sgys banner books

Martin Bobgan, PhD.

Among the stellar emotional needs of humanistic psychology are unconditional acceptance, unconditional self-regard, unconditional self-acceptance, and unconditional love. The meaning of the word unconditional is “without conditions or reservations; absolute.”1 The practical extension of the theories of unconditional love is a permissive attitude and a morally nonrestrictive atmosphere. That means no conditions or restrictions in child rearing, counseling, and other human relationships. Since the parent or counselor is to be giving unconditional love, it must be an absolute love, unrestricted by human feelings or failings, since the very meaning of the word is “absolute.” But, if there is any absolute when it comes to love, it is that human love is limited. It is not what it was originally created to be, even in the best of people and circumstances, except when Jesus Himself is loving in and through a person.

Adler and Maslow considered these “unconditionals” to be basic human needs, essential to a person’s sense of wellbeing. They taught that people need to be loved and accepted unconditionally—without any conditions of performance. Thus their followers teach that parents must love and accept their children unconditionally. Moreover, they encourage all people to love and accept themselves unconditionally.

Adler, Maslow, Rogers and others believed that a human being will find answers to his own dilemmas and naturally blossom into his best self in an atmosphere of unconditional love and acceptance, by which they meant a permissive, unstructured atmosphere. Nevertheless, as much as they would like to think that they themselves loved their clients unconditionally, the truth of the matter is this: people are not able to love unconditionally.

The Myth of Unconditional Love

Unconditional love is a myth. That is because the human is naturally self-biased and the human heart is so deceitful that one can fool himself into thinking that he is loving unconditionally, when in fact he has all kinds of conditions. For instance, what kind of unconditional love and unconditional positive regard is at work when the client can no longer pay for services and therapy is discontinued? Furthermore, even the most nondirective counselors express approval or disapproval in subtle, if not direct, ways.2

The idea of people improving their life in an atmosphere of unconditional love is founded on the premise that people are born good and that their natural inclination to goodness is thwarted by their environment (mainly parents). In such a system, self is the victim of society but finds salvation, freedom, and fulfillment through unconditional self-love and self-acceptance. Unconditional love cannot be based upon performance or it wouldn’t be unconditional. Therefore, it must be based on the intrinsic worth of the person. Paul Brownback, in his book The Danger of Self-Love, explains it this way:

    . . . by unconditional love we are speaking of love on the basis of being rather than doing. One implication of this teaching is the place of grandeur that it gives to the human being. I am lovable just because I am human; therefore being human, in and of itself, regardless of what I do with my humanness, must have some sort of independent value or worth. It is by itself a sufficient claim to respect and esteem.3

Thus, according to these self theories, everyone is born with the right to receive unconditional love and unconditional acceptance throughout his entire life, no matter what!

Pastors assigned to shepherd God’s flocks, should have been alert to the subtleties of deception that would turn a believer’s eyes from God to self. But alas, rather than warning the sheep, many of the shepherds have joined the psychologists and embrace their teachings of unconditional love and unconditional acceptance.

A Misunderstanding of God’s Love

The basis for their eager embrace is a misunderstanding of the love of God which passes knowledge. They equate unconditional love and acceptance with the fact that God’s love is vast, unfathomable, and unmerited. Then they follow that with the idea that if God loves and accepts people unconditionally, they should also love and accept themselves unconditionally. While this may sound like a logical progression, there are some serious problems with the basic assumptions. Therefore, we must address the question: Is God’s love unconditional? Are there any conditions that must be met to become a recipient of His love?

Paul prayed that the believers in Ephesus would be able to comprehend the breadth, length, depth and height of God’s love. He desired that they know the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge, so that they would be filled with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:16-19). The wide expanse of God’s love has been the theme of the gospel throughout the ages, for to know His love is to know Him. Therefore, any consideration of His love is highly important and must be based upon His revelation of Himself rather than upon the imagination of men.

Love According to Secular Humanism

Ever since the rise of secular humanism in this country and especially since the establishment of humanistic psychology, the popular, “relevant” term to describe God’s love has been unconditional. The thrust of this word in humanistic psychology has been both to give and to expect unconditional love from one another with no strings attached. While unconditional love and acceptance supposedly promote change and growth, they make no requirements. But God, who is love, requires and produces radical change—new life—and He enables His children to grow in righteousness.

In humanistic psychology, parents and society are always the culprits. Since they believe that every person is born with intrinsic worth and innate goodness, psychologists contend that one main reason people experience emotional and behavioral problems is because they have not received unconditional love from their parents. Following that thesis, Christians have come to believe that the best kind of love is unconditional love. It is the highest love secular humanists know. It is touted as a love that makes no demands for performance, good behavior, or the like. It has also been associated with a kind of permissiveness, since it makes no demands and has no conditions, even though the promoters of the unconditional love jargon would say that unconditional love does not have to dispense with discipline.

God’s Love Revealed through Scripture

Because the concept of unconditional love permeates society and because it is often thought of as the highest form of human love, it is natural for a Christian to use this term to describe God. After all, His love is far greater than any human love imaginable. God’s love for humanity is so great that “He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Oh, the magnitude of the cost! We cannot even fathom His love even though our very breath depends upon it! His love indeed reaches to the heights and depths. Nevertheless, is God’s love truly unconditional?

God’s love is available to human beings by grace alone. There is nothing anyone can do to earn that love. There is no good work that is either demanded or even possible. Does that make God’s love unconditional? Because unconditional love is absolute and without any conditions whatsoever, all men would be saved if God’s love were unconditional. But that would be universalism. That would nullify the need for Christ’s sacrificial death and God’s condition of salvation by grace through faith.

We must also ask, does God’s love apply to the person who has sinned against the Holy Spirit by refusing to receive His grace throughout his lifetime and who is destined for hell? God chooses upon whom He will place His love and the benefits of his love. Did Jesus ever imply that God’s love is unconditional? He said to His disciples:

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him (John 14:21).

One might argue, however, that the story of the prodigal son proves unconditional love. It indeed illustrates the vastness of God’s love, forgiveness and longsuffering. However, the son repented. If he had had a prosperous evil life he may never have repented. And while the father would have waited and hoped, he would not have extended his love. After all, he did not go out searching for him to support his folly. Up to a point this seems to indicate unconditional love, and yet, God is not waiting in ignorance, not knowing what those for whom His son died might be doing. He knows, and there comes a time when those who have refused his offer of love and forgiveness die and face the judgment. It is difficult enough to understand God’s love without adding the term unconditional which is loaded with secular, humanistic, psychological connotations. The story of the prodigal son teaches grace, forgiveness and mercy—but unconditional love? No!

While God loves with a greater love than humans can comprehend, His holiness and justice also must be taken into consideration. Therefore the term unconditional love is inadequate for defining God. It does not account for God’s reaction to pompous men who devise plans against Him and His anointed. The psalmist goes so far as to say:

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak to them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure (Psalm 2:4-5).

And what about Lot’s wife as she turned to look at the smoldering cities? Or what about Jesus’ words to the cities that refused to repent?

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell . . . . it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee (Matthew 11:21-24).

Does that sound like unconditional love?

But perhaps one could say that God’s love for the Christian is unconditional since the Christian partakes of His love and grace through faith. Wouldn’t it be better to say that the conditions have been met? Jesus met the first condition, to wash away the sin that God hates. The believer meets the second condition by grace through faith. Or, perhaps it would be better to say that God’s love extended to a person is conditioned by His plan to give eternal life to those who believe on His Son. The conditions of God’s love are resident within Himself.

There is a strong temptation to use vocabulary that is popular in society in order to make Christianity sound relevant. Christians have something far better than what the world offers, but in expressing that good news they confuse people by using words that are already loaded with humanistic connotations and systems of thought. It would be better not to use the expression unconditional love when describing God’s love. There are plenty of other good words.

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. . . .
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him (1 John 4:9, 10, 16).

The incomprehensible magnitude of God’s love surpasses any concept of love devised by humanistic psychologists. The doctrine of unconditional love is a myth that glorifies man rather than God.

1. Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, Second Edition, 1983.
2. Jay Haley. Strategies of Psychotherapy. New York: Grune & Stratton, Inc., 1963, pp. 71, 82.
3. Paul Brownback. The Danger of Self-Love. Chicago: Moody Press, 1982, p. 66.

PsychoHeresy Awareness Ministries, 4137 Primavera Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93110

http://psychoheresy-aware.org

Request PsychoHeresy Awareness Newsletter, it’s great.

Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates| More on Assurance hereBecause You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Articles

Mission Mexico Part 45

BELOVED JUAN, upon being handed a Jesus tract and having God’s Word spoken to him … was startled and asked “Why did you give me this and not the man who was walking right in front of me?” I said it was “God. He loves you.” Juan knew this before I shared this with Him. He is very aware that God is calling him.

Our LORD interrupted Juan’s day – because He desires to bless his life.

Juan is searching and he knows he must repent. Very sincere man who is struggling and needs our prayers. He knows he needs to be saved and just isn’t quite ready. Yet we know our LORD has that moment for him.

Juan and I had a rather lengthy man to man talk. He was very open and fully bilingual. Juan was given Scripture and encouraged to know that God is going to change his heart and desires when he repents and puts his faith in Christ. Matthew 6:33 was given to him, spoken verbatim, etc.

Juan has a Christian friend he said he’s been knowing he needs to go meet with. Juan was encouraged to tell his Christian friend “I am ready to surrender my life to Jesus.” He was also added to the Spanish Christian WA Whatsapp group in order for him to be introduced to and be able to connect with Christ’s saints here in Mexico. Several of the Mexican Christians are interacting with Juan already!

He is already surrounded by God’s love via God’s people.

Juan is on the edge of surrendering/repenting beloved saints. You know where he is because we were all there before Jesus orchestrated our salvation, before He found, saved us, right. Juan was asked if he’d like you to be lifting him in prayer and he readily accepted that offer.

Salvation is the miracle that our LORD Jesus alone can do (Matthew 9:6; Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15).

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

Thanks for lifting Juan in prayer.

Mission Mexico – needs your prayers and support.


“Praise be to God in Christ Jesus! Not sure how I missed this email until now, but am thanking God in the Spirit for such wonderful news! May the LORD keep you and watch over you as you fulfill the great commission 🙏 Matt. 28:18-20” Jon Crane | Mission Mexico


“Thankful for your ministry who feed the remnant of Christ! Jer 3:15. These pastors in these apostate churches starve people! Because they cater to their flesh! The remnant believers want to the whole counsel of God’s word (Jude 3). Appreciate all you do to bring us the pure words of the Lord! It saddens me that more do not support.” Karen Cochran


This week I found out by asking Clara that she cooks her food for her children and herself using firewood. Primitive for sure. Never a slight complaint. She does have electricity in her home and when asked she told me her refrigerator just died. Here’s what I am trying to do to help her. Get her an electric double burner, a crock pot, and a refrigerator. Please pray saints. Haven’t priced things yet but was thinking about $500 will do it. | Clara’s Cry

Most importantly, Clara and her 3 young boys each now have a Spanish Bible. You are welcome to help. See SUPPORT/DONATE page.


Brother Antonio is a blessing. After we had some fellowship he gladly took some of the JESUS tracts to distribute. I will be dropping by to see him more soon, LORD willing. Would you like to lift our brother in prayer according to Colossians 4:12?


THIS WEEK picked up fresh supply of 20,000 Jesus tracts.

WE BROUGHT SISTER MARIA A FRESH SUPPLY. SHE HAD RUN OUT OF JESUS TRACTS ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO!!!

When we arrived to minister to her, to refresh and fellowship with her and re-supply her tracts supply…. she looked exhausted.

She was revived, her smile and joy returned as we fellowshipped with her and read Scripture with her, etc.

Jesus is coming.

Support Mission Mexico here – takes seconds. 1-time or sustaining support.


FROM KAREN COCHRAN:

“And they (the Mexican people) are so open to the gospel. When I worked with Children I shared the gospel with them and their hearts were completely open and teachable. And Jesus says our entrance into heaven requires us to be childlike! A childlike faith! Humble, dependent and teachable. Mat 18:1-4.” Karen

REPLY:

Amazing reception of children to the Gospel wow yes

Love it

Perfect illustration of the Mexican people.

The “SHEAVES” await the harvesters in Mexico (Psalms 126:5-6).

To say it’s a field day is a gross understatement.

THANK YOU FOR SAYING WITH YOUR PRAYERS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT THAT THESE PRECIOUS PEOPLE MATTER. KNOW THIS: THERE MAY VERY WELL BE NO PEOPLE MORE MEEK AND RECEPTIVE OF OUR LORD’S GOSPEL ON HIS PLANET, EARTH.

Mission Mexico


MESSAGE FROM SISTER KAREN COCHRAN:

“As I was writing this, I was thinking isn’t this exactly how the Mexican people are? Childlike!

When you were following God’s calling on your life, to go to Mexico, did you ever imagine the huge gospel explosion that would ensue? Thousands upon thousands of gospel tracks going out. And as you said, zero refusal. But nearly 100 percent reception. Acts 19:20 “So mightly grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 13:49 “And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.” And now you are ready to pick up 20,000 more Jesus Tracts! Gospel explosion! Alleluia! All Praise to our King Jesus who is growing the seeds you guys are planting!”

REPLY:

As we are faithful with the little He gave, gives us, He expands that, multiplies responsibilities right Matthew 25

Year 1:  10k Jesus tracts distributed

Year 2: 11k tracts distributed

2 months into Year 3 with 41k Jesus tracts in print to date with hundreds going out daily.


PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please bless my life to be fruitful for Your eternal glory this day, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.


MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Cops in the USA earn about $200k a year just to drive around and hassle law abiding citizens.”

REPLY:

This is 100% accurate concerning the Mexican police. They are there to protect the people, not extort them. In the USA the police prey upon the people – to further stalk and rob them of more money.

I am so glad to be now in beautiful Mexico. NONE of this. The cops here are not overpaid and simply exist to protect, not rob the people.



Here’s one of the many precious eternal souls brother Juan ministered to this week: “Beloved brothers and sisters, please pray for Sister Catalina and her sister….” Juan


“Greetings, brother, blessings. The blessed word says that whatever you ask for in prayer, believe it and you will receive it. So I believe in God’s promises, which are greater than our problems, and true freedom, brother, is being in God’s presence, and only Christ Jesus can give it to you. A big hug.” Juan

More of brother Juan’s Gospel work in action. Here’s yet another precious soul our brother Juan is ministering Christ’s Gospel to!!! And your prayers and support make this possible saints. We are supporting the Gospel labourers Jesus instructed us to pray for and whom He has sent forth into the great harvest (Matthew 9:35-38).

“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

Mission Mexico Rolling!

 


FROM BROTHER JON CRANE:

“Thank you, brother  I lift you and others as well. Definitely see prophecy being fulfilled before our eyes.”

REPLY:

Yes Matt 24:14 most excitedly right…. Mark and I were blessed to evangelized about 80-100 bless-ed souls last evening with 99% receptivity. Amazing. God is good and He is hearing your petitions brother in Jesus’ name.


More Mexico Mission Action here.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Mission Mexico – See more here. | Give support here. Many options


Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

Continue Reading

Articles

Overcoming that Old Serpent, Called the Devil, and Satan [podcast]



“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:9

“That old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world” never left the garden of God’s creation and he won’t till Jesus slam dunks him into the bottomless pit (Genesis 3; Revelation 12; 20). He must be overcome “by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Revelation 12:11). God is able. Satan 

“He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.” Ecclesiastes 10:8

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:1-7

In the scope of past, present, and future history – HIS-story – nothing is over till Jesus wins!

“For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. … 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:25-26, 57

The Cross

Personally I was not blessed to begin seeing our LORD’s victory in my personal life until Jesus’ cross message began to seep into my heart, thoughts and mind.

The record of Holy Scripture assures us that our LORD Jesus conquered sin, death, hell, and Satan (1 John 3:8). But how? He overcome by the cross.

Jesus conquered sin and death by dying.

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;” Hebrews 2:14

If this is the first time you are hearing this truth, don’t be ashamed. It’s new to all of us due to the original Gospel message of the cross has been lost among most who claim Christ. | The Cross 

Camping out on the message of the cross will assure you are quickened to “seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” (1 Chronicles 16:11) Keeping thine eyes and heart upon His cross message will hasten you to Him, to His cross, to the death of self that Christ might raise you upward in His holy power and glory.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn (grain, seed) of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25  He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26  If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:24-26

The cross truly is a “Let go and let God” economy, experience – crying, declaring “Jesus You MUST increase but I MUST decrease!”

As the apostle Paul discovered, you are NOT sufficient and yet His grace is sufficient for your life in Him.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

PRAYER: Father, please grant me eye salve to see Your holy truth and the many wolves that now are disguised in sheep’s clothing and leading many to hell. Help me, Jesus! Knowing my utter poverty of spirit, I this moment turn afresh to You fully, asking You to have mercy on me and wash away all my sins. Grant the eyes of my heart discernment as only You can, as I walk closely with You. I choose this day to deny my own self-will and desires and ask You to consume me with Your wisdom, power, and grace. LORD Jesus, please bless me to know You intimately. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here

Spiritual Warfare | Victory in Jesus | Discipleship | The Glorious Grace of God | The Restoring Love of Our God | God’s Mercy100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich podcasts for your edification in Christ. 

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Articles

Exhort One Another Daily [podcast]


“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:22-25

Saints, let’s always remember that other disciples have the SAME exact iniquitous flesh to deal with daily as we do (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3, etc.). They are just like us – absolutely wicked and depraved without the present working of the saving grace of our God at work in us! (Romans 7) Each of Christ’s followers are like us, working out their own salvation with fear and trembling as the LORD works in them both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).

“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Romans 15:1

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2

Let’s lift up our LORD’s disciples instead of wrongly judging them in our attitudes, etc. Seeing and treating them with God’s love is important ( 1 Peter 4:7-8; 1 John 4:7-8, 16-18; 5:1, etc.).

“And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.” Zechariah 7:10

“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Romans 14:19

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

DOES the Bible tell us to “Go make disciples” OR to “Teach others God’s Word”? Interesting. Does the Bible Ever Say “Go Make Disciples”?

Sign up for free email devotional HERE... The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.

Support | STORE | PodcastsThe Return of ChristStewardshipWhere to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account!Victory in Jesus | Discipleship | The Glorious Grace of God | The Restoring Love of Our God | God’s Mercy | Spiritual Warfare | JustificationGrace and Good Works [podcast]

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Categories

donate button round
sgys-books01

Trending