Rob Bell: A Response

My comments will be brief but pointed.

I have read Velvet Elvis, Sex God, Jesus Wants to Save Christians, and Love Wins. I have also listened to Rob Bell speak in person and on the radio. After reading and listening to Bell, I have come to some conclusions (they will be listed in no particular order).

One, Bell is a Functional Universalist. All men will be saved. It will come through a melted heart, but it is still ALL men. No matter how much one hates God and refuses His ways, some day (in this life or the next) they will be persuaded to love Him and receive His grace.

Two, Bell’s god is a small god. Bell’s god is man centered and bound by radical free will. He is incompatible with the God of scripture who is holy, for this God is able to exhibit love and justice in ways that shatter the conception of Bell’s god.

Three, Bell’s works seemingly validate proof-texting. Bell repeatedly cites scripture to support his views, but when examined in context he either misses the whole point of the passage, or curiously leaves out verses that challenge his view.

Four, Bell’s inclusivity essentially nullifies the call to evangelism. Bell leaves room in his theology for salvation to be found in other faiths. He also espouses a faith so based on subjective experience separated from objective knowledge that a plurality of truth is inevitable.

Five, Bell’s view on Hell is about as unorthodox as it gets. It also finds its basis in presuppositions that guides his exegesis into the waters of eisegesis.

Six, Bell’s insistence that he is just a pastor and that Love Wins is not a theological work is simply dishonest.

Seven, Bell’s lack of compassion for his opponents is saddening. If his opponents are so wrong he should be broken by their lack of understanding and dogmatic defense of things they cannot know or are unbiblical.

Rob Bell is a ravenous wolf in sheep’s clothing; a false prophet tickling the ears of those who want nothing to do with the God of the Bible. He captivates thousands with eloquent speech and aura reminiscent of the deceiving serpent from the Garden. Rob Bell is on a path leading to destruction, and he has a whole hoard of loyal followers duped into following.

In the spirit of 2 Timothy 4, Rob needs our prayer and our rebuke. With his insight on and connection to contemporary culture, Bell could be a great tool for the advancement of the kingdom. Our hope and desire should be that he worships the God of the Bible in spirit and truth. We should pray that when we behold the glory of the Lord in the life to come that Rob Bell will be standing hand in hand God’s elect.

Rob Bell, I pray that you run to the Father’s arms and that we can be united in the Brotherhood of faith. I do not wish harm to come your way and I do not wish to see you spend an eternity in Hell. I pray for the Lord to guide you in His ways and that He would be gracious to you. You are loved Mr. Bell. Repent and embrace the true love, the true joy, the true shalom of God. Come home Rob; come home.