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.
Notes From A Retired Preacher 
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. John 7:17
(I do know that this is not possible for Calvinists) Having a bit of fun regarding a man actually having a “will”….
Suez – I assume you’re having fun, joking. The “if’s” meaning questionable areas that cannot be answered. Not the actual word “if” being what we are speaking of.
The grafting in being spoken of in Romans 11 is a corporate grafting in of the Gentiles as a whole, and just as Israel was God’s chosen people, individuals were broken off because of unbelief. Being a Gentile won’t save you, just because God grafted us in to the promises, but believing will. It’s not an “if” regarding eternal security.
At least not in my studies of that chapter. I find that in His Word, seeming contradictions, clear up in light of easy to understand passages, study of context, and time and trust that He will teach me.
God bless 🙂
suez, “endure to the end to be saved” is not saved from hell. It is saving the life from the antichrist in the tribulation.
Saved from hell is by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone (John 6:47).
Saved from dying at the hands of the antichrist and his minions in the tribulation, is by enduring to the end (Matthew 24:13).
Of course, the believer won’t be in the tribulation, as the rapture happens before it.
Matt,
Great response to Suez—simple, clear and strong!
As you declared, through trusting in Christ alone for salvation, by grace alone through faith alone, our salvation (positional forgiveness) is forever secure (John 10:27-30). Perhaps the verses cited by Suez would better be attached to the category of experiential forgiveness (not a salvation issue). As we forgive others, we experience the benefits of having a forgiving attitude: enhanced fellowship with other believers and the ongoing favor of God, among other blessings.
Matt,
Thanks for that explanation — and a great poem!!
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Suez,
What did Paul preach?
After preaching the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul then stated that:
“and by Him everyone who BELIEVES is JUSTIFIED from ALL things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Acts13:39
Jesus paid it all. No further payment is necessary. God’s justice is completely satisfied. Just believe and thereby receive the GRACE GIFT, with no other ifs, ands, or buts about it!
The LAW says, “IF you DO,”
and, “it’s up to YOU;”
But GRACE says, “It is DONE
by the full payment of the SON.”
Hi, Holly, thanks for your comment. I too do all those things you do. I pray before I read, ask for the Holy Spirit to give me wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Study, use cross references, and yes his word is deep, because it is alive and living! I would hope every truly Born Again Christian would do these things. But I disagree with you both, with all due respect. There are many, many If’s in the Bible. I just looked them up in the strong s. Many!! Here are a few, so you won’t think I pulled them out of my hat…lol “Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:” “Mat 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.” “Joh 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Rom 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. Heb 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Heb 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; And of coarse there is always those scriptures that say things like, he that endureth unto the end, shall be saved. I often wonder, how am I going to endure on my own, if God doesn’t help me to endure, I am toast!! 🙂
Suez, glad to have you!
Sorry, earlier I must have completely missed your comment.
I’m with Bruce, the “ifs” are not in the Bible but with the enemy, who makes people question the very Scriptures that are simple to lead us to Christ, and they corrupt peoples minds from the simplicity that is in Christ. Since the beginning He has been twisting what God has said…
It is sad there are so many, pure truth is found in His Word, and so many men teaching their own words, or their version of His Word, vs. actually laying out the Scriptures. Jesus warned us there would be many false teachers and prophets.
I know we’ll be learning until we die, but I try to start learning with prayer and wanting Him to lead me, praying as I go, trying to ask questions if I don’t understand and looking up cross references. I study and I know I won’t have all the answers even sometimes as I’ve read a book over and over and over, and see something new. His Word is deep, and that’s the beauty of it.
He knows who will to do His will, and He knows those who are noble and will search the Scriptures, and who are studying with His approval in mind, and who are hiding His Word in their heart, and meditating on it day and night. He knows if they love and treasure His Word and tremble at it. Those who apply their hearts to wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Him, He’ll do so much for… I just keep asking Him to show me, and keep searching things out, lots to learn, but this is a good place to start I know.
Thanks Bruce, didn’t know that, but I actually did read your article a ways back, but must not have remembered that. I will go back and read that, thank you, because I’ve had a bit of that lately.
Hi Holly,
MacArthur’s well-known quotation that you cite re. “not Lord of all, . . . not your Lord at all,” was actually lifted by Mac and others from the late 19th century iconic missionary Hudson Taylor. Taylor had a completely different meaning for the saying, nothing to do with Lordship Salvation, as it is being missapplied today.
See, for explanation, the article “Grace Baiting,” item # 20:
Click to access baiting.pdf
Hi Suez,
Welcome and thanks for your comments. I don’t see any “ifs” in the Bible whatsoever about salvation. It is the Calvinists, Lordship Salvationists, cults and others who ADD to the basic uncomplicated gospel message of: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31); “Saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone” (Ephesians 2:8-9); “Whosoever believeth” (John 3:16); “The gospel message of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:1-8).
John, it was after I wrote the blog about MacArthur’s redefinition of the “narrow way” and the “narrow gate” that I was so frustrated with just reading what MacArthur was telling people that had to do in order to be saved. Oh my dearest Lord, how can a man like this, profess You and use the Sermon on the Mount as the gospel, AND add to it, with a lengthy diatribe on what each and ever word means down to the root word and that root word’s etymology?….And say this is how HARD it is to be saved! How Hard to be a believer, and it just dawned on me… if they don’t BELIEVE He is their SAVIOR, then He is NOT their Lord at all…
They will INDEED call Him Lord Lord, for they have MADE Him Lord or so they say, and they will indeed probably have many good works to show in His name, but did they ever KNOW Him by BELIEVING His Word?
What HE said was necessary to do in order to be saved?
And the more I see these men being held up and promoted and lauded everywhere I go, I just realize that there is nothing I can do of myself except to just do what I can in each situation, wherever I am, and speak what I can with the soundest speech possible, and look forward to His soon return 🙂
Glad you liked it, you’re welcome to anything I make without asking or attribution.
Hi, I’m new here. I am surprised to hear that Mark Cahill isn’t a good preacher. I’ve seen some teaching tapes in The Berean Call newsletter. I highly respected Dave Hunt, and am now surprised they would sell someone’s CD’s if they were off. That sure makes me sad. It is getting harder and harder to know where to go for pure truth teaching nowadays. It seems almost everyone has something wrong with them. I didn’t really know what Lordship salvation is until I read your notes. I guess I believe as you do that it is Christ and him alone that saves me, by grace through faith in him. But, then I also see a lot of IF’S in the Bible also. What do you do with the If’s>>>? LOL Thanks, Suez
Holly, I have seen the picture you mentioned. I loved it, without even realizing it was a play on MacArthur’s false teaching.
Thank you for sharing those portions of Tom Cucuzza’s sermon and the part where Lordship salvation basically teaches that Christ being our Savior is not enough.
I sadly think it’s because they have not accepted the fact that only Christ can be any part of saving us and they still feel they need to earn it, whether they recognize that or not. We are so used to earning our paycheck, or respect, or love, or trust, it is part of how we are taught, and in church, I am afraid they have wrongly applied discipline by misapplying His Word and corrupting minds from the simplicity that is in Christ.
That is why I made that picture saying, if Christ is not your Savior, He’s not your Lord at all. (A play on MacArthur’s “if Christ is not Lord of all, He’s not your Lord at all”).
I truly think they just cannot accept the gift is free… and then move on to do their parts as Shepherds (assuming they were) and declare the whole counsel of God, warn their flock day and night in tears for years and commend them to the Word of Grace which will build them up.
Instead they commend them to their next sermon, teaching series, or book for sale.
Powerful excerpts John, thanks!
.
Following are some excellent excerpts on this topic from Tom Cucuzza’s sermon of June 2, 2013 entitled “The Clothing God Wants Us to Wear”:
Minutes 31:44 – 32:18
“See, if you have to do something to get to heaven, besides believe, then it’s you – it’s your work, it’s your faithfulness, it’s you earning your way. But God says ‘you can’t.’ We are helplessly and hopelessly lost. There’s nothing we can do to save ourselves.
Yet people say ‘I can’t accept that. That’s too easy. You can’t tell me that all the things I’ve done, my whole life, don’t account for anything, as far as me getting to heaven.’
I’m not telling you that. That is what God is saying. God says ‘it’s not of works. It’s not of works. It’s not of works.’”
Minutes 32:50– 34:34:
“Here’s a person who says ‘you know what? There’s nothing I can do to save myself by my works. What I will do – ‘cause I need to be saved – I’m in a predicament. What I will do is I will put my faith in Jesus Christ that He died for me.’
The moment you do that, your faith is counted for righteousness. You are forgiven, God gives you everlasting life. He’ll never lose you, He’ll never cast you out. Salvation is the gift of God. Remember what it said – it’s not of what? Works, lest any man should what? Boast.
So pride keeps people out of heaven. You might be here today. You might say ‘I can’t accept that. I can’t accept that.’ You know why? Because your pride is getting in the way. You don’t understand, dear friend, that your sin has you separated from God, and you stand before Him guilty and condemned. You are condemned before God. Your good works will not save you, ‘cause you’ve got to be sinless, and you can’t be by your works.
This is why Jesus came – was to die FOR you. And He paid for your sin and He offers you salvation, it says, as a gift when you trust Christ.
Trusting Him. What does that mean? When you put your faith in Christ, what you’re saying is ‘I understand I am guilty and lost and cannot save myself. And I’m putting my trust in the One who can – the Lord Jesus Christ.’
And when you put your faith in Him, He gives you, as a free gift, everlasting life. It says He’ll never lose you, He’ll never cast you out.
‘No, I can’t accept that. I think I also have to…’ You know what that is? That’s pride. We do not as people, many times, see the seriousness, and the heinous nature of our sinfulness. God does. And it has to be taken care of. And He’s the only one who can.”
EXCELLENT point, John. The more subtle the LS, the more damage it can do because it is stealthy and missed by many.
Holly, you said: “…a little compromise always seems to lead into more, not less.”
One of the ways that more subtle forms of Lordship “salvation become accepted is through giving it too narrow a definition.
Consider the following quote, from Dr. Manfred Kober:
“Several days ago my wife and I were discussing the matter of Lordship salvation. Our eleven-year-old daughter, Christa, overheard us and asked, ‘Daddy, what is Lordship salvation?’ I replied that it is the view that believing in Christ as Savior is not enough. A person also needs to let Christ control every thought and action to be truly saved.”
That definition of Lordship “salvation” is WAY too narrow, in my view. A better alternative might be:
“Lordship salvation is the view that believing in Christ as Savior is not enough.” PERIOD!
It is LS If a person thinks he needs to let Christ control ANY thought and action to be truly saved. God does not honor ANY filthy rag any more than EVERY filthy rag.
Fryingpan, it’s a shame to me too, but a little compromise always seems to lead into more, not less.
The last couple of conversations with the leadership there on FB has been met with no answer, but a lot of “they are sure” he is sound, and pleased with him, etc. They will be so happy to have him at their next conference. Totally glossed over what was said. Either FB had a glitch or my next comment was removed.
FryingPan,
Shredder.. Good move — but don’t be surprised if they keep you on the list — just to continue advertising and propagandizing you.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Fryingpan, the shredder sounds like a good call – that way no one else can pick it up and read it.
Well, not to be too easily branded a reactionary, but today I received my (presumably) last newsletter from The Berean Call. I guess they’d already had it sent out to me because I cancelled my subscription last week (or was it two weeks ago–no matter).
I was going to read it but after flipping through it I noticed Mark Cahill in it and his website. I logged onto it only to be reminded that I’d been there not long ago and saw all I needed to know about his terrible misunderstanding of “saving repentance” already lamented in this post and elsewhere on this blog.
Long story short, TBC having Cahill speak at their conference (year after year at this point) was enough for me. I put the newsletter in the shredder–literally. If someone told me 10 years ago I’d be doing that to a TBC newsletter at some point I’d be looking over their shoulder for flying pigs and monkeys. But then again, 10 years ago, to give a few examples, I didn’t know what LS was, that Spurgeon was a false teacher, and that Calvinism, even though I had read about it and rejected it, nevertheless, simply causes trouble wherever it is found. Without exception. At least that’s been my experience. At least for those of us not on autopilot . . .
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
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.
To all,
Feel free to check out the new posting on the ONE conference in Miami, FL this weekend.
https://expreacherman.com/2012/02/08/proceed-with-caution-one-conference-coming-to-miami/
Jimmy,
The article from Keathley looks solid. I’ll “favorite” it for later study.
Thanks.
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.
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:-)
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
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.
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.
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.
Thanks Jim!
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.
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.
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
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 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
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
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.
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.
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?
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?
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
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.
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
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
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?
Mark Cahill is one of the speakers at the upcoming The Berean Call Conference:
Google: “TBC Conference – August 10-11, 2012”
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, 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.
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, 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.”
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.”
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!
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.
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
For a complete analysis of the book “Crazy Love,” coming from a Free Grace perspective, see:
Click to access BookReview%20ofCrazyLove.pdf