Misquoting Jesus
On his blog, Eric Bryant, makes a great case for hugging. I would agree with him that hugging has a great effect on the human heart and can provide comfort to those who are broken hearted, lonely, hurting, fearful, etc.
Here’s where I have a problem with his post. He says, “Hugging represents a small example of the principle Jesus shared that “when we lose our lives in serving others, we find our lives.”
Here are my issues:
Jesus never said “when we lose our lives in serving others, we find our lives.” That statement, which Eric puts in quotes as if he is referring to a specific Bible verse, is a complete fabrication. It does not exist. What Jesus said was, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matt. 10:39 cf. Matt. 16:25; Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24-25, 17:33; John 12:25)
The reference is to the gospel and our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Eric is teaching a distorted gospel. He’s teaching a gospel of works – you have to give hugs to find your life.
So look at this way Jesus left his glory in heaven, lived among sinful men, living a sinless life, was persecuted, suffered, died on the cross for our sins, bearing the wrath of God so that we might gain his righteousness and all we need to do is go around and give people hugs. Jesus died so we could give hugs?
We cannot gain our life by our own efforts of works, particularly by hugging others, but we gain life in Christ alone, through grace alone, by faith alone.
Give hugs! Hugs are great, but there is no power of salvation to save our life in a hug, that is only found in Jesus Christ.
Mosaic Madness 
I just found this website and want to say that i am so sad it exists and I really hope that you are aware your motives Michael. The entire premise of this blog negates and nullifies anything good you may have to say in it since your primary mission is obviously not motivated by Love. Sites like these are a disgrace to the Christian faith.
Steve, thanks for the comments. I appreciate your concerns about my motives, but be assured that the reason I am speaking out is because of the love I have for the sheep of Christ. Paul had the same motivation when he warned the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:28-31. Here’s what I would like to know, how is pointing out error unloving? Paul explained to Timothy that the Scriptures are good for reproof and correction (II Timothy 3:16). Erwin McManus is teaching unbiblical doctrines and he should repent and “preach the word” (II Tim. 4:2). Those who listen to him are being deceived and they should have the opportunity to consider the truth of what the Bible teaches since the consequences of following deception can end in the eternal punishment of hell, particularly if they are following a different gospel, which is no gospel at all. My motivation is to reach those who are hearing these errors with the hope that they will find the truth so that some might be saved.