Wednesday, 24 April 2024

MARK DRISCOLL: DOES THE JEZEBEL SPIRIT EXIST?

The recent histrionics enacted by Mark Driscoll at the Stronger Men's Conference at Assemblies of God NAR James River "Church" are, in my view, a publicity stunt staged to propel him into the spotlight. Driscoll's attention-seeking has had the desired effect, and many people are talking about his altercation with "pastor" John Lindell online. I will not expand on the altercation here except to say that yet another NAR "church" has been exposed as worldly and totally out of step with biblical Christianity. Driscoll's book "New Days, Old Demons" has recently been released and he has also released a number of YouTube videos on the subject of the so-called "Jezebel spirit". 

Driscoll formed Trinity Church in Scottsdale, Arizona in 2016 two years after suddenly departing Mars Hill Church, leaving a trail of accusations and spiritual damage in his wake. He has now ditched Calvinism in support of the NAR and has labelled the five points of Calvinism "garbage".1 While Driscoll's assessment of Calvinism is not wrong, his teaching on the "Jezebel spirit" can equally be described as garbage. More accurately it is dangerous garbage!

The Jezebel Spirit

In an X post with a link to a sermon, Driscoll asks, “What is the Jezebel spirit, and how is she destroying the American church? Today we pull back the veil on the demonic."2 

Driscoll: “The Jezebel spirit is not a synonym for ‘tramp,’ and it's got nothing to do with racism. The Jezebel spirit is a demon that has worked through men and women for centuries, from Queen Jezebel in 1st Kings to Jesus's rebuke of the church in Thyatira in Revelation 2,” he wrote on X. "This demon seeks to control and dominate, most often through seductive women but oftentimes through overbearing, domineering men. I literally wrote the book on this. I want to give it away absolutely free. I get nothing out of it, I just want men and women to learn more about the spiritual war behind the war we see."3

As far as I am aware, biblical scholars have never entertained the possibility of a "Jezebel spirit". Once again, Mickey Mouse NAR pastors seem to be the only ones eisegeting Revelation 2:20. This interpretation is rife within charismatic NAR "demon slayer" circles e.g. Kathryn Krick, Bill Johnson, Isaiah Salvidar, Vlad Savchuck etc. The "Jezebel spirit" is often associated with manipulation, control, and division. Anyone daring to question church leadership or exercising critical thinking is at risk of being slurred with this label. (1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11). Blame-shifting often coincides with gaslighting and other forms of abuse. Psychology Today: "A blame-shift is meant to absolve the abuser of responsibility but it also effectively makes the target feel guilty or shamed."4 This is precisely what is taking place within the NAR and is not a new stratagem of the enemy. (1 Corinthians 2:11). The prophet Elijah was labelled "troubler of Israel". (1 Kings 18:17). NAR leaders infiltrate the true church with idolatry, manipulation and control, claiming to be apostles and prophets and generally causing havoc. Paradoxically NAR leaders themselves are the very epitome of Jezebel!

The scriptures do not describe a "spirit of Jezebel" Rather Jezebel is a byword and a symbol of all the wicked things she represents. Jezebel was a Phoenician princess, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians whose family was devoted to the worship of Baal and Astarte. Israel's King Ahab, married Jezebel despite the Lord's explicit command not to intermarry with the Canaanites. (Deuteronomy 7:1-4).

However, Ahab son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him. (1 Kings 16:30-33).

Jezebel killed the prophets of the Lord (1 Kings 18:4,13); she established 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah (1 Kings 18:19); she threatened the life of Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-2); she contrived the murder of Naboth and illicitly obtained his vineyard for Ahab (1 Kings 21:1-16); she incited Ahab (1 Kings 21:25); she is described as a whore and a sorcerer (2 Kings 9:22); she is idolatrous, sexually immoral and unrepentant. (Revelation 2:20-21).

Jezebel is alluded to in the Book of Revelation:

But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. (Revelation 2:20-21).

Revelation 2:20 does not identify "that woman Jezebel" as a spirit. Evil spirits are specifically identified. e.g. the spirit of Antichrist.(1 John 4:3); the spirit of error (τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πλάνης. (1 John 4:6); deceitful spirits (πνεύμασι πλάνοις) and teachings of demons. i.e. evil spirits animating false teachers.5 (1 Timothy 4:1); a spirit of divination (πνεῦμα Πύθωνα) a Python. (Acts 16:16); impure spirits/demonic spirits. (Revelation 16:13-14); various instances of unclean spirits. ( Mark 1:27); deaf and mute spirit. (Mark 9:25). 

ATS Bible Dictionary: "Her name has become a proverb, and is given by John, probably as a descriptive epithet, to a certain female at Thyatira in his day holding a like bad preeminence in station and profligacy, in malice and in ruin, Luke 20:18 Revelation 2:10"." 6

Easton's Bible Dictionary: "Her name afterwards came to be used as the synonym for a wicked woman (Revelation 2:20)."6 

Driscoll also refers to the "spirit of Ahab" and the "spirit of Elijah". Elijah is juxtaposed with Jezebel in the text of 1 and 2 Kings. There is no evidence of a "spirit of Elijah" in the scriptures. Malachi 4:5-6 warns about judgement and the appearance of Elijah before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Jesus identified John the Baptist as Elijah. (Matthew 11:13-14). The appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus at His transfiguration is a significant event in the New Testament. (Matthew 17:1-3). It is further speculated that Elijah will be one of the two witnesses in Revelation 11:3-12. Believers have been given the Holy Spirit and have no business calling upon any other spirit. 
 
I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. (1 Corinthians 4:6).

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15).

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (Romans 16:17).

1. I know this happened ages ago but Driscoll thinks Calvinism is "garbage" : r/exReformed (reddit.com)
2. Pastor John Lindell Apologizes for Inviting Driscoll & Sword-Swallower to Stronger Men's Conference (julieroys.com)
3. Mark Driscoll slams Jezebel spirit at Stronger Men's Conference | Church & Ministries News (christianpost.com)
4. 5 Kinds of Blame-Shifting, and Why They Work | Psychology Today
5. 1 Timothy 4 Vincent's Word Studies (biblehub.com)
6. Topical Bible: Jezebel (biblehub.com)
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Saturday, 20 April 2024

JOHN PIPER: EPHESIANS 2:8 THE DAMAGING CONSEQUENCES OF CALVINISM

What Do I Do If I've Tried to Believe In Jesus but Can't? (youtube.com)

The question addressed to John Piper: "I have concluded that I don't have saving faith. I have tried to believe in Jesus for two years, but I can't. I fear I am beyond saving. What can I do?" 

John Piper: "It may be that the Lord has withheld from you the kind of faith you are looking for in order to make you feel absolutely desperate.. We cannot produce faith. If we have genuine faith it is a gift.."  

Undoubtedly, faith plays a central role in salvation, but whether it is directly given by God or arises from hearing and responding to His Word is a matter of interpretation. Those who teach that faith is a gift misapply the phrase "and this is not your from yourselves" (Ephesians 2:8). The consensus amongst Greek scholars is that the phrase "and this is not from yourselves" refers to salvation itself, not faith. For an in-depth study of the Greek see the link at the end.

The definition of faith is to have complete trust or confidence in something. Biblically, faith needs to be applied in order to receive salvation. The scriptures never define faith as a work i.e. something we do in order to earn salvation. The scriptures make a clear distinction between faith and works. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:28,4:2-5; Galatians 3:10-11; Philippians 3:9). The scriptures explicitly state that salvation is a gift from God that cannot be earned, rather salvation is received by faith. (John 3:16; Romans 5:15,6:23 cf. Galatians 2:16). The conundrum that Calvinism poses is that if faith is a work then our salvation would be earned, but that interpretation violates God's word. 

Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, (Romans 4:4-5).

It is by grace you have been saved! And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:5-9).

Piper's irresponsible response in defining saving faith as something God can withhold is false and effectively erects a barrier between God and the enquirer. The right response would be to give hope and assurance to the enquirer by clarifying that the invitation to believe is open to everyone. (Matthew 11:28). The damage that Calvinism does to those outside and inside the church is inestimable.

Pulpit Commentary: "Verse 8. - For by grace have ye been saved, through faith. He repeats what he had said parenthetically (ver. 5), in order to open the subject up more fully. On the part of God, salvation is by grace; on the part of man, it is through faith.. The apostle is so anxious to bring out the great distinguishing doctrine of grace that he puts it in all lights, affirms it positively, contrasts it with its opposite, and emphasizes it by repetition. It is a gift, not a purchase; a free gift, without money and without price; what would never have been yours, but for the generosity of God. It is very usual in the New Testament thus to represent salvation; cf. our Lord's words to Nicodemus (John 3:16); to the woman of Samaria (John 4:14); St. Paul's "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15); "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23); and 1 John 5:11, "God gave unto us eternal life, and the life is in his Son." This usage confirms the view that it is not merely faith, but the whole work and person of Christ which faith receives, that is meant here as the "gift of God."1


1. Ephesians 2 Pulpit Commentary (biblehub.com)
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Thursday, 18 April 2024

BENNY HINN'S OPPOSITION TO MIKE WINGER

(303) The Victims of Benny Hinn: 30 Years of Spiritual Deception. - YouTube

Mike Winger is facing serious backlash following the release of his video exposing Benny Hinn's malpractice. 

Mike Winger: "Benny Hinn is actively trying to silence me and is abusing the copyright system.." The four-hour video above, although rather lengthy, is well worth watching to gain an understanding into Hinn's false ministry. 



Mike Winger: "This man is hurting people, leaving people destitute, abusing sick and ill people as props to bring glory to himself, and deceiving people, really bad stuff.. Benny Hinn is a very bad man." 

When I became a Christian a number of years ago, I joined the hyper-charismatic group of some neighbours who led me to the Lord. It was not until much later that I became aware of the many problems and dangers within the charismatic movement. During those early years, I was in turmoil and I struggled immensely. It was a very difficult time. However, I gradually began to put my entire trust in the Lord Himself rather than relying on various aberrant teachings allegedly from God. As a new Christian and knowing nothing about Christianity, I believed that I was the problem rather than the teachings, and that I needed some kind of deliverance or breakthrough to become free. This is a trap that many fall into and I encourage those who are struggling within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) to seek the Lord directly and to abide in His word. 

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32).

Benny Hinn visited Leicester UK in 2014 "care of" Trinity Life Church Leicester (Assemblies of God). I posted a warning at that time as well as other warnings about the teachings being promoted by Trinity Life Church (now ONE Church).1 TLC illegally removed two of my posts during 2014 which I subsequently republished. ONE Church is still going strong and very sadly they are continuing with their NAR involvement and false teachings. 

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Monday, 15 April 2024

SLAIN IN THE SPIRIT: THE CORRUPT LOGIC OF MICHAEL BROWN

Is Being ‘Slain in the Spirit’ Really from the Lord? (youtube.com)

Below: New Apostolic Reformation proponent Michael Brown's devious response to the question of whether the phenomenon of "slain in the Spirit" is from the Lord:   

Where is it spoken against in the bible?
Where does God warn against it?
Where does scripture say this is something we should avoid? 
We use the Word of God according to the Word of God, not according to your standard or mine, but according to the Word of God.
Does (slain in the Spirit) lead them to Jesus, does it lead them to the truth, does it lead them to the Word, does it lead them to holiness?

The answer to all the above questions is negative. The "slain in the Spirit" phenomenon is not found in the scriptures. Along with other alleged "signs," this phenomenon can only be found within charismania and it does not lead people to Jesus, truth, and holiness. 

Many have witnessed the antics, the fakery, and the abominations of false teachers like Todd Bentley, Benny Hinn, Bill Johnson, Mike Bickle, Todd White etc. Their teachings and lifestyles are disqualifying traits and a denial of the faith. (2 Timothy 3:8; Colossians 2:18). The scriptures instruct believers to mark and avoid those who teach things contrary to the scriptures. (Romans 16:17). Should we believe anecdotal evidence from Brown and other NAR leaders about this experience? Michael Brown has already demonstrated to the world that he is far too busy "fulfilling God's calling" and providing cover for his friends to care about believers! (Acts 20:21).1

Arguments from scriptural silence

Brown's assumption that whatever is not expressly forbidden in the scriptures is allowed is yet another one of his devious attempts to obscure the scriptures. To reject NAR false teachers and any phenomena associated with them is to practice spiritual discernment. Arguments from scriptural silence are by their very nature unsound. If we operate on the premise of scriptural silence, we are free to approve of any practice we care to devise. The result is that literally anything goes and all kinds of disorderly and corrupt conduct arises. (1 Corinthians 14:40; Colossians 2:5).

Several Old Testament passages demonstrate the folly of deviating from the scriptures: e.g. Nahab and Abihu and the strange fire incident (Leviticus 10:1). When David brought the ark from Kiriath-Jearim he said "If it seems good to you and from the LORD our God."  The specific instruction for transporting the ark given to Moses was that it was to be carried by the Levitical priests. (Exodus 25:10-15). However, David transported the ark on a cart, and when the oxen stumbled, Uziah put out his hand to take hold of the ark and the Lord's anger was kindled. (1 Chronicles 13:7-10). King David's willful act of taking a census was incited by Satan. (1 Chronicles 21:1-7). A census of the Israelites was to be taken only when God specifically commanded it to be done. (Numbers 1:1-2,4:2,26:2-4). God condemned the illicit high places erected by the people of Judah: And they have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, nor did it come into my mind. (Jeremiah 7:31).

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. (Acts 20:28-31 cf. Matthew 24:24)

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:16 cf. Exodus 23:13; 1 Corinthians 4:6).
    
Brown quoted the response of Puritan theologian and philosopher Jonathan Edwards to his critics during the "Great Awakening" in the 1730s and 1740s. Edwards: "We ought not to limit God where he hath not limited Himself."2  Brown's snapshot of Jonathan Edwards is misleading. Edwards did not class various manifestations (bodily effects) as distinguishing marks of the Holy Spirit one way or the other. Edwards was a very controversial character who eventually lost the confidence of his own congregation. Because false revivals are often accompanied by unusual phenomena not found in the scriptures, those leading them are unreliable witnesses. 

Wikipedia: "The movement met with opposition from conservative Congregationalist ministers. In 1741, Edwards published in the defense of revivals The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God, dealing particularly with the phenomena most criticized: the swoonings, outcries, and convulsions. These "bodily effects", he insisted, were not distinguishing marks of the work of the Spirit of God one way or another. So bitter was the feeling against the revival in some churches that in 1742 he felt moved to write a second apology, Thoughts on the Revival in New England, where his main argument concerned the great moral improvement of the country. In the same pamphlet he defends an appeal to the emotions and advocates preaching terror when necessary, even to children, who in God's sight 'are young vipers... if not Christ's.'"3  

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1).
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Saturday, 6 April 2024

JOEL RICHARDSON DISTORTING THE SCRIPTURES: THE DEATH OF THE ANTICHRIST?

Armageddon & the Death of the Antichrist BOOK OF REVELATION Session 70 (youtube.com)

Who is Gog?

This is my third post debunking Joel Richardson's false assertion that the Antichrist will be killed. No biblical evidence supports Richardson's repeated assertion that Gog and the Antichrist are the same individual. In fact, there are various contradictory speculations regarding Gog's identity and the timing of the Gog/Magog war of Ezekiel 38 and 39. The chart below, taken from Chris White's YouTube channel, demonstrates that the only commonality among speculators is that Ezekiel 38 and 39 is a future event.1 


Most speculators ignore the reference in Ezekiel 38 to a peaceful people dwelling securely. 

This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan. You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a tranquil people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates— (Ezekiel 38:10-11,14).

Armageddon - Mount Megiddo or Jerusalem? 

There are a number of reasons why Mount Megiddo is the location of Armageddon as against Jerusalem. The Armageddon/Jerusalem theory is relatively recent and was introduced by Michael Heiser whose eschatological teaching is unreliable. We should remember that the entire world will be subject to massive topological changes via the great earthquake during the seventh bowl of wrath. It is unlikely that the Antichrist will be in Jerusalem (the great city) during the seventh bowl judgement. Rather it makes more sense that the Antichrist and "the kings of the world" will flee the cities and will assemble at Mount Megiddo. (Revelation 16:14,16). I have done a deeper analysis of Heiser's view in a previous post. (See further links) 

The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings,c peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe. (Revelation 16:17-21 cf. Revelation 18:24).

The death of the Antichrist?

In hermeneutics, the basic rule is that the clear interprets the obscure i.e. clear passages take precedence over obscure ones. All Scripture presents one unified system of truth (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter1:20-21). As such, where there seems to be a contradiction or discrepancy we should seek to harmonize obscure passages with the clearer ones.

It is to Richardson's advantage that the Antichrist will be killed since he has widely taught the speculative Islamic Antichrist theory for years. Furthermore, he has written books on this subject with false teacher Walid Shoebat and others. The reference to the beast and the false prophet being thrown alive into the lake of fire is an explicit proof text. Unfortunately, Richardson's poor hermeneutic and eisegesis have taken precedence over the important principle of harmonizing obscure passages.

And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. (Revelation 19:20).  

And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, into which the beast and the false prophet had already been thrown. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:10).

The buriel of Gog in Israel presents a huge problem for those who claim he is the Antichrist. 

On that day I will give to Gog a place for burial in Israel, the Valley of the Travelers, east of the sea. It will block the travelers, for there Gog and all his multitude will be buried. It will be called the Valley of Hamon-gog. (Ezekiel 39:11).

Richardson's alleged proof texts

Habakkuk 3:13-14

You went out for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked, laying him bare from thigh to neck. Selah. You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors, who came like a whirlwind to scatter me, rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret. (Habakkuk 3:13-14 cf Psalm 68:21; Genesis 3:15)).  

But God will strike the heads of his enemies, the hairy crown of him who walks in his guilty ways. (Psalm 68:1).

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:15 cf. Hebrews 2:14). 

Habakkuk 3:13-14 is not a reference to the Antichrist, rather, "the head of the house of the wicked" refers to Satan, confirmed in Genesis 3:15: "crush the head".
    
Coffman: “Thou woundest the head” Who is the head “out of the house of the wicked,” if not Satan? Here is a prophetic renewal of the great promise of the Protoevangelium (Genesis 3:15) that the head of the evil one would be bruised.2  

Lange: "SCHMIEDER (on Hab 3:13): The picture might be still more comprehensive, if, in accordance with Dan. 2:31 ff., we conceive the entire succession of hostile empires as the image of one man or house, whose colossal size falls under the judgments of God, after its head is broken off."3  

Isaiah 11:4 and 2 Thessalonians 2:8

And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill (ἀνελεῖ) with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing (katargeo) by the appearance of his coming. (2 Thessalonians 2:8).

..but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill (mûwth) the wicked. (Isaiah 11:4 cf. ). Strongs: מוּת mûwth, mooth; a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively);4 

Examples of ἀναιρέω

Thayers Greek Lexicon: ἀναιρέω 1. to take up, to lift up (from the ground); middle to take up for myself as value, to own (an exposed infant): Acts 7:21; (so ἀναίρεσθαι, Aristophanes nub. 531; Epictetus diss. 1, 23, 7; (Plutarch, Anton. 36, 3; fortuna Romans 8; fratern. am. 18, etc.)). 2. to take away, abolish.5

..and when he was exposed, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted (ἀνείλατο) him and brought him up as her own son. (Acts 17:21).

then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away (ἀναιρεῖ) with the first in order to establish the second. (Hebrews 10:9).

Examples of καταργέω

Strongs: "καταργέω katargéō, kat-arg-eh'-o; from G2596 and G691; to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively:—abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void."6  

Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end (καταργουμένην), will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was being brought to an end (καταργούμενον) came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory. Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end (καταργεῖται) (2 Corinthians 3:7,11,13).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown: "..so Christ's mere approach is enough to consume Antichrist. The mere 'appearance of the coming' of the Lord of glory is sufficient to show to Antichrist his perfect nothingness. He is seized and 'cast alive into the take of fire' (Re 19:20)."7

Revelation Revolution: "In light of the way katageo is used in Romans 6:6, 1 Corinthians 6:13 and 2 Corinthians 3:14 I believe this word is perhaps better translated do away or remove in 2 Thessalonians 2:8. Similarly, considering the way in which anaireo is translated as take or took away in Acts 7:21 and Hebrews 10:9, I believe 2 Thessalonians 2:8 is more accurately or precisely translated: 'And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will take away with the breath of his mouth and take or do away with [and thus reduce to inactivity] by the splendor of his coming.' As stated above, katargeo means to make inactive or to reduce to inactivity." 8 

Is this the man? Isaiah 14 

Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms, who made the world like a desert and overthrew its cities, who did not let his prisoners go home?’ (Isaiah 14:16-17).

Richardson's claim that "the man" in Isaiah 14:16 refers to the Antichrist is unreliable. Isaiah 14:1-22 is a taunt against the king of Babylon (with allusions to Lucifer.) (Isaiah 14:3). But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. (Isaiah 14:9,11,15). The King of Babylon is compared with Lucifer, the Morning Star, whose pride and ambition led to his downfall from heaven. According to the Old Testament, Sheol/Hades is a temporary place where souls are kept as they await the final resurrection. The lake of fire Revelation 19:20 and 20:10,14-15, is the final hell, the place of eternal punishment, both for apostate angels and wicked human beings. (Matthew 25:41). The scriptures are unequivocal, the destination of the Antichrist (the beast) is the Lake of Fire, not Sheol. (Revelation 19:20).

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19).

It is critical to examine Richardson's track record before endorsing his views. I have written sixteen posts debunking his speculations and exposing his dubious associations with Paul Cain, Walid Shoebat and Dalton Thomas: WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Joel Richardson (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)  

1. A GOG MAGOG STUDY - Part 1 - Intro & Revelation 20:7-10 - Bible Prophecy Talk (youtube.com)
2. Habakkuk 3 - Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible - Bible Commentaries - StudyLight.org
3. Habakkuk 3 Lange Commentary on the Holy Scriptures (biblehub.com)
4. H4191 - mûṯ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv) (blueletterbible.org)
5. Thayer's Greek: 337. ἀναιρέω (anaireó) -- to take up, take away, make an end (biblehub.com)
6. G2673 - katargeō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (KJV)
7. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 Commentaries: Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; (biblehub.com)
8. https://www.revelationrevolution.org/

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Wednesday, 3 April 2024

LEIGHTON FLOWERS VS JAMES WHITE JOHN 6:44 UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION?

"Leighton Flowers VS James White: The John 6:44 Debate | Does John 6:44 Teach Unconditional Election?" 

Got Questions definition of unconditional election: "God, before the foundation of the world, chose to make certain individuals the objects of His unmerited favor or special grace. These individuals from every tribe, tongue and nation were chosen by God for adoption, not because of anything they would do but because of His sovereign will. God could have chosen to save all men (He certainly has the power and authority to do so), and He could have chosen to save no one (He is under no obligation to save anyone). He instead chose to save some and leave others to the consequences of their sin."1 

James White's theological debates include Calvinism, Roman Catholicism, Islam, Mormonism, infant baptism, the King James Only movement, Jehovah's Witnesses, and atheism. White has described Leighton Flowers as a "one-string banjo" referring to what he describes as his "obsessive" mission against Calvinism. Flowers attempted to make the debate more light-hearted by giving White a gift of a one-string banjo. However, at the end of the debate, White refused to accept it. White's "one string banjo" quip was doubtless thrown out as an insult, but Flowers apparent approval of other false doctrines is odd. For my part, I am unable to reconcile Flowers hyper-focused fight for truth in one aspect (Calvinism), and his apparent approval of error in another (ecumenism). (Acts 20:27). I was so troubled by this disconnect in 2018 that I have not paid him much attention since that time. 

Below is an excerpt from my previous post in 2018: 
  
"One would expect Flowers to have a bible verse on the 'Our Beliefs' page of his website, but his primary text is a quotation from AW Tozer! In fact there are many scripture references, but no actual bible quotations on this page at all.
I notice that Flowers also frequently quotes CS Lewis in his videos. Both CS Lewis and AW Tozer were ecumenists and closet mystics. As I look down the list of non-Calvinistic scholars Flowers lists as reading material, I am very troubled indeed. For example, he lists false teachers such as ecumenist Billy Graham, false deliverance teacher Derek Prince, ecumenist Greg Laurie, open theist and annihilationist Clark Pinnock, ecumenist Ravi Zacharias, ecumenist David Jeremiah.. I could go on.. and on... This tells me that Calvinism is not the only serious problem that needs to be addressed within the Southern Baptist denomination. The ecumenical movement is THE biggest threat to biblical Christianity in our time, and yet inexplicably, Flowers actively promotes ecumenical teachers and apostates on his website!"2 

The Debate

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— (John 6:37-45).

White: "Has the historical understanding of John chapter 6 since the Reformation.. is that a proper reading of the text?" This opening question was very telling in that it indicates that White's presuppositions are inhibited by his Calvinistic tradition.

White opened by emphasizing that there is no break or contradiction in verse 44 i.e. the group drawn by the Father is the same group that is raised up on the last day, namely the Jews who had been drawn by the Father via the prophets. Based on his understanding of John 6:44, White's view is that no distinction exists between the (passive recipients ?) being drawn by the Father, those being taught, those hearing and those learning in verse 45.   

Flowers opened by identifying God as the initiator and the hearers as the responders. His position is that the Jewish crowd in John 5:43 rejected God due to their own fault because they were unwilling. (31:00 mark) In contrast, White's presupposition from Calvin (originally Augustine) is that sinful people reject God by default. Flowers also quoted Calvinist John MacArthur: "Sinful man is pre-programmed by God to believe lies." Flowers appealed to various proof texts as evidence that the Jewish crowd was responsible for responding to Jesus.

I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. (John 5:43).
 
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, John 1:12 ..  cf. Ezekiel 18:32

For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ (Acts 28:27).

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! (Matthew 23:37 cf. Isaiah 30:15). 

Flowers: "Notice this hardened condition of Israel is not a universal default condition of all humanity from birth. It is a purposeful divine judicial judgement upon a rebellious people at a particular place in time to bring about Calvary through their rebellion.."  (Luke 19:41-42; John 12:39). This also explains why Jesus spoke in parables to the crowds. (Mark 4:34). Flowers also referred to Romans 11: ..as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.” (Romans 11:8). As a result of their rebellion, the Jews were ..ever seeing but never perceiving. (Mark 4:12). 

Flowers: "There is only one point of distinction.. why does God give certain people to the Son?" He continued.. "those who believed in the Father are given to the Son". Calvinism reverses the stated order given in the text i.e. regeneration precedes belief. From the Calvinist perspective draw = regeneration, whereas draw is given a different definition in the text.. i.e. those drawn are those who have heard and learned = those who have responded. 

Flowers position on John 6:44 ~ The Jewish crowd is not given to Christ because of their continued refusal to believe all that the Father has taught them (through Moses and the prophets).
White's position on John 6:44 ~  The Jewish crowd is unable to believe by default because they are not given to Christ.

Ex-Calvinist Bible Scholar Reviews James White Vs. Leighton Flowers Debate: John 6:44

The subsequent review of this debate by Biblical Studies expert Dr Joel Korytko, although rather technical, is significant. In it, he identifies various critical weaknesses in White's arguments. White's smoke and mirrors strategy i.e. his technical knowledge of Greek grammar was a tactic that ultimately backfired. It became apparent during Korytko's review that White's frequent references to Greek grammar were not only superfluous and misleading, but were even incorrect at times. Korytko asserted that White's detailed information about aorist present participles in John is not remotely related to the debate and was an unnecessary distraction. In addition, Korytko pointed out that John 6:44-45 does not give evidence of volition. 
 
The Old Testament background to John 6:45 - the Prophets  

It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me— (John 6:45).

Then all your sons will be taught by the LORD.. (Isaiah 54:13 cf. Joel 3:1-2; Jeremiah 31:4; John 2:20). Isaiah 54:13 is an eschatological prophecy referring to Israel's ultimate salvation in their post-conversion state. (Zechariah 12:10). John 6:45 omits "all your sons" and simultaneously refers to the eschatological prophecy as a present reality (inaugurated eschatology) via the new covenant. This verse presupposes the willingness of present believers, as well as the future inhabitants of the New Jerusalem, to be taught by the Lord. Biblia: "Essentially the same promise is given in Joel 3:1-2, and Jeremiah 31:34; and represented in 1 John 2:20 ('Ye have the anointing of the Holy One, and know all things') as already fulfilled."3 

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion. (Jeremiah 31:3 - Berean Standard Version).

The ESV does not convey the meaning of draw in Jeremiah 31:3. However, several other versions translate the equivalent of the NT word elkusō (draw) Hebrew mashak. Jeremiah 31 sets the stage for the new covenant and the ultimate regathering of Israel. Critically Jeremiah 31:3 powerfully illustrates that the sense of mashak/elkusō (draw) is to lovingly persuade. There is no indication of irresistible grace aka effectual calling in this verse. 

Bengel's Gnomen: The same word occurs in the Septuag., Song of Solomon 1:4, εἵλκυσάν σε, [Engl. Vers.] “Draw me, we will run after Thee;” Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee” [in Septuag. ch. 38:3, εἵλκυσά σε εἰς οἰκτείρημα]. 4  

pantes and pas

'And they will all (pantes) be taught by God.’ Everyone (pas) who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me— (John 6:45).

Flowers seemed to get rather flustered by White's use of pantes (all) and pas (everyone) (1:38 mark). Flowers has now modified his view and he accepts that all and everyone are in fact the same group. Few teachers are humble enough to publicly admit their errors, and we should give Flowers credit for his subsequent U-turn. Korytko effectively simplified this misunderstanding by appealing to the eschatological reality of John, i.e. everyone taught by God is the same group who have heard and learned from the Father and come to Jesus.           

heard and learned

Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me. (John 6:45).  

White's false assumption is that heard and learned are passive verbs i.e. those who have heard and learned are the passive recipients of the Father's instruction. In context, everyone is the subject of the sentence. Everyone actively performs the action of coming to Jesus after hearing and learning from the Father.

Other parts of the New Testament emphasize how we hear (active) indicating volition, or whether people have ears to hear. The formula "He who has ears to hear"  (Matthew 13:9; Mark 4:9 etc.) suggests more than ordinary powers of thought to comprehend.5  

Take care then how you hear (akouete), for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away. (Luke 8:18).

And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen (akouete) to him!” (Luke 9:35 cf. Luke 9:44; Deuteronomy 32:46-47; Proverbs 2:2-5).

For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them. (Matthew 13:15).

Thayers Greek Lexicon: "The Johannean phrase ἀκούειν παρά τοῦ Θεοῦ, or τί παρά Θεοῦ, signifies a. to perceive in the soul the inward communication of God: John 6:45."6 

Rightly handling the word of truth

White claims that taking verses 44 and 45 out of order in John 6 is inconsistent: "He (Flowers) begins at verse 45, assigns it a meaning, and then reads it back into the text, skipping over everything that comes previously". 

Korytko: "Verse 45 is the support for the previous statement.. this phrase is almost parallel to the previous one, they're supposed to interpret each other. Reading backwards is fine here because they are mutually interpreting each other.7  

White makes a similar argument regarding comparisons between John 6:44 and John 12:32.

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. (John 6:44).
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. (John 12:32).

White's hermeneutic of John is based on a rigid chronological verse-by-verse interpretation of the book in its historical context. While linear methodologies are useful in interpreting other passages of scripture, John has profound layers of meaning that simply do not lend themselves to this strategy. So when White claims that it is inconsistent to "jump six chapters into the future to a completely different context" from Jesus' Jewish audience in chapter 6 to all (Jews and  Greeks) in chapter 12, he ignores the circular nature of John's narrative and he misses the forest for the trees. (2 Timothy 2:15). Korytko: "In John, he is teaching a theology from the time of the present.. it is interacting with some of the things that Jesus said and also John's own spin on things."  (48:00 mark).

White's comparison with John 6:39-40 does not prove irresistible grace (TULIP) and is equally problematic regarding volition: And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. For it is My Father's will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”   
        
The main focus for Calvinists is the verb "draw" (helkó) = I drag, draw, pull, persuade, unsheathe.8 Clearly, no one can be saved unless the Father draws them, but as we have seen from the Old Testament background, White's view that believers are compelled to respond to God's drawing is to make the false assumption that helkó invariably means to irresistibly drag. White's removal of the necessity for a response eliminates free will and human cooperation. The other passage where helkó is used in a moral sense is in John 12:32, where all people are the object of the sentence. Since universalism is not an option, the context of helkó determines its meaning. 
 
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw (elkusō) all people to myself. (John 6:44).

Cambridge Bible: "There are two Greek words for ‘draw’ in the N.T., one of which necessarily implies violence, the other does not: it is the latter that is used here and in John 6:44; the former (suró) is used Acts 14:19; Acts 17:6. Man’s will is free; he can refuse to be drawn: and there is no violence; the attraction is moral. We see from John 6:44 that before the ‘lifting up’ it is the Father who draws men to the Son."9  

Ellicott: "The word 'draw' need not perplex us; and all the theories opposed to the width of divine love and influence, and to the freedom of human will and action, which have been built upon it, are at once seen to be without support, when we remember that the only other passage in the New Testament where it occurs in a moral sense is in the declaration: 'And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me'" (John 12:32).10 

“That this ‘drawing’ is not irresistible grace, is confessed even by Augustine himself, the great upholder of the doctrines of grace. ‘If a man is drawn, says an objector, he comes against his will. (We answer) if he comes unwillingly, he does not believe: if he does not believe, he does not come. For we do not run to Christ on our feet, but by faith; not with the movement of the body, but with the free will of the heart…Think not that thou are drawn against thy will; the mind can be drawn by love.’” (Alford)

f. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me: Those who have a revelation from God the Father will come to His Son and Perfect Representative. f. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me: Those who have a revelation from God the Father will come to His Son and Perfect Representative. To hear and learn from the Son is to hear and learn from the Father.   

Expositors Greek Testament: "But whether it is also true that everyone whom God teaches comes is not here stated; the καὶ μαθὼν introduces a doubtful element. [Wetstein quotes from Polybius διαφέρει τὸ μαθεῖν τοῦ μόνον ἀκοῦσαι.]"11 

Both Flowers and White agreed that drawing is the teaching, or as White put it, "communicating facts and data". Flowers added, "the gospel is the power of God unto salvation". I would not isolate teaching as the single element required for salvation. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.. (Ephesians 2:8).

Matthew Poole: "..unless it be illuminated and drawn by the Spirit of God. No soul is able of itself to discern spiritual things.."12   

One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. (Acts 16:14). 

I am not implying that Lydia was compelled to respond, as Calvinists assert, but without the Lord's direct intervention in opening Lydia's heart, she would not have been converted. 

The evidence summarized    

The circular style of the gospel John does not necessitate a rigid verse by verse interpretation: James White says We Can't Read Backwards (youtube.com)
Several New Testament passages talk about everyone responding to the gospel. 
The Greek grammar is not relevant to the debate: James White uses Greek (youtube.com)
helkó (draw) is not compulsive.
hearing and learning are not passive verbs in this context. James White Thinks Hearing and Learning are Passive (youtube.com)
John 6:44-45 does not demonstrate volition. 

2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: THE COMPROMISE OF LEIGHTON FLOWERS! SOTERIOLOGY 101 (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
3. Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 54:13 – Bible Commentary (biblia.work)
4. John 6 Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament (biblehub.com)
5. Matthew 11:15 Commentaries: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear. (biblehub.com)
6. Strong's Greek: 191. ἀκούω (akouó) -- to hear, listen (biblehub.com)
7. Ex-Calvinist Bible Scholar Reviews James White Vs. Leighton Flowers Debate: John 6:44 (youtube.com)
8. Strong's Greek: 1670. ἑλκύω (helkó) -- to drag (biblehub.com)
9. John 12 Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (biblehub.com)
10. John 6:44 Commentaries: "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. (biblehub.com)
11. John 6:45 Commentaries: "It is written in the prophets, 'AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me. (biblehub.com)
12. Jeremiah 31:3 Commentaries: The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness. (biblehub.com)

Further Links

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