By Jack Weaver
Dr. Tom Cucuzza tipped me off to the following interesting link from John MacArthur’s (JMac) Grace To You web site.
I’ll quote a couple of passages in which someone in JMac’s camp tries to “correct” JMac’s Lordship error.
Article title:
“Does John MacArthur teach salvation by works in his book Hard to Believe?”
One paragraph in the first edition of Hard to Believe contained a glaring error that has the potential to mislead readers about the book’s whole intent.
As one reads the original and the “correction” one sees very little difference in doctrine. Both ooze Lordship Salvation, just slightly different.
The Grace To You writer seems to try to blame everyone for the error.
The error was inadvertently introduced into the [original] manuscript in the late stages of the editorial process, when (in order to simplify the book) four chapters were deleted from the original manuscript and one of the remaining chapters was severely abridged. John MacArthur approved the abridgments.
…..Unfortunately, that [later] change was not submitted to John for approval. We believe the error was an oversight, and not anyone’s deliberate attempt to tamper with the book’s theology. The result, however, severely muddled the message of the book.
A revision was sent to the publisher for future editions of the book. In all subsequent printings, here is how the opening paragraph of chapter six reads (revisions are in bold):
“Don’t believe anyone who says it’s easy to become a Christian. Salvation for sinners cost God His own Son; it cost God’s Son His life, and it’ll cost you the same thing. Salvation isn’t the result of an intellectual exercise. It comes from a life lived in obedience and service to Christ as revealed in the Scripture; it’s the fruit of actions, not intentions. There’s no room for passive spectators: words without actions are empty and futile…The life we live, not the words we speak, determines our eternal destiny“ (John MacArthur, Hard to Believe, p. 93).
Here is the so-called “corrected” revision of the error in his original passage — from the opening paragraph of chapter 6 (page 93), The changed portions are in bold, according to JMac’s web site.
Don’t believe anyone who says it’s easy to become a Christian. Salvation for sinners cost God His own Son; it cost God’s Son His life, and it’ll cost you the same thing. Salvation isn’t gained by reciting mere words. Saving faith transforms the heart, and that in turn transforms behavior. Faith’s fruit is seen in actions, not intentions. There’s no room for passive spectators: words without actions are empty and futile. Remember that what John saw in his vision of judgment was a Book of Life, not a book of Words or Book of Intellectual Musings. The life we live, not the words we speak, reveals whether our faith is authentic. Chapter 6 (page 93)
Not surprisingly, I see no substantial difference — Both preach a works based “salvation, probation” message. JMac has managed to survive an apparent internal controversy and continues preaching the same old Lordship probation message he has preached for years.
What say you?
Salvation – Not By “Commitment” But by Faith Alone. << Click
It is the same old thing – salvation by works. What a waste of paper and ink!
i saw this last week and i agree with you i was shocked number1 and number2 i still thought it was works based salvation
John,
Did you notice any substantial nuanced changes from the Masters of Deception? Propaganda parade.
In Christ eternally, Jack
There is very little difference. Jan noted it and I have written on it at my blog. When I return home I will try to remember to share a link to my thoughts on the excerpt from Hard to Believe.
Lou
Bobby,
Welcome. We are happy to add one more discerning friend to our web site. Yep, it is a works based message no doubt.
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Lou, thanks.
JMac has not changed his message at all… His “changes” are just as “Hard to Believe” as his original for rational folks.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
“…not an intellectual exercise…”, “not from a…Book of Intellectual Musings…”, “…not merely intellectual assent…”
This really is a favorite, parroted phrase, isn’t it? I wonder who coined it? I believe Thomas’ book’s copyright date is 1961. John pointed out his using the phrase in a previous thread, which I had always interpreted to mean that it’s not enough for one to believe Jesus died as a historical fact, but that it was for me! It’s quite evident that the “works crew” mean something entirely different; that one should sign on as a slave for whom there is no such thing as peace, assurance, or rest.
I am growing weary of hearing the same barking from JMac. Whether he is howling or barking it is still the same old noise. I would just as much dislike reading a book by Sproul as JMac. Same bark, different dog. How about some good Pauline Dispensationalism instead? Let the barkers go on and bark!
Let us strive to proclaim the Truth, not rehash stupidity.
John G, I am tired of it too. Unfortunately it is emanating from much of professing Christendom, to a greater or lesser extent. Consider this quote from Clear Gospel Campaign:
“If you are able to remember these simple truths about biblical repentance, you will know more about repentance, and more about the doctrine of salvation, than 99.9% of the ministers filling the pulpits of Christian churches across the land. In the pages of this work, you will hopefully come to appreciate how deeply confused the church is over the very message of salvation, even at the pastoral level. With this dawning realization hopefully, you will develop a renewed sense of purpose in your Christian life . . . perhaps a purpose in your life that you have never before experienced.
The church will never fulfill the Great Commission as long as it is confused on the very message of the gospel! Certainly not while it continues to proclaim salvation by faith plus. And the church will never be lifted from its confusion unless each of those who understand the truth of the gospel labor to change it.”
John G,
Good to hear from you again.
You are right — and John’s point is well taken. But we, as tellers of The Truth, not only preach the Truth of God’s Word but we are also to warn of error and attempts to persuade those who lack understanding that they deal in error. The Apostle Paul felt it necessary on many occasions and places in Scripture to warn believers and rebuke them for error. We are certainly not the Apostle Paul but we attempt to do the same in our own small way.
1 Corinthians 4:14
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.”
We appreciate your insightful input.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Thank you Jack! My weariness is probably due to a lack of prayer on my part. I’m back on track now. Contending for the truth is part of our calling! I do realize that we are told to stand firm for the Word of God and to proclaim, expound, and live it. Sometimes, looking at the professing Church does, because of its false doctrines, which are so abundant, cause the individual to grow weary. That is why prayer is so much needed!
I have relatives & loved ones who are taken up by and with Calvinism & JMac doctrine! This causes me much heartache.
Again, thank you and God bless.
John G.
John G,
2 Thessalonians 3:13
“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. “
I am writing to myself as well with that verse.
Your family’s affinity for Calvin and JMac is duplicated in some of my family also — So I empathize.
I pray the Lord will continue to bless you too.
In Jesus eternally, Jack
The point is, who is he speaking of when he says we are not saved by “reciting a prayer” or it being the result of an “intellectual exercise”.
I DO see a difference in what he wrote. What I see is a very subtle approach, that still corrupts the simplicity that is in Christ, just without being so obvious. I pray John will see the implications of what he is teaching. If men would understand that they need to point people to Christ and to what He has done. To send them into His Word for guidance, counsel, wisdom and understanding, sanctification. If they would encourage them to do the one thing that Jesus said was needed, more believers would be exhibiting fruit as they are washed in the water by the Word.
This teaching just distracts real believers and makes them live in fear. They have no peace, how can they as they look inward again at all their failures, instead of recognizing His grace, His faithfulness to forgive their sins, they are focused on the realization they can’t do it, and they’ve forgotten that He has already done it, because they were unaware as these men have come in to spy out our liberty in Him to bring us into bondage….
It is bondage, I have seen so many who now doubt their salvation who are consistently preaching Macarthur, or others going through hard times, who are in fear, and don’t know why they are not experiencing peace… May the Lord turn them back to the lover of their souls.
Holly,
Very true…
You said, ” I pray John [MacArthur] will see the implications of what he is teaching.” We would pray the same but JMac knows full well what he is preaching and the implications of it. We have many quotes from him that indicate he is fully aware. Years ago one of his first statements (not a quote) abiout his teaching was something to the effect that he despised seeing his church folks living carnal lives — so he devised his “theology” to try and prevent it. He is now teaching that same philosophy in his California seminary, producing such terrible teachers as Francis Chan, et al.
Though his web site is called Grace to You, JMac does not preach Grace — but puts folks under his idea of behavior (law). Christian carnality cannot be cured by putting folks under the law. They need God’s Grace; Saved by Grace, disciplined by Grace and live by Grace (as you said).
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Holly,
Just to confirm what I said about JMac, here is just one quote from his Grace to You web site: “The only way we can know a Christian is by a transformed life. Sermon on Deliverance, October 2000. We know that is a lie — look at religions and see wonderfully behaving members, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Seventh Day Adventists, Jws, Baptists, etc. Behavior neither makes a believer nor prove one.
The more JMac talks about it the worse it gets. I have several quotes by JMac if you wish I will send links and quotes directly to you.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Jack, Yes I would love to have them. I believe he is aware yet deceived if that makes sense, that is the part I am praying he might turn from. The saddest part? Many people coming out of deception see him as a solid Bible teacher and share him with others. Many other people who even disagree with that part of his theology, don’t see an issue with still taking teaching from him.
I have personally see one change in the last couple of years and I know she is listening to him more and it is discouraging. It wasn’t a change for the positive I don’t believe. All I can say to JMac and the way we can know if they are a Christian, I agree, a transform-ing life should be happening if they are being properly discipled/taught/fed from His Word.
Trouble is that he confuses and adds discipling to the faith from the beginning. It can’t be done. I lived his way for many years, and probably looked pretty good to the church on the outside, but I think I had a few, sweet, humble believers who saw and prayed. But, I was living by that legalism, and it’s impossible. It’s discouraging. Now I’m just happy to spend time with Him. Thankful that He has given me His Word. And thankful for those who will contend for the truth with sound speech that cannot be condemned. Appreciate your kind and gentle demeanor always, no matter how angry some may get. God bless you and your family as always.
Hi Jack,
Do not tire of the battle Brother. Dr. MacArthur’s error has not changed, but he has gotten better at packaging it. It may seem tiresome to respond to the same error time and again but I think of Paul’s words:
Philippians 3:1b “For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.”
Holly, you said: “The point is, who is he speaking of when he says we are not saved by ‘reciting a prayer’ or it being the result of an ‘intellectual exercise’.”
This is an attempt, by MacArthur, to denigrate Christians, all of whom have been saved by Grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. No one has ever been saved by saying a prayer. Likewise, if the result of an “intellectual exercise” is that one believes in Christ, he is saved. MacArthur may have been throwing out the old LS standby that there is a difference between “head faith” and “heart faith”, which is not true.
Kevin,
Really appreciate the encouragement. We’ll continue as the Lord wills.
Sorry to be late answering — haven’t been well the last few days.
In Christ eternally, Jack
Praying for you bro. Jack, sorry you have not been well.
Bro David,
Appreciate your prayers, and from all others.
In Jesus eternally, Jack
I say that Macarthur’s message was basically the same in his “Only Road to Heaven” message that I mentioned elsewhere. I’ll supply the link, you can remove if you want, but I find it interesting that they’ll cover up in a book but it’s all over his site.
Works salvation, plain and simple.
http://redeemingmoments.com/2013/05/19/john-macarthur-redefines-the-narrow-gate/
Hi Holly,
Thanks for the good comments and the link. One of our regular commenters a long time ago said about MacArthur and others who preach his “gospel,” “Why don’t these guys just go ahead and declare themselves to be Roman Catholics?”