(from Dr. Terry Watkins article)
On Larry King Live, the following very disturbing
conversation occurred with Larry King and Joel Osteen:
KING: What if you're Jewish or Muslim, you don't accept
Christ at all?
OSTEEN: You know, I'm very careful about saying who
would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know ...
At this point, even Larry King appears surprised by
Osteen?s answer. Then Larry tosses Osteen a "soft-ball" to
explain his previous answer. And again Osteen openly denies
that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way of salvation.
KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ?
They're wrong, aren't they?
OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're
wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and
from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I
just think that only God will judge a person's heart.
I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't
know all about their religion. But I know they love God.
And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't
know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I
want to have a relationship with Jesus.
Again Osteen denies the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus
Christ. Notice, he praises the pagan, false-religion of
India as "I know they love God." Unbelievable. . .
Osteen did get another chance. . .
After Larry King opened the phone lines, a concerned
Christian asks Joel to clarify his previous statement (which
we just viewed). Again Osteen could easily clear this up.
CALLER: Hello, Larry. You're the best, and thank you,
Joe -- Joel -- for your positive messages and your book.
I'm wondering, though, why you side-stepped Larry's
earlier question about how we get to heaven? The Bible
clearly tells us that Jesus is the way, the truth and the
light and the only way to the father is through him.
That's not really a message of condemnation but of truth.
OSTEEN: Yes, I would agree with her. I believe that. .
.
KING: So then a Jew is not going to heaven?
OSTEEN: No. Here's my thing, Larry, is I can't judge
somebody's heart. You know? Only God can look at
somebody's heart, and so -- I don't know. To me,
it's not my business to say, you know, this one is or this
one isn't. I just say, here's what the Bible teaches and
I'm going to put my faith in Christ. And I just I think
it's wrong when you go around saying, you're saying you're
not going, you're not going, you're not going, because
it's not exactly my way. I'm just...
KING: But you believe your way.
OSTEEN: I believe my way. I believe my way with all my
heart.
KING: But for someone who doesn't share it is wrong,
isn't he?
OSTEEN: Well, yes. Well, I don't know if I look at
it like that. I would present my way, but I'm just
going to let God be the judge of that. I don't know. I
don't know.
KING: So you make no judgment on anyone?
OSTEEN: No. But I...
And here Larry really tosses Joel a soft-ball. How about
a God-defying atheist? And again, Osteen will not confess
that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way of salvation.
KING: What about atheists?
OSTEEN: You know what, I'm going to let someone -- I'm
going to let God be the judge of who goes to heaven and
hell. I just -- again, I present the truth, and I
say it every week. You know, I believe it's a relationship
with Jesus. But you know what? I'm not going to go
around telling everybody else if they don't want to
believe that that's going to be their choice. God's
got to look at your own heart. God's got to look at your
heart, and only God knows that.
Later on, this two face liar try to excuse to
cover up his lie as follows:
Dear Friend,
Many of you have called, written or
e-mailed regarding my recent appearance on Larry King Live.
I appreciate your comments and value your words of
correction and encouragement.
It was never my desire or intention
to leave any doubt as to what I believe and Whom I serve. I
believe with all my heart that it is only through Christ
that we have hope in eternal life. I regret and sincerely
apologize that I was unclear on the very thing in which I
have dedicated my life.
Jesus declared in John 14; I am
the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the
Father but by me. I believe that Jesus Christ alone is
the only way to salvation.
However, it wasn't until I had the opportunity to review the
transcript of the interview that I realize I had not clearly
stated that having a personal relationship with Jesus is the
only way to heaven. It's about the individual's
choice to follow Him.
God has given me a platform to
present the Gospel to a very diverse audience. In my desire
not to alienate the people that Jesus came to save, I did
not clearly communicate the convictions that I hold so
precious.
I will use this as a learning
experience and believe that God will ultimately use it for
my good and His glory. I am comforted by the fact that He
sees my heart and knows my intentions. I am so thankful
that I have friends, like you, who are willing to share
their concerns with me.
Thank you again to those who have
written. I hope that you accept my deepest apology and see
it in your heart to extend to me grace and forgiveness.
As always, I covet your prayers and
I am believing for God's best in your life,
(http://www.joelosteen.com/site/PageServer?pagename=LarryKingLetter)
. . .
Beware of false prophets, which
come to you in sheep's clothing,
but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:15
