years and I’ve only had sex with one person, my wife. It’s not perverted at all…it’s the way God intended it. You can claim my religion to be false as many others have…I believe my religion to be true. But a perverted sex-cult? That’s a new one. There is one truth to your statement…Mormons honor Lewis. He’s got some great ideas and I really enjoy reading his books. He was truly an enlightened individual at times.
Comment by Steve — August 25, 2008 @ 6:07 pm
To Steve (commenter #5),
I recommend you to read all articles in this category: http://onetruegod.wordpress.com/category/the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-exposed/
Regards
Comment by Bearing The Cross — August 25, 2008 @ 10:05 pm
To Paul (commenter #4),
You say: “It’s a shame there are Christians as judgmental as the display presented here, today. Jesus did tell us not to judge others, did He not?”
Yet in the very next breath, you say: “Very big of you.”
As the issue of making judgments (actually, not in the sense of condemnation but simply warning), I recommend you to read all articles in this category:
http://onetruegod.wordpress.com/category/biblical-doctrine-making-righteous-judgments/
You say: “You’ll see more Christianity there than I’ve seen at some Christian concerts that I’ve been to.”
There is no such thing as a “Christian concert” just like there is no such thing as “Christian contemporary music” or “Christian rock” or “Christian rap”. Beautiful and decent music can be used as a mean to worship God, but that’s it. Christianity is not a tag which is used to commercialize some forms of music.
Regards
Comment by Bearing The Cross — August 25, 2008 @ 10:14 pm
To Mr. Jack (commenter #1), thank you for your appreciation and suggestion.
I am still a bit undecided whether to turn off the “Possibly related posts” or not. Turning that feature off will surely block the reference to other posts which I usually don’t agree with. However, turning that feature off also block my posts from appearing as “related posts” in others’ blogs. I really want to spread this blog to other people, as much as possible in the hope that some will turn to the truth and come to the Lord Jesus Christ. Maybe I will try to turn off that feature in some specific posts and not the whole blog.
You suggest: “My preference, when speaking of his salvation, would be to say something like “It appears from his writings and statements that he is not saved.” Since we mere humans can only see the exterior of the man, we must warn against his false teaching.”
It is totally true that only the Lord can see men’s hearts. There are many believers who are saved but they still live in sin and bear no fruit for God. However, in the case of C.S Lewis, the evidences are overwhelming. He professed to be a Christian yet he willingly denied all of fundamental teachings of the Bible from Salvation by grace through faith and how God created humans, to a literal Heaven and a literal Hell, even claimed that the Bible contains myths. I mean there is really no indication whatsoever to back up Lewis’ claim to be a Christian. That is why I believe Lewis might have some forms of churchianity but not the Lord Jesus Christ.
Anyway, your suggestion is a very important one. I believe that unless there are strong evidences, we cannot say for sure whether one is saved or not. It is sad that there are many Lordship Salvationists out there, who eagerly point their fingers to all carnal believers and claim that they are not saved.
God bless his faithful servants.
Regards
Comment by Bearing The Cross — August 25, 2008 @ 10:43 pm
To Bearing the Cross (commenter #6), Your source on the Mormon “sex-cult” is more a work of fiction than anything else. It’s certainly not a good place to go to objectively learn about the Mormons. You cite the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) problems in Texas and twist the truth to say that all practicing Mormons are like that group. It’s like saying all Christian pastors are just like those filthy Catholic priests and sooner or later will molest your innocent young boys. Pure speculation and hate-filled lies. Again I will maintain what I said, before…the Mormon religion is not a “sex-cult”. We are called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have a monogamous relationship with one spouse, my wife who was well over the age of 18 when we married. We abhore adultry, fornication, incest, pedophelia and all manner of lasciviousness. Even masturbation is considered abominable in the site of God, according to our beliefs. So please, tell me again how I belong to a sex-cult…It’s simply not true.
Comment by Steve — August 26, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
Those mormons were only following the teachings of their founding prophets, Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.
They were just being “good” mormons. Just like a muslim who blows himself up is following his Koran.
Comment by Luke — August 26, 2008 @ 7:58 pm
To Steve (commenter #9),
The so called “Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS)” is actually a Mormon Fundamentalist church which means that they practice what were originally taught by Smith and Young (including being polygamists). That is the reason why they turn themselves into a sex-cult.
The reason why you are not taught those same garbage is because many Mormon sects nowadays simply censored those controversial teachings off. To know what Smith and Young originally taught, I recommend you to continue reading other articles in the category that I link to you in the previous comment.
Let me tell you one more thing, even though many controversial practices are banned in Mormon sects nowadays, Mormonism itself is still a false religion which teaches another “Jesus”, another “gospel”. Mormonism and the Bible is so astoundingly contradicted that Smith and Young needed to invent the so called Book of Mormon (which plagiarizes many verses from the Bible) to justify and backup their false religions. There can be no Salvation without faith in the Lord Jesus Christ of the Bible. Faith in a false “Jesus” or a false “gospel” is NO faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at all.
Regards
Comment by Bearing The Cross — August 28, 2008 @ 12:57 am
You have a very narrow view of Christianity and the Scripture. If you believe so much in fundamental Christianity and simply take scripture at face value, then I beg you to follow this scripture: And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. Matt 5:30.
You are also misinterpreting a lot of what C.S. Lewis meant. The bottom line is his writings brought people to the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ in a very simple and clear way. If you hold on to your doctrine and your theology to tight you will no longer believe in God but in your own reason and logic. Christ is far bigger than that.
Comment by matt — September 9, 2008 @ 1:21 pm
Hi matt,
Matthew 5:30 has nothing to do with the case of C.S Lewis at all. In fact, Matthew 5:29,30 are Jesus’ teachings about the seriousness of Hellfire. That is, we should better go to Heaven blind and maimed rather than go to Hell with a whole body. That is how seriously Jesus preaches about Hellfire. By the way, Lewis himself does not believe in a literal Hell anyway.
You say: “You are also misinterpreting a lot of what C.S. Lewis meant. The bottom line is his writings brought people to the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ in a very simple and clear way.”
Are you serious when you make that statement? A man like Lewis, who denies almost everything the Bible teaches us, can “brought people to the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ”?
You say: “If you hold on to your doctrine and your theology to tight you will no longer believe in God but in your own reason and logic. Christ is far bigger than that.”
So what should I do then? Should I just jump on the heathen’s bandwagon and yoke with them? Should I just keep silent and watch false prophets do what they are doing? Should I just be “open minded” and accept everything the world throws at me? What about God then?
“I am THE WAY THE TRUTH and THE LIFE; NO MAN cometh unto the Father BUT BY ME.” -Jesus Christ (John 14:6)
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” -2nd Corinthians 6:14-17
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.” -2nd Timothy 3:1-8
“For the time will come when they will not endure SOUND DOCTRINE; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” -2nd Timothy 4:3
Regards
Comment by Bearing The Cross — September 9, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
Right, seriousness of Hellfire, so why do you not follow what he says. Does your eye not cause you to sin? What I mean by that is I think you in your fundamental view create your own hypocrisy. Like the Sadducees and Pharisees, I wonder if you hold on to your doctrine and your laws rather than God. No doubt that there must be a bases of doctrine, but can God also work outside of that? Did He not make the world and all it holds. That was less a critique dealing with the C.S. Lewis topic and more on your blog in general.
“A man like Lewis, who denies almost everything the Bible teaches us???” Are you kidding me? Have you read the first book of the series where Aslam sings creation into being (And God SAID, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” Genesis 1:3). Or when Aslam goes to be sacrificed in payment of Edward as Christ takes the place of us on the Cross and then rises from the dead? The whole series has great analogies of Christ, His sacrifice for our sins, and the principles of his Kingdom in a simple and clear story. In his theological writings he defends against naturalism and atheism using intellect and basic reason while all the while hold on to the faith in a time that needed it. I don’t believe everything C.S. Lewis says or holds true, but as he says, if it helps you, use it, if it does not through it out. C.S. Lewis was man like you and I, I believe he was right in some cases and wrong in other views, but in no way “no Christian” or a false prophet.
I agree with you 100% on this “I am THE WAY THE TRUTH and THE LIFE; NO MAN cometh unto the Father BUT BY ME.” -Jesus Christ (John 14:6) The other 3 scriptures I think your a little off. Are you “yoked” with C.S. Lewis or his beliefs? Are you in covenant with him? Any one that takes C.S. Lewis writing in place of the gospel I feel sorry for. And Timothy 3:1-8 I just think your way off in your use of this scripture. 2nd Timothy 4:3 was good but do you honestly believe that a person is reading C.S. Lewis to satisfy their own lust? If they are, then C.S. Lewis is not the problem, they are.
“As a consequence, Lewis is burning in Hell today and no doubt has led many people there too.” I honestly feel sad that you made this comment. Are you Christ the final Judge? Just imagine for one moment Lewis, a man that has spent a good part of his life defending the Faith and proclaiming Christ as the Son of God, standing before our Lord. Do you honestly thing, Christ with all his compassion and mercy wouldn’t forgive Lewis for his short coming? Or even reveal to him his true self and where he might have went wrong in his search. Have you died and stood before our Lord? Here is where I would say you are committing the same evil as satan in trying to play God. Salvation comes from a personal relationship with Christ, and who are you to judge Lewis relationship with our Lord.
Comment by matt — September 9, 2008 @ 3:25 pm
“Lewis also taught that water baptism and the sacraments were a means to obtaining salvation.” By The way so did the Catholic Church for about 2000 years. Are all the millions of people who were brought up and taught that going to hell?
Comment by matt — September 9, 2008 @ 3:34 pm
>>Christianity Today magazine admits that C.S. >>Lewis is popular to Evangelicals today >>because, like then, he despised Biblical >>separation. Like it or not, the Word of God >>teaches that Christians are to separate from >>the unsaved (2nd Corinthians 6:14-17; and >>from other professed “Christians” who live in >>unrepentant sin (1st Corinthians 5:11).
I fear you might be missing the true meaning of 2nd Corinthians 6:14-17.
The scripture does not say seperate yourselves from unsaved people it says do not be yoked to them. We should not enter into buisness partnerships, marriage etc. If we seperate ourselves from the unsaved, do we then only share the gospel with fellow believers? How then should any hear the Truth? Jesus said “Go therefore and make deciples of all nations, babtizing them in the name of the Father,and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.
(Matthew 28:19-20)
Maybe you did not mean don’t have anything to do with unbelievers but when you say we are to seperate ourselves, that is what you imply. New believers who hear you say we should be seperate do not necessarily have the wisdom to know what you may or may not mean.
As for C.S. Lewis being a christian or not, I have to agree with another poster who says we do not know his heart. I have been told many times that I cannot be a christian because I smoke. My reply is “Who are you to judge anothers servant” (Romans 14:4) and “You are inexcusable O man whoever you are who judge” (Romans 2:1-3)
It is God himself who will determine if we make it to heaven or not. Be careful with your words — they may come back to bite you
In His Name
and By His Love
Philip
Comment by Philip — September 10, 2008 @ 11:20 am
Hi matt,
You say: “Right, seriousness of Hellfire, so why do you not follow what he says. Does your eye not cause you to sin?”
Well, if I could go to Heaven by poking my eyes out, then I would gladly do so. The problem here is, can we go to Heaven by destroying our sinful bodies? NO! Absolutely NOT! If Salvation is by destroying our bodies then Salvation is by work not by grace. So what does Jesus mean in those verses? Jesus preaches about Hell in those verses in a figurative way so that His followers can understand how serious and dreaded is Hellfire.
You say: “Are you “yoked” with C.S. Lewis or his beliefs? Are you in covenant with him?”
You should also concern about people who listen Lewis’ “preaching” that there is no literal Hell or Heaven, that God uses theistic evolution to create this universe, and that the Bible itself contains myths.
You say: “2nd Timothy 4:3 was good but do you honestly believe that a person is reading C.S. Lewis to satisfy their own lust? If they are, then C.S. Lewis is not the problem, they are.”
Well, let suppose that I go out to the street and sell porno movies to people. Sure, people buy my porno movies to satisfy their own lusts, so that will be their own problems and not my problem, right???
You say: “I honestly feel sad that you made this comment. Are you Christ the final Judge?”
Well, I response to that question the same way I response to Mr. Jack (commenter #1), that is:
“It is totally true that only the Lord can see men’s hearts. There are many believers who are saved but they still live in sin and bear no fruit for God. However, in the case of C.S Lewis, the evidences are overwhelming. He professed to be a Christian yet he willingly denied all of fundamental teachings of the Bible from Salvation by grace through faith and how God created humans, to a literal Heaven and a literal Hell, even claimed that the Bible contains myths. I mean there is really no indication whatsoever to back up Lewis’ claim to be a Christian. That is why I believe Lewis might have some forms of churchianity but not the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Regards
Comment by Bearing The Cross — September 11, 2008 @ 2:44 am
Hi Philip, thank you for your suggestion.
You say: “The scripture does not say separate yourselves from unsaved people it says do not be yoked to them. We should not enter into business partnerships, marriage etc.”
Yes, that is what I mean when I say believers should separate from unbelievers. That separation does not mean that believers should live in some isolated parts of the world apart from the heathens and absolutely have no interaction with unbelievers. That separation, as the Bible says, means believers should not yoke (have relationship) with unbelievers. I think the case of Lewis is a strong demonstration for what I mean as separation. Lewis himself is praised by almost all kinds of people from believers to unbelievers. When you have a man claims to be a Christian who is praised by almost all other people, then you can know for sure there is some things very wrong with the “Christianity” of that man.
Regards
Comment by Bearing The Cross — September 11, 2008 @ 2:56 am
Hi matt, I am sorry that I did not see your other comment.
You ask: ““Lewis also taught that water baptism and the sacraments were a means to obtaining salvation.” By The way so did the Catholic Church for about 2000 years. Are all the millions of people who were brought up and taught that going to hell?”
That is unfortunately the case with Catholicism and is one of the biggest reasons that I warn others about the danger of Catholicism. The problem is people are taught to trust their own baptism instead of the literal physical blood of Jesus Christ on the cross for their Salvation. Don’t believe me? You can just ask Catholics why they think they can go to Heaven and listen to their answers. It does not matter what we’ve done because all the works that we’ve done are done by our corrupted bodies, and our corrupted bodies will pass away with this wicked world. What truly matters is who we trust, do we trust upon the Lord Jesus Christ alone for our Salvation, or do we trust upon our baptism, good works, churchianities, self-righteousness…etc.
By the way, I just realize a very interesting thing today, look at your comment:
“Have you died and stood before our Lord? Here is where I would say you are committing the same evil as satan in trying to play God. Salvation comes from a personal relationship with Christ, and who are you to judge Lewis relationship with our Lord.”
Yet, a bit before that, here is what you say:
“Lewis was man like you and I, I believe he was right in some cases and wrong in other views, but in no way “no Christian” or a false prophet.”
Well, so both I and you cannot see anyone’s heart. I simply warn others about Lewis based on his own words. You come and simply say: “Oh, I cannot see his heart too but I am absolutely sure that he is not a phony, yes absolutely sure.”
Please don’t misunderstand me. I don’t want to mock you or ridicule you. I just simply want to point out the inconsistency in your logic. That inconsistency usually come when people set aside facts in exchange of personal favor. I personally like many people. For example, Charles Spurgeon is one of my favorite preacher but when it comes to the examination of his doctrines, I don’t exclude the fact that he foolishly follows Calvinism (not five points though). People are sinners, we are all sinners and no one is better than anyone else in the eyes of God. So why should we elevate some persons above the point of examination? Sure, we should respect others (that is why I don’t call people to kill Mr.Lewis or attack his family) but we must examine others’ teachings carefully because such teachings can devastatingly influence countless of people.
Regards
Comment by Bearing The Cross — September 11, 2008 @ 3:21 am
>>It’s a shame there are Christians as judgmental as the display presented here, today. Jesus did tell us not to judge others, did He not?
and funny that itself was a judgement statement
I get a chuckle when so many so called christians show their total Bible Ignorance.. they quote isolated verses negecting the many other applicable verses.
God, Jesus, the Bible, the apostles said we we not to judge the non christians in regard to their psirtuality or to judge other christians in regard to their observeance of the old testament ritual laws now too but we are to judge all of the professing christians, to judge the type of fruit they bear now too, whther they are keeping the ten commandments, are true to the faith.. and even to rebuke them, openly if they do not.
actually read the Bible and see..
(Luke 17:3 KJV) Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
(Phil 2:15 KJV) That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
(1 Tim 5:20 KJV) Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
(2 Tim 4:2 KJV) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
(Titus 1:13 KJV) This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
(Titus 2:15 KJV) These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
(Rev 3:19 KJV) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
(Mat 5:25 KJV) Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
(Luke 12:57 KJV) Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
(Luke 19:22 KJV) And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
(John 5:30 KJV) I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
(John 7:24 KJV) Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
(John 8:15 KJV) Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
(John 8:16 KJV) And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
(John 12:47 KJV) And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
(John 12:48 KJV) He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
(Acts 10:42 KJV) And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
(1 Cor 5:12 KJV) For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
(1 Cor 6:2 KJV) Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
(1 Cor 6:3 KJV) Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
(1 Cor 6:4 KJV) If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
(1 Cor 6:5 KJV) I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
(1 Cor 10:15 KJV) I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
(1 Cor 11:31 KJV) For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
(1 Cor 14:29 KJV) Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
(Col 2:16 KJV) Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
(Rev 19:11 KJV) And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
Comment by thenonconformer — September 11, 2008 @ 4:04 am
“Lewis was man like you and I, I believe he was right in some cases and wrong in other views, but in no way “no Christian” or a false prophet.”
and if any of us was judged now on everything we had said, done, we would all go to hell,and for sure be declared non Christians..
the true Christian lives by faith in God.. Did CS Lewis have faith in God that God would save him in spite of CS lewis being imperfect, a sinner… the clear answer seems yes.
I fgind it so hypocrtical that most of us know that pastors tend to be imperfect, but yet we falsely declare too often that if a leader sins, does one thing wrong he is immiedialtey called a false prophet.. for there is no man that doeth good and sinneth not.. for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.. we have this treasure of God himself in us in the simple, sinful, earthen vessels still.
Comment by thenonconformer — September 11, 2008 @ 4:11 am
hi Bearing the Cross,
I understand what Catholics believe. But say a person is brought up there whole life to believe that baptism is the way to heaven and that is all they know, (no one ever told them that you could have a personal relationship with Christ and that is the way to salvation) and they die; would they go to hell? And please listen closely to my point, that is between GOD and THEM.
You said also said:
“Well, so both I and you cannot see anyone’s heart. I simply warn others about Lewis based on his own words. You come and simply say: “Oh, I cannot see his heart too but I am absolutely sure that he is not a phony, yes absolutely sure.”
I find this almost comical. “I simply warn others about Lewis based on his own words.” Did you forget you wrote this??? “As a consequence, Lewis is burning in Hell today and no doubt has led many people there too.” Thats not “simply” warning people about his words. Thats outright condemning him to hell.
And In no way did I say “I am absolutely sure he is not a phony” (dont use quotes like that, because I never said that). I said “Salvation comes from a personal relationship with Christ, and who are you to judge Lewis relationship with our Lord.” I have found in his writing truth about the gospel and the person of Christ, I have also found some places that I think he went wrong. THE POINT IS, I don’t know where Lewis is, hell or heaven, that is between him and the Lord. As thenonconformer said “does one thing wrong he is immiedialtey called a false prophet” or if I may add he is going to hell? Anyone that tells anyone else that they are going to hell is trying to play God.
Comment by matt — September 11, 2008 @ 10:49 am
Sorry I didnt see your first comment.
You seem to be hung up on C.S. Lewis not believing in a Literal Heaven or Hell. First off he does and you took his quote out of context.
“All the scriptural imagery (harps, crowns, gold, etc.) is, of course, a merely symbolical attempt to express the inexpressible. Musical instruments are mentioned because for many people (not all) music is the thing known in the present life which most strongly suggests ecstasy and infinity. Crowns are mentioned to suggest the fact that those who are united with God in eternity share His splendor and power and joy. Gold is mentioned to suggest the timelessness of heaven (gold does not rust) and the preciousness of it” (Mere Christianity, p.106).“
Let me use a simple example to try to explain. When John wrote revelations he was trying to explain heavenly things in physical, wordly terms so we would understand. He often uses the words “WAS LIKE A” i.e. “And the first beast [was] like a lion” Rev 4:7. This is the best way he could describe them. What Lewis is saying is that the items used to describe heaven were “merely symbolical attempt to express the inexpressible.” I am sure when you get to heaven no earthly words or representations will suffice to explain what you see or feel. I wonder now if you have ever read C.S Lewis?? or are you just blindly pulling quotes.
Comment by matt — September 11, 2008 @ 11:06 am
Also sorry about hell:
Lewis never believed in a literal Hell, but instead believed hell is a state of mind one chooses to possess and become — he wrote:
“…every shutting-up of the creature within the dungeon of its own mind is, in the end, Hell” (The Great Divorce, p. 65)”
You do realize your quoting from “the Great Divorce” right??? A FICTIONAL novel. It is an allegory (which means something that conveys a meaning, NOT LITERAL) about the Christian after life.
Comment by matt — September 11, 2008 @ 11:17 am
Hi matt,
You ask: “But say a person is brought up there whole life to believe that baptism is the way to heaven and that is all they know, (no one ever told them that you could have a personal relationship with Christ and that is the way to salvation) and they die; would they go to hell?”
The answer is, unfortunately, YES. And NO, I don’t try to play God with that answer. The reason I know the answer for that question is because the BIBLE says so.
Only by Jesus that we can be saved, not baptism, good works, self-righteousness, money, power, reputation…etc.
“I am the way the truth and the life; NO MAN cometh unto the Father BUT BY ME.” -John 14:6
Only by faith in Jesus Christ can we be justified in the eyes of God.
“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is CONDEMNED ALREADY, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” -John 3:18.
“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” -Romans 4:5
There is ABSOLUTELY NO other way to go to Heaven except that of Jesus Christ.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth NOT by THE DOOR into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the SAME is a THIEF and a ROBBER.” -John 10:1
Many people will seek to go to Heaven but only a few ones will find the true way (i.e. by faith in Jesus Christ).
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” —Matthew 7:13,14
Many people think that they deserve Heaven by spending their lives working in churches or missionaries. Unfortunately, they are deceiving themselves and are heading toward their own eternal destruction.
“In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that KNOW NOT God, and that OBEY NOT the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” —2nd Thessalonians 1:8
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” -Matthew 7:21-23
Everyone who has the desire to seek God and seek the truth will be conformed by God to the knowledge of the Gospel.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to ALL men.” -Titus 2:11
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are WITHOUT EXCUSE: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” -Romans 1:20,21
“For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.” -Romans 8:29, 30
So you can see clearly that the only way to Heaven is by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is simply no other way. That is why I firmly believe an atheist who rejects Jesus Christ will go straight to Hell in his sins. That is why I believe an atheist who dresses up his words as if he was a Christian will go straight to Hell in his sins. If you don’t even know for sure by “what” we are saved, then what do you really believe at all?
You say: “And In no way did I say “I am absolutely sure he is not a phony” (dont use quotes like that, because I never said that).”
Well, let me just re-quote what you say in the previous comment: “Lewis was man like you and I, I believe he was right in some cases and wrong in other views, but in NO WAY “no Christian” or a false prophet.” (I emphasis the phrase “no way” which you use in that quote).
You say: “What Lewis is saying is that the items used to describe heaven were “merely symbolical attempt to express the inexpressible.””
Okay, now I have some problems with that statement. How in the world that Lewis can know those revelations in the Bible as “merely symbolical”? Has he ever gone to Heaven? Has he ever had a peak look at it? Has he ever had any divine instruction from God before making such statements? Yes, John uses many analogies in the book of Revelation but that does not mean everything he says is symbolical. By the way, you accuse me of “trying to play God” when I talk about Salvation, but have you ever looked back at what Lewis did when he made statements about “symbolical” Heaven and Hell? Do you consider that as “trying to play God”? Somehow, in your mind, Lewis can say whatever he wants about Godly things (things that only God knows) without even smallest proofs in the Bible.
You say: “You do realize your quoting from “the Great Divorce” right??? A FICTIONAL novel. It is an allegory (which means something that conveys a meaning, NOT LITERAL) about the Christian after life.”
Okay, so Lewis can justify whatever he says by simply putting them in a “A FICTIONAL novel”, right??? So it is totally alright when one writes a fictional novel that blasphemes God and fundamental teachings of the Bible, right? So somehow, fictional novels gives everyone the right to say whatever they want to say about God including false doctrines, false teachings, perversion, twisting the Bible…etc, right??? Unfortunately, that is not the case with God, for all false prophets who deceive people with their false teachings (either officially or “fictionally”) will be surprised:
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” -2nd Corinthians 11:13-14
“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” -Revelation 19:20
Regards
Comment by Bearing The Cross — September 11, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
Sorry I just can discuss this with you anymore. I have no problem with you criticizing anyones writings just don’t say they are in hell because you dont know.
“Yes, John uses many analogies in the book of Revelation but that does not mean everything he says is symbolical.” How do you know? Were you there with John??? Count how many times he says “was like a”.
One more thing. Can you truthfully just answer me this question? Have you ever read a C.S. Lewis Book?
Comment by matt — September 11, 2008 @ 4:06 pm
By the way Phil 2:12 says “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; ”
Is Paul a false prophet or going to hell?
Comment by matt — September 11, 2008 @ 11:53 pm
Hi matt,
Salvation is By Faith Alone in Jesus; and Not of Works. If mankind has nothing to do with saving himself, then why would God require men to do something to maintain it? Salvation is of God; not men. Paul said to “work out your own salvation” in Philippians 2:12; he doesn’t say to work out GOD’S SALVATION. God saves a person, pulling them out of the fires of Hell; but now that person needs to be recycled. It is up to us whether we yield to the Holy Spirit or not in our daily lives, to search and obey the Scriptures. However, salvation and discipleship are two separate things entirely. Whether or not a believer lives a holy life has nothing to do with the “free gift” (Romans 5:15) of salvation. Revelation 22:17 states: “…And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
We are clearly taught from God’s Word that works are NOT essential to our salvation. Titus 3:5 states: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…” “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9). We are all Hell-deserving sinners! We do NOT have anything to do with our salvation except to receive God’s free gift by FAITH. Salvation is receiving; NOT giving. Paul, in Romans 4:5, writes: “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” This is how Abraham was saved in the Old Testament (genesis 15:6). Acts 10:43 teaches that Old Testament sinners were saved exactly as they are today “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”
So you can rest assure that Paul is a true prophet from God and he is in Heaven at this moment.
Regards
Comment by Bearing The Cross — September 12, 2008 @ 1:54 am
David,
Can you please answer my question. Have you ever read a C.S. Lewis Book(please answer truthfully)?
Ok I understand Gods Salvation, but what about my own salvation? Is that scriptural, two salvations; is that what Paul is preaching? Why did he not say work out your discipleship? And I like how you can give Pauls words a different meaning from what he said. Without your commentary, I the average bible reader, might think that I have to work out my own salvation. I like also how you took other scriptures and sayings from Paul to prove how he knows what he is talking about but you condemn C.S. Lewis on a little quote you pulled from an internet search (or did you actually read a book of his?)
By the way, I know Paul is in heaven, but if Paul was not in the Bible I think you might condemn him a false prophet. Oh also you used -Revelation 19:20 out of context in your second to last post or did you mean C.S. Lewis is “THE” false prophet that is coming with the beast?
Thanks.
Comment by matt — September 12, 2008 @ 9:02 am
Hi matt,
You ask: “Have you ever read a C.S. Lewis Book(please answer truthfully)?”
The first time I know about Lewis is when one of my close friends recommend me to read the Chronicles of Narnia, saying that it is “an excellent tool of evangelism for children”. Well, I’d never seen my friend used such big words for a book so I take his suggestion. After going through the book, the first feeling I have is that there is something very wrong with its author. I don’t find anything about God in that book at all. There are some events and stories that slightly mimic the ones in the Bible but there is absolutely no direct description of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and quotation from the Bible. There are, however, many weird scenes in that book. I cannot recall all of them but I still remember a scene in which Aslan and his friends dance around, all is going wild, all shout strange voices (sounds like a witchcraft meeting for me). Another weird scene I remember is when Aslan and his friends go down a hill into town where they found a girls’ school. The girls were dressed in “ugly” tight collars, thick stockings and tight hair-dos. The teacher and class all fled in terror except one girl. Aslan called her “sweetheart” and asked her to join his wild crowd, which she did. She was instantly dancing with them who happened to help her “take off” some of her “unnecessary” and “uncomfortable” clothes.
So I tell my friend those things and he jokes them off, saying that Lewis just tries to attract kids to read his book, that he is not serious in describing those things, that those things are small and unimportant details…etc. So my friend then tells me that if I want to know about Lewis’ theological teachings which he calls “serious stuffs” I should read Mere Christianity. So I spend some more time to go through Mere Christianity and after finishing that book, I decide to do research about Lewis which turns out that Lewis, exactly like his books, is an imposter (someone who pretends to be Christian but is not) and a false prophet (someone who teaches false doctrines).
You say: “Without your commentary, I the average bible reader, might think that I have to work out my own salvation.”
That happens because the way you read the Bible. You cannot just read one or two verses in the Bible and base your understanding solely on them. The Bible, as a whole, completely reveals to us the truth from God. The Bible has 66 books and more than 30,000 verses. That is why you need to read the whole Bible and base your understanding upon it. Many people only read some verses they “like” and ignore those that they don’t “like”. The inevitable consequence is that they deceive themselves and corrupt their own understanding.
You say: “I like also how you took other scriptures and sayings from Paul to prove how he knows what he is talking about but you condemn C.S. Lewis on a little quote you pulled from an internet search (or did you actually read a book of his?)”
Paul’s saying in Philippians 2:12 is very clear, there is nothing shady about it. I use other verses not to clarify what Paul says in Philippians 2:12 but to help you understand more about God’s plan of Salvation. That is a huge difference with the case of Lewis. In all of Lewis books, the mention of God, Jesus Christ, Salvation, the Bible…etc is very shady, indirect, and in many cases, outright unbiblical. And no, I don’t pull little quotes from the internet like the way you pull quotes from the Bible, I do research for almost two months before coming to the conclusion that Lewis is no more than an imposter who exploits Christianity to sell his books and a false prophet who teaches damnable doctrines.
If you want an example, here is a deep analysis of Lewis’ writings and teachings:
http://www.balaams-ass.com/journal/homemake/cslewis.htm
You say: “By the way, I know Paul is in heaven, but if Paul was not in the Bible I think you might condemn him a false prophet.”
I might condemn Paul if he was not in the Bible?????? I don’t even know what is your point here?
You say: “Oh also you used -Revelation 19:20 out of context in your second to last post or did you mean C.S. Lewis is “THE” false prophet that is coming with the beast?”
No, I quote Revelation 19:20 to show you that false prophets will not get away from God easily. One cannot pervert teachings of the Bible and then expect to get away with that by simply putting his perversion in a “fictional” novel. No, that absolutely will not happen with God.
Regards
Comment by Bearing The Cross — September 12, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
You said:
“There are some events and stories that slightly mimic the ones in the Bible but there is absolutely no direct description of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and quotation from the Bible. ” I have come to the conclusion that you have absolutely no idea what an allegory is. By the way I don’t call Aslan giving up his life for Edward in payment of his sins and dying and rising again a slight mimic. Actually its so blatant that even a child could get it. Its so blatant that Lewis gets criticized for it. Thats the point and thats just one of the examples.
YOu said: “There are, however, many weird scenes in that book. I cannot recall all of them but I still remember a scene in which Aslan and his friends dance around, all is going wild, all shout strange voices (sounds like a witchcraft meeting for me). Another weird scene I remember is when Aslan and his friends go down a hill into town where they found a girls’ school. The girls were dressed in “ugly” tight collars, thick stockings and tight hair-dos. The teacher and class all fled in terror except one girl. Aslan called her “sweetheart” and asked her to join his wild crowd, which she did. She was instantly dancing with them who happened to help her “take off” some of her “unnecessary” and “uncomfortable” clothes.”
You copied this directly from that guys (balaams-ass) website. Did you really read the books? And from the little paragraph I read your friend at “balaams-ass” misquotes the bible. “Exodus 32:25 Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained” I dont know what verision of the bible he is reading but that does not mean naked.
Dancing around and shouting strange noises is witchcraft? I have come to the conclusion that rather than trying to understand something you call it witchcraft. Kinda reminds me of the Catholic church. See you have something in common.
You say: Aslan called her “sweetheart”. Oh no! he called her by an endearing name. Your the one thats thinking it must be perverted. Remember, C.S. Lewis wrote this in England in the 1940s please tell me what his and the cultures understanding of sweetheart was in reference to his time.
You said: “She was instantly dancing with them who happened to help her “take off” some of her “unnecessary” and “uncomfortable” clothes.” Unnecessary clothes? Uncomfortable clothes. When she was dressed in ugly tight collars and thick stockings? Ask any girl if they like to wear that around. This raises a red flag for you? Are you serious? She took off unnecessary clothes, does that mean she is naked? Oh maybe, just maybe, this is symbolism, oh wouldn’t that be a novel idea in a fictional story. By the way, David danced naked before the Lord in the Old Testament, did you forget that?
You say:
“That happens because the way you read the Bible. You cannot just read one or two verses in the Bible and base your understanding solely on them” Just so you know, when I said the “I the average bible reader” I wasn’t directly speaking of my self. I have studied the bible extensively, I have also undergone seminary training as well as spending a good potion of my time in discussion groups and reading the word. I was simply stating a case of the average reader. Again you miss the point.
You say: Paul’s saying in Philippians 2:12 is very clear, there is nothing shady about it.
From the way you explained it, it doesnt seem clear at all. Apparently to I have to replace salvation with disciplship, and then look at what he didnt say and understand the theory of double salvation. However, that is not my point. My point is you isolate quotes and call someone a False prophet.
You say: “In all of Lewis books, the mention of God, Jesus Christ, Salvation, the Bible…etc is very shady, indirect, and in many cases, outright unbiblical.”
Can you please rephrase that to say “In the two books that I read, one being a fictional allegory ” Did you read the whole series of Narina books or just happen to start on book 4 of the series. Dont say all. You havent read all of his books and I am not sure you even understood the ones you read.
You say: “If you want an example, here is a deep analysis of Lewis’ writings and teachings” I dont take for fact what every wackos website analysis says. I can read a book and come to my own conclusions.
Comment by matt — September 12, 2008 @ 7:02 pm
A very In depth expose. Admirable. You fail to mention though that C.S Lewis once “backslid”,that is if you believe in the “backsliding”. But if you don’t believe in that concept, we can safely say that he was not Christian at that time. This was during the time he wrote “The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe” to the “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair”. It was only during the time of writing “The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Last Battle” that he publicly admitted to the commission of the aforesaid errors and reaffirmed his faith.
Comment by whiteCrosses — September 14, 2008 @ 8:20 am
hi whiteCrosses:
I do believe in “backsliding”, I know of many Christians that have. However, I think people can “backslide” in many ways and it can be a very general term.
Never-the-less, If he did backslide while writing that, first off all I don’t think that makes him a non-Christian. He might not act like a christian, he might give in to his vices and sins, but unless he outright denys that Christ is the Son of God I believe at heart that makes him a Christian (reference my last post with Aslam dying and rising from the dead). I believe that if you were to strip all the doctrines off from all christians of every denomination that is the one basic belief that they all must confess to be “Christians.” With that said, in his first book it is undeniable that he believes the basic Christian principle that Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead. Or else why would he confess it?
Now, if you were to say that during the 3 books, Prince Caspian, Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and the Silver Chair (remember the books were not writing in order of the series) he “backslid” I might give that a little more credence.
However, can you do me the favor and Lewis the justice of siting your reference to him publicly admitting that? Thanks
Comment by matt — September 14, 2008 @ 10:07 am
Hi matt, sorry for my late response as I get caught in the Ike hurricane recently.
You say: “By the way I don’t call Aslan giving up his life for Edward in payment of his sins and dying and rising again a slight mimic. Actually its so blatant that even a child could get it. Its so blatant that Lewis gets criticized for it. Thats the point and thats just one of the examples.”
I don’t understand that point at all. Aslan is NOT God and he is in no way a direct representation of God. You even claim that “even a child could get it”. Are you serious? How can a child who has never heard of the Gospel or the Bible or God in general can get what you seem to get from that “fictional” story?
You say: “Dancing around and shouting strange noises is witchcraft? I have come to the conclusion that rather than trying to understand something you call it witchcraft. Kinda reminds me of the Catholic church. See you have something in common.”
Statements like this show exactly the way you try to drive this discussion off. I never say that all dancing or shouting is witchcraft even though I am not a fan of dancing and shouting at all. However, you need to look at the specific situation described in Lewis’ book, that is, when you get a bunch of wild boys dancing around together and making weird sounds. Notice that I said I personally feel that as witchcraft. I don’t say that Lewis is picturing a witchcraft practice in that scene.
You say: “You say: Aslan called her “sweetheart”. Oh no! he called her by an endearing name. Your the one thats thinking it must be perverted.”
Now, I don’t even say anything about that but you think I say: “it must be perverted”. Why do you put words into my mouth?
You say: “Unnecessary clothes? Uncomfortable clothes. When she was dressed in ugly tight collars and thick stockings? Ask any girl if they like to wear that around. This raises a red flag for you? Are you serious? She took off unnecessary clothes, does that mean she is naked? Oh maybe, just maybe, this is symbolism, oh wouldn’t that be a novel idea in a fictional story.”
Okay, now women taking off some clothes is “a novel idea in a fictional story”????? Look, that is why I sincerely recommend you to do a completely unbiased research on Lewis and his teachings. As I told you before, I did an extensive research before I came to the conclusion that Lewis is just a phony. I did look at all the praises which he received and all criticism about him. As you can understand, there are many extremities in both sides. For example, some praises his books for their “evangelical” values even though Lewis himself never mentions the Salvation plan of God in his books while others criticizes him for his lifestyle. I try to get away from such extremities and that is why I only discuss about his teachings and use quotes that express his belief in this article. I don’t know why you try to defend Lewis that hard but you need to remember that God is no respecter of person. We, as Christians, need to follow the footstep of God to fully examine teachings of others without any regards to their fame or reputation…etc. Why should we do that? Because it is the teaching that influences other people (especially ignorant and indifferent people or in Lewis’ case, innocent children are included).
I must stop here as I don’t have much time right now (I need to clean up the mess after Ike). I hope that you will take my advise.
Regards
Comment by Bearing The Cross — September 18, 2008 @ 12:16 am
hi David,
I hope that you and your family are safe in hurricane Ike and that Gods peace is with you.
First off I would like to say again you don’t understand the concept of an allegory.
You say: “How can a child who has never heard of the Gospel or the Bible or God in general can get what you seem to get from that “fictional” story?”
I totally agree, nothing can take place of the word of God that must be first, I never said it didn’t. However, can a child pick up the principles and therefore further relate to the word of God and the idea of Salvation and the price Christ had to pay? Or can it reinforce something a child was taught? By the way I think it you got away from the point that it does micmic what Christ did to grant us salvation. Again it is an allegory, please research that term.
You said: “I never say that all dancing or shouting is witchcraft even though I am not a fan of dancing and shouting at all. However, you need to look at the specific situation described in Lewis’ book, that is, when you get a bunch of wild boys dancing around together and making weird sounds. Notice that I said I personally feel that as witchcraft. I don’t say that Lewis is picturing a witchcraft practice in that scene.”
But two post again you said: “I cannot recall all of them but I still remember a scene in which Aslan and his friends dance around, all is going wild, all shout strange voices (sounds like a witchcraft meeting for me).”
Ok so you don’t think dancing or shouting is witchcraft but you think he is depicting witchcraft. Do you have anything else beside dancing and shouting (which I remind you, you dont believe is witchcraft) that conveys to you it is witchcraft? or again did you just copy that from that other persons website??
You said (about Aslan calling the girl sweetheart) : “Now, I don’t even say anything about that but you think I say: “it must be perverted”. Why do you put words into my mouth?”
Then what may I ask do you think was strange about it??
You said: “Okay, now women taking off some clothes is “a novel idea in a fictional story”?????” Now who is distorting whose words…let me remind you WHAT I SAID: “Oh maybe, just maybe, this is SYMBOLISM, oh wouldn’t that be a novel idea in a fictional story.” Do not distort my words.
In conclusion, I have studied Lewis life, books (mere christianity, a problem of pain, surprised by joy, chronicles of Narina, God in the Dock, Letters to Malcom: chiefly on Prayer, and Screwtape letters) and even other books that are written about him. I know he is not right all of the time and I know he made mistakes in his life and in his writings. Nothing takes the place of the Gospel and reading that first. You would think anyone that would want to become a Christian would read the book it is based on, and the words of Christ. Any person that does not read the gospel and just takes any writers thoughts as gospel will be lead astray (even you said you like Charles Spurgeon but dont agree with everything he says).
Here is my final point. You supposedly did some “research”, you said you read two of his books (which I am pretty sure you didn’t) and in your blog damn him to hell. Remember you said: “As a consequence, Lewis is burning in Hell today and no doubt has led many people there too.” I defend him so hard because I think any man deserves more respect and justice then being damned to hell by ignorant people that don’t even bother to read his works and understand what he is saying.
As for your advice I suggest you follow it first before you tell others to. Thanks and God Bless.
Comment by matt — September 18, 2008 @ 9:01 am
Sorry, but if you have any time please read my comment on the “Heresy of Last rites” I will be interested to hear what you have to say about that.
Comment by matt — September 18, 2008 @ 9:06 am
I’m certain the person who made this post is very young, or at least young in the Lord. I know this because I used to be like him, seeing heretics around every corner. Actually the bible says “A righteous man judges all things”, but the mis-quoting of CS Lewis here is appalling. As is the lack of theological knowledge. CS Lewis was simple too brilliant, in his simplicity for some to understand. He did believe in a literal hell, a literal heaven. He was not a Catholic, He taught that alcohol was sin. He didn’t believe we are “Animals”, it’s a word usage such as how Jonathan Edwards calls us “Creatures”, which we are. He taught that we are a soul, we have a body, so you can call that animal if you like, what do you think we are? We are of the dust. You know when a man exposes himself to writings over such a long period of time, I’m surprised you only found such a short list to slander, yours and mine would probably be much longer. There’s many more things I can say but it would be wasting time. PS: I am a fundamentalist Christian and theologian.
Comment by Mike Jones — September 23, 2008 @ 4:02 am
Hi Mike Jones,
You say: “…the mis-quoting of CS Lewis here is appalling”
Well, I always welcome opinions and suggestions but you must be specific. If you think that I misquote Lewis then please help me to see which specific quotes I misuse in this article.
You say: “CS Lewis was simple too brilliant, in his simplicity for some to understand. He did believe in a literal hell, a literal heaven. He was not a Catholic, He taught that alcohol was sin. He didn’t believe we are “Animals”, it’s a word usage such as how Jonathan Edwards calls us “Creatures”, which we are.”
Okay, the problem is his own words do not support what you state here and no, it is not an issue of words usage. Like you say, Lewis is very simple and straightforward, in fact, so simple that no confusion or misunderstanding can come out of his words when he denies a literal Heaven and Hell, denies the creation of God in Genesis, claims that the Bible contains myths…etc.
You say: “He taught that we are a soul, we have a body, so you can call that animal if you like, what do you think we are? We are of the dust.”
It is right that we, humans, are of dust. But humans do not only have body and soul like animals. Humans also have spirit. All humans are born with a dead spirit, not dead in the sense of nonexistence but dead in the sense of separation from God due to sins. That is the reason why all humans need to be born again, to reconcile that dead spirit with the Holy Spirit of God so that the eternal life of believers can be justified.
You say: “You know when a man exposes himself to writings over such a long period of time, I’m surprised you only found such a short list to slander, yours and mine would probably be much longer.”
First, I do not slander Lewis. This is a legal definition of slander: “Slander is an untruthful oral (spoken) statement about a person that harms the person’s reputation or standing in the community.” Do you see that “untruthful” part? I don’t make up things that Lewis does not do or put words into his mouth, I don’t even discuss much about his personal life except the fact that he is a Catholic at the end of his life. The point of this article is to focus on unbiblical teachings of Lewis and the purpose of this article is to warn other people so that they won’t fall into those false teachings. By the way, I don’t post this article here to show that I am better than Lewis in any way (seems like what you think I try to do). We are all sinners and we all come short of the glory of God.
Regards
Comment by Bearing The Cross — September 23, 2008 @ 12:40 pm
Mike Jones,
I won’t bother discussing anything about Lewis with David (Bearing the Cross). He hasn’t read any C.S. Lewis and has no idea of the content he uses his quotes and is ignorant of Lewis’ overall theology.
I agree with you it is appalling, so if you would like to go ahead. I just thought I would forewarn you.
Comment by matt — September 24, 2008 @ 10:01 am