From the Vintage Archives of Expreacherman we re-present this article (newly titled) which continues to garner substantial attention since its release in 2009. As always, your thoughtful comments are welcome.
One of my readers who signs his comments “Stickin’ to the Bible” wrote a couple of comments which deserve more than just a cursory look.
He compared the doctrine of Francis Chan, author of a new book, “Crazy Love,” to John MacArthur.
I have never read the book but did look up Chan and his ministries and find him to proclaim Calvinist doctrine (as does MacArthur).
My friend, Stickin’ then proceeded to offer another comment with details from the pages of Chan’s book. I will quote some below — so you may be forewarned about Francis Chan.
Stickin’ To The Bible said:
I have also heard that Chan is a graduate of Master’s College and Seminary, both are schools founded and presided over by John MacArthur. In Chan’s book, “Crazy Love,” David Cook Pub., 2008, pp. 68-78, he creates a list of what he describes as his “Profile of the Lukewarm.” His descriptions are along these lines:
1. People who say they love Jesus but only include him as a part of their lives; 2. People who are moved by stories about those who do what he calls, “radical things for Christ,” but they themselves do not do such things; 3. People who rarely share their faith with others for fear of rejection; 4. on page 78 he says, “Lukewarm People feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America.” After making his list of what he calls “The Lukewarm,” he then discards them like matchsticks all in one fell swoop on pp. 83-84. Chan says, “As I see it, a lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron; there’s no such thing. To put it plainly, churchgoers who are “lukewarm” are not Christians. We will not see them in heaven.”
Clearly, Stickin’ has pegged Francis Chan as a MacArthur type “Lordship Salvationist.” Chan’s statements above imply that one cannot be a Christian without good works — in direct opposition to multiple scriptures which state that salvation is free and complete apart from good works. Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 11:6.
Obviously Francis Chan has interpreted Scripture to suit himself or has never read the Book of First Corinthians about the carnal believers in Corinth.
Thanks to my reader Stickin’;… he has done a great job of research and reporting.
For a complete analysis of the book “Crazy Love,” coming from a Free Grace perspective, see:
http://www.freegracealliance.com/pdf/BookReview%20ofCrazyLove.pdf
Thanks Bruce,
It is always good to review the twisting errors of the Lordship probation folks…
And thanks for catching and correcting the typos.
In Christ eternally, Jack
Thanks Bruce, Stickin’ hit the nail on the head…and so did you with your review of Chan’s book. Say, on a similar vein, two days ago a patient gifted my wife and me with a book by Mark Cahill titled, “One Thing You Can’t Do In Heaven”. I’m sure you’ve heard of it (and probably read it), but this was my first exposure to it (although I was already aware of Cahill’s redefining of saving repentance). So many good things the author has to share (i.e. why the urgency to witness verbally, good conversation starters, etc.), but tragically the author undoes all the good with his unbiblical definition of saving repentance. MacArthur and Comfort (both Lordship Salvationists), two people the author clearly holds in high esteem, would be proud. After reading the author’s adding of works to faith for salvation (e.g. defining saving repentance as “turning from sin”), then reflecting on his quote found early in the book, “Over the last seven years, I have had the opportunity to witness to several thousand people individually” (p. 12), I couldn’t help but become concerned for those thousands who, if they were presented with what he shares in his book, heard a false gospel by addition. Good grief.
Jimmy, the Gospel is the exception to what is being taught, rather than the rule, in most churches and ministries today.
In Jack’s article “Lordship “Salvation” Equals Lordship Probation”, he wrote:
“I find no Lordship Probation folks who offer God’s Free Grace through faith alone in Christ alone — without a hitch, a misunderstanding of Grace — there is always a hitch.”
Like you, I am concerned that people are being taught a false gospel by the addition of works. LS is one of Satan’s most clever inventions. It turns believers back to themselves for assurance and it proliferates into false converts.
I am thankful for the Gospel and its defenders – including my friends on this site. We have an awesome responsibility!
Hi Jimmy,
No, I haven’t read the Cahill book. But, after what you said, I think that I will pass. I highly recommend that you go to the Amazon reviews for the book and put your thoughts in there. A lot of people read those reviews. Here is one sample review (out of 42) of Cahill’s book:
“Cahill focuses heavily on the afterlife as the reason why people should accept Christ.
He doesn’t focus enough on how Jesus changes people in THIS life here on earth; how we can have a blessed relationship with him on earth. Rather, his tool for evangelism is: tell people they need Jesus or else they will not go to heaven.
Great writing style doesn’t mean great content.”
Bruce, interesting criticism that you quoted, above. I can think of another who used this approach, at least in the following instance:
John 3:16 (NKJV) “”For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Bruce, excellent idea regarding writing a book review on Amazon.
Jimmy, if you do, point them to a better book to read – such as Tom’s book.
Bruce, good idea indeed….I don’t know why I didn’t think of it:-) Never written one before, so this should be interesting. Yes, John, I will point them to Tom’s excellent book…I too really enjoyed it. I’m also going to recommend a book by the late Curtis Hutson–he was so good at putting things in simple terms anyone could understand (FYI: Hutson’s in my top three of favorite pastors/soulwinners) No hero worship there, just a great appreciation for his bold stand for grace, and his unusual level of discernment.
Thanks John and Jimmy!
John 3:16 is such a basic salvation verse, so often quoted; it seems like everyone knows it. Thanks, John, for reminding us that the verse says we can HAVE eternal life HERE AND NOW.
I’ll tell you a funny little story about someone’s misquotation of John 3:16. When Clinton was president, in a speech he made, likely to a Bible-belt crowd, he was attempting to make some sort of religious connection with his audience. So he said, “The Bible says in John 16:3 . . . .”
John 16:3 reads, “And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father nor me.”
I thought that you would enjoy that one.
Bruce
Mark Cahill is one of the speakers at the upcoming The Berean Call Conference:
Google: “TBC Conference – August 10-11, 2012″
Is that not Dave Hunt’s ministry? If so, do you know if Hunt agrees with Cahill’s addition of a work to faith for salvation?
Jimmy,
Berean Call is Dave Hunt and McMahon.. After your statements about Cahill’s book — and assuming Hunt has read it, it seems implausible that Hunt would have Cahill speak.
I have noted previously on this web site that I have subscribed to Hunt’s newsletter for years and written him on a couple of occasions questioning their recommendation of some writers or speakers who espouse false doctrine (Machen and Spurgeon – both Calvinists). Hunt sorta brushed it off as if to say — We print their worthy Biblical quotes…
I hesitate to recommend Hunt now for that reason — thinking how great was his book against Calvinism and yet they compromise on Calvinism. Makes no sense.
Seems like folks at Berean Call are not emulating Biblical Bereans.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Jimmy and Eddy,
Below are direct quotes from the Berean Call note when I questioned their inclusion of Machen and other false teachers. My emphasis in bold.
“Regarding Gresham Machen, we certainly know his position as a Calvinist. We would suggest, however, that the point of this citation is missed. Further, some of the resources we offer or have offered are authored by Calvinists such as C.H. Spurgeon, John MacArthur, Jay Adams(addressing psychology), Mike Gendron (former Catholic), and William Webster.
In each case, these resources were offered in spite of their profession of Calvinism as we prayerfully believed that the material was valuable and edifying. As Paul exhorted the Church, we are to “prove all things, hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
[...]
[Your] email refers to Machen as “an admitted and avowed outspoken Calvinist.” Yes and no. Much like C.H. Spurgeon and John MacArthur today, Machen’s positions can be at odds with Calvinism. Machen also denied being a “fundamentalist,” yet his teaching and positions often appear very fundamental.
Ed
I don’t know who “Ed” might be.
In Christ eternally, Jack
Jack, I think about LS/Calvinism like tooth decay. There is no use filling a tooth that has not had all of the decay removed. Much of Spurgeon and MacArthur would be covered by Galatians 1:8, not 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
John,
Good comparison.. but in spite of the rot, people still want to compromise and build their own “gospel” which is not The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Dear Jack and Jimmy,
I know Dave Hunt is in frail health and he has not been active for the past several years. If I am not mistaken, McMahon knows Caryl well. He is one of the speakers in the DVD Wide Is The Gate produced by Caryl Productions. Is it possible that McMahon got to know Mark Cahill through Caryl Matrisciana and Brenda Nickel? I have a feeling that McMahon is being subverted by Satan to unknowingly partnering with those who believed in and preach the Lordship Salvation gospel. Is there anyway we can talk to McMahon directly and bring him back to our side?
Dear Jack,
I always have the suspicion that not every email send to either McMahon or Dave Hunt through their email submission page will be seen by them. Could there be some other people do the preliminary screening first before depositing some of the emails to Dave Hunt and McMahon’s personal inbox?
I used to receive Hunt’s newsletter as well, and have read his masterful book, “What Love is This”. That said, I quit receiving his newsletter after he began playing footsy with Rick Warren. He was called on it, then afterwards tried an all-out attempt of damage control, which was ineffective…at least in my mind. Then there’s the issue of Hunt’s age-old pattern of recommending works by LS proponents (e.g. MacArthur). The man is a walking contradiction in my view…regardless of the times when he’s nailed it. I don’t think this current nonsense (Cahill being invited) is a departure from the aformentioned nonsense that has been occuring for years with Hunt and McMahon.
And, of course, right on cue we now have Warren coming out of the Augustinian/Reformed/Calvinist closet…though the signs were there all along. Not surprising. I dream of a day (though Scripture is clear that day will not come) when believers will not allow their personal affections/respect for a person to interfere with their biblical mandate to “test all things”…”hold fast that which is true”. We’ve become a Church of person and personality worship.
Eddy,
You can certainly drop a note and try to influence Berean Call, McMahon et al,, but after my experience with them and Jimmy’s comments above, We’ve become a Church of person and personality worship. I suspect it would be fruitless.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Dear Jimmy,
You said: “We’ve become a Church of person and personality worship.”
I agree with you. We oftentimes put too much trust in highly praised men rather than using God’s Word as our measuring standard.
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” Acts 20:29-31.
“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” 1 John 2:18-19
Dear Jack,
You said: “I suspect it would be fruitless.”
I would certainly love to prove you wrong. However, I know the odds are stacked against me. I just sent to each of them an email concerning Mark Cahill, and inviting them to come to your site. If I get any reply from either of them, I will certainly let you know. I found out that Mark Cahill no longer provides his book “One Thing You Can’t Do In Heaven” freely as a pdf download, wondering why?
Dear Eddy,
Good for you… I will appreciate your proving me wrong. And we will await Berean Call’s reply.
I don’t doubt the power of prayer or of God’s Word so carry on as we all pray for you and those who will read your note and make decisions at Berean Call. (Wonder who?)
In Jesus Christ eternally Jack
Can someone provide a good explanation of Luke 12:46? I think it has to do with rewards/loss of rewards, but would be interested in some elaboration.
John, it seems to me that the question is whether this verse is talking about an unfaithful believer that will receive no reward or an unbelieving servant that will suffer as unbelievers do in eternal punishment. Either way we know that believers will not come into condemnation. Those who are in Christ have no more fear of punishment.
It may be good to consider the parables in Matthew 25. The parable of the ten virgins and the parable of the talents seem to be similar to this one. They all end up with those who are unfaithful being left out – cast into out darkness where there is weeping and nashing of teeth. Yes there are rewards for believers, some will receive more than others but I think it is best to see this in passages like the one in I Cor 3. We have to remember that these parables are dealing more directly with the kindgom of heaven. I believe that my rewards as a gentile believer in the church age will be different in some ways than those of the elect of Israel that will be restored as a nation in the millenial kingdom.
Thanks Jim!
Jim,
Solid response to John’s excellent question. I particularly liked your apt comparison of the verse (and section) in Luke 12 with the issue of loss or gain of rewards for believers as described in 1 Cor. 3—very fitting.
One additional angle to consider would be the issue of a Christian’s living each day of his or her life TO THE FULL for Christ—a steady, diligent, joy-filled life of serving the Lord in our homes, in our jobs, in our daily agendas (NOT a fear-driven or panic-motivated life).
How often have we heard stories of people waiting until they are dying to attempt to mend relationships and to get things right with God? How sad! There is a famous story attributed to Francis of Assisi that goes something like this [isolated quotation]:
“Once while Francis of Assisi was hoeing his garden, he was asked, ‘What would you do if you were suddenly to learn that you were to die at sunset today?’ He replied, ‘I would finish hoeing my garden’.”
Christians ought to live lives of confident expectation, lives of diligence in serving God and serving others, lives of hope, lives of joy. Contrast this steady, joyful, confident daily life of grace and assurance with the frenetic, doubt-filled, guilt-ridden, anxiety-saturated everyday existence of one who has fallen captive to Lordship Faith teaching.
Bruce, you said “not a fear-driven or panic filled life.” Sadly this can be the case under a Lordship salvation gospel understanding of the the Christian life. There is too much emphasis put upon being a slave and being under the yoke of Christ. Many are trying to prove their salvation is real by external works. They also miss out on the joys and blessing that could be theirs if they would just leave the law behind and embrace the grace that they are under when they are risen with Christ. I agree that more Christians should live their lives filled with the Spirit, all the while rejoicing in their position in Christ.
Bruce and Jim, great comments. The reason I got into this yesterday was a colleague of mine read Luke 12:46 and said that it scared him. This guy kows that salvation is by Grace through faith in Christ, believes in eternal security and the doctrine of assurance.
I told him that there was no way that Luke 12:46 could be interpreted to mean that a believer could ever lose his salvation.
Eddy:
This is a bit off topic, but having read some of your past posts, I see you’ve done some good research into the dangers of Eastern mysticism cloaked in Christian terminology (i.e. contemplative prayer, etc.). I’ve stumbled onto some information that I’d like to get your discerning eye on. Since this topic is straying from the topic of this thread, would you mind emailing me…then I’ll send you what I’d like to get your opinion on. My email is owcgallatin@hotmail.com
Thanks,
Jimmy
Keeping with the theme of the lie of Lorship Salvation, here is an excellent article in my opinion dealing with Common Assaults on the Gospel…by J. Hampton Keathley, III:
http://bible.org/article/common-assaults-gospel
P.S. As an aside, notice that Ryrie is quoted liberally UNTIL the issue of so-called “spurious” faith vs. biblical faith is delt with. We’ve already seen why such is the case.
P.S.S. Bruce, I haven’t forgotten about writing a review at Amazon on Cahill’s book. I will get to it:-)
Jimmy, this is a good article by Keathley and was instrumental in helping me articulate how badly the modern “church” is mangling the Gospel. I also thought Ryrie’s quote on spurious faith was goofy.
On a side note, the way I found out about the Keathley article was through Bible.org This is a good website for online Bible translations. Unfortunately, it has articles that run the gamut from Grace to hardline LS. As a babe in Christ, I found the Bible.org articles terribly inconsistent on Grace.
Jimmy,
The article from Keathley looks solid. I’ll “favorite” it for later study.
Thanks,
Bruce
To all,
Feel free to check out the new posting on the ONE conference in Miami, FL this weekend.
http://expreacherman.com/2012/02/08/proceed-with-caution-one-conference-coming-to-miami/
Thanks for this article brother. I became wary of Chan after watching his video about salvation where he continually said you must repent and get baptized.. Not one mention of God’s free gift through Christ Jesus by believing on Him.
E.j.
Thanks for visiting, commenting and being keenly aware of error “teachers” like Chan. He and others like him are extremely dangerous.
That is our specialty here, to preach the truth of the Gospel of God’s Free Grace and expose those who would try to change or dilute it.
Please peruse our entire web site, comment and visit again. Subscribe if you would like to stay current with our posts.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack