But what is Warren's definition of the Gospel? Is it that you are a fallen sinner in need of a savior and Jesus is that one and only savior, or is it more along the lines of God loves you and thinks you are the greatest thing since sliced bread because you are so wonderful (no mention of sin and our true condition), and if you mentally assent to that notion and then do good works and get involved in churchianity, you are saved?
I would imagine it's the biblical definition, quite similar to the first example you provided. I checked Saddleback's What we believe page which states the following under "About Salvation":
Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God´s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin´s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.They list references to the following:
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.Ephesians 2:8-9:
For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.John 14:6
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through MeAnd more. So it would appear Warren's definition of the Gospel is more along the lines of your first example.