JOHN MACARTHUR'S DUBIOUS LEGACY

 John MacArthur, Reformed Expositor with Tainted Legacy, Has Died

John MacArthur has been dubbed "the world's premier expository preacher"  by his own organisation.1 Although he was highly revered within his own echo chamber, he was not so revered outside his collection of sycophants. MacArthur's serious theological issues and his obdurate refusal to apologize or ever admit any wrongdoing or error were extremely concerning. There are undoubtedly former members, and in all likelihood current members of GTY, who have been damaged, particularly by MacArthur's attitude towards women and children and his mishandling of abuse cases. 

MacArthur has been accused of repeatedly shaming or ignoring abuse survivors and enabling abusers, leaving vulnerable women and children without support and at risk. In 2003, Hohn Cho, a lawyer and former elder at GCC, accused the church of "awful patterns" of siding with abusers and endangering victims.2  GCC's wall of silence on past and current abuse allegations is deafening!

In 2001, Eileen Gray turned to the elders of GCC for support, in a desperate attempt to protect her children from her husband, David Gray, a teacher at the church, who was physically and emotionally abusing them. Later, it emerged that he was also sexually abusing them. When Eileen refused to submit to their "advice" to return to her marriage and remove a restraining order, they wrote formal letters accusing her of ruining her family. GCC: “We strongly believe that it is time for you to remove the restraining order and return to end the separation from your husband,” they warned. “There are no longer sufficient reasons for the two of you to stay apart. We therefore are requesting that you forgive David, allow him to move back home, and once again follow his leadership as the Scripture teaches.” GCC followed up with further letters instructing her to "repent" for her failure to submit to their demands. On August 18, 2002, MacArthur announced publicly to the entire congregation of 8,000 that Eileen Gray had violated Matthew 18, that she refused to repent of her wickedness, that she was being subjected to church discipline, and that the entire church ought to essentially shun her and treat her like an unbeliever. Just four years later, in 2005, David Gray was convicted on multiple counts of sexual and physical abuse of children. He is currently serving 21 years to life for his crimes.3  Incredibly, MacArthur subsequently endorsed David Gray's "prison ministry".

Earlier this month, former member Lorraine Zielinski sued GCC for maliciously sharing and misrepresenting confidential information relating to her marriage. Zielinski advised GCC counselors she was afraid for her safety and also the safety of her daughter, alleging that her then-husband was physically abusive. However, the counselors advised her to drop her request for a legal separation. When Zeilinski attempted to resign as a church member, pastors put her under church discipline for failing to follow their counsel. They also allegedly told her to either come to a meeting with church pastors, and threatened that if she refused, confidential details of her counseling would be made public to the congregation.4 These are not good people on any level! (Matthew 7:20).

MacArthur's theology was a kind of pick and mix position between Calvinism and dispensational pretrib rapture eschatology, both of which are extremely problematic. 

MacArthur's patriarchal views went far beyond the scriptural mandate not to appoint women pastors. (1 Timothy 2:12). According to MacArthur, women shouldn't teach or publicly discuss theological issues at all! 5 Similarly, his stand against charismatic NAR false prophets and teachers was tainted by cessationism and a complete denial of any gifts of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 4:6).

One of the most shocking episodes was MacArthur's claim that believers can take the mark of the beast during the "seven-year tribulation"* and be saved. There is a powerful warning in scripture not to take the mark of the beast, but MacArthur simply doubled down when he was challenged.6

And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”(Revelation 14:9-11).

MacArthur's denial of the blood of Christ was another example of his aberrant understanding of the scriptures. MacArthur's commentary on the Book of Hebrews, published in 1983 by Moody Press: "It is possible to become morbid about Christ's sacrificial death and preoccupied with His suffering and shedding of blood. It is especially possible to become unbiblically preoccupied with the physical aspects of His death. It was not Jesus' physical blood that saves us, but His dying on our behalf, which is symbolized by the shedding of His physical blood.." (emphasis mine)7

Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. (Romans 5:9).

..according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. (1 Peter 1:2).

..and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood. (Revelation 1:5).

MacArthurs Masonic Connections

MacArthur never repudiated his family connection to Freemasonry; in fact, on one occasion, in 2009, he even boasted about it. During a sermon on the parable of the four soils (Mark 4:1-20), MacArthur spoke of his ministry as the “explosion of spiritual fruit and the harvest” of the ministry of his great-grandfather, Rev. Thomas Fraser Fullerton, who was the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of PEI.8 

“The good news is, when the soil is prepared by God, there’s going to be an explosion of spiritual fruit and the harvest will go on and on and on and on and on. A nice young man in our church was recently in Prince Edward Island and I had said in the church service that my great-grandfather was a pastor of St. James Kirk Presbyterian Kirk in Prince Edward Island back in the 1800’s. So when he was up there, he started digging around and found all kinds of things about my great-grandfather. Thomas Fullerton was his name and he was pastor there at the main church in Charlottetown for about twenty-eight years. He was a chaplain in the Canadian Military and he went to the Boer War in South Africa and fought and did ministry among the troops. And you look back and that and you say, ‘Okay, there’s a...his father was also a pastor who had been in Scotland and then gone to Australia and come there and at some point the Lord plowed the heart of that family and it just kept going and it just kept going and it kept going and it came down through my...from my great-grandfather to my grandmother, his daughter, and then through her to my father and then through me and this is the explosion and we’re all in this process somewhere. All of our lives intersect and that’s the...that’s the good news in the story and the disciples needed to hear that because it all basically looked like it wasn’t going anywhere.” (A Diagnosis of the Soils)

Those currently paying tribute to MacArthur desperately need a reality check; we should question their motives and/or their discernment. (1 John 4:1).  

1. The Expositor | The MacArthur Center for Expository Preaching
2. Grace Community Church Rejected Elder’s Calls to ‘Do Justice’ in Abuse Case - Christianity Today
3. Navigating Grace & Truth: Addressing John MacArthur’s Legacy.
4. Former Member Sues John MacArthur’s Megachurch for Public Shaming
5. MacArthur Says Not to Speak at Events With Women, Even Though He Has
6. (272) John MacArthur Shock Claim: Take the mark of the beast and go to heaven! - YouTube
7. (272) "We are not saved by Jesus' blood!" Reaction to John MacArthur #bibleline #jmac #salvation - YouTube
8. John MacArthur’s Masonic Heritage – The Watchman Wakes

* WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: THE SEVEN YEAR TRIBULATION FALLACY

ACBC removes Grace Community Church pastor from approved list | Church & Ministries

ONE CHURCH LEICESTER SPIRITUAL MANIPULATION AND STRANGE FIRE

Deep (A Message For The House) // One Church Podcast, 7th July 2025 | Podcasts

This podcast was a typical NAR-style motivational speech laced with false teaching.  

David Hind's appeal for people to support to One Church, no matter what, is very dangerous and is typical of false teachers. Hind asks people to give their all, their time, their finances, and their energy, not to God, but to the so-called "vision" of One Church! Hind's failed "imminent revival" prophecy of 2022 is clear evidence that he is a false prophet. 

* David Hind (1st May 2022): "This is a fulfillment season, an outbreak season."1 

Hind: "A prophetic word recently to us said this 'there will be times in the coming move of God when relatively unknown people will get up and preach and the fire of God is going to fall and the power of God will break out miracles and people will say 'who is that person'.. We are called to deep expectation. Jonathan (Conrathe) said recently.. 'One Church will see waves of salvation, waves of conviction, waves of miracles, waves of prodigals..' and we are expectant." The hallmark of many false teachers is hype and expectations rooted in the flesh. The Christian hope or expectation is based on the cross, not in signs and miracles. (Luke 11:29). ..waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.. (Titus 2:13 cf. 2 Peter 3:12-13; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2-3).

When believers are persuaded that the "vision" of a church leader is the same as following the will of God for their lives, it is a huge red flag and opens up potential for spiritual abuse. This typically involves pleas for extreme sacrificial giving. Phrases like "He is always worth your best", "We get one life, please play your part", "deep obedience", and "deep expectation" are spiritual manipulation tactics based on guilt. Hard lessons have been learned from the fall of IHOP, Daystar, Hillsong, Shawn (smartphone) Bolz, Benny Hinn, Todd White, Gateway Church (Robert Morris), etc. Many lives are in ruins because of false teachers who demanded that their followers "give their all" to their particular "prophetic" vision.  

The careless way Hind handles the scriptures is a clear indication of where he stands spiritually. Words are cheap; it is easy to say "We love God". However, Jesus says: If you love me, obey my commandments. (John 14:15 cf. John 15:10; Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46;1 John 2:2-3,1 John 3:22-24; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6).

You shall be careful therefore to do as the LORD your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. (Deuteronomy 5:32 cf. Deuteronomy 28:14; Joshua 1:7; Proverbs 4:27; 2 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 30:21).

The Israelites' idolatry and carelessness are examples for the church. (1 Corinthians 10:1-6). But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. (Jeremiah 7:4 cf. Isaiah 65:2; Ezekiel 20:8; Hosea 4:16, etc.). Similarly, many church leaders are careless about how they interpret the scriptures; they do not rightly divide the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15).

Go deeper.. breathe in the Spirit!

If a believer sincerely wants to "go deeper" with God, then they should ask! (Matthew 7:7 cf. Philippians 4:6; Ephesians 6:18). Hind: "Why don't we just pause right now and breathe Him in. Just take a breath, just breathe His presence in right now.."  When teachers add "breathing in God" to prayer and petition, they go beyond what is written and are entering into the dangerous territory of eastern mysticism and occult New Age practices. (1 Corinthians 4:6). This is the New Testament equivalent of offering "strange (unholy, unacceptable, unauthorized) fire" before the Lord and is contrary to His explicit Word. (Leviticus 10:1-2; Numbers 26:61). Believers receive the Holy Spirit by faith when they are converted. (Ephesians 1:13; Romans 10:25). Hind talks about "pressing forward", but these kinds of occult practices take believers away from the Lord. We might echo Jeremiah in saying these things are unbiblical; they take us backward and not forward.  

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-34).

Hind: "Our story as a church is a story of grace and miracles.."  The story of TLC/One Church since Hind's arrival in 2007 is a story of double standards and flouting God's word. Many things have happened that are against God's will, ranging from lottery funding, Hind's involvement in ecumenical Churches Together, the ungodly antics of Adam Simmonds, nepotism, 6 (666) Degrees Coffee House, tithing, egalitarianism, platforming NAR false teachers and prophets, and on and on.2 No God fearing church leader would dare to describe himself as an "apostolic leader of leaders". 

..having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2 Timothy 3:5 cf. Matthew 7:15; 1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Timothy 2:16,23; Ephesians 4:14).

Unity must be grounded in the truth..

Bible Hub: "Unity in truth, not in deceit, is a biblical mandate that calls believers to align themselves with the truth of God's Word while rejecting falsehood. This unity is characterized by a shared commitment to the Gospel, a rejection of deceitful teachings, and a love that binds the community of faith together. Through this, the church reflects the unity and truth of the Triune God, serving as a witness to the world."3 

Mark and avoid false teachers..

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. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Romans 16:17-18).

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: ONE CHURCH LEICESTER (FORMERLY TRINITY LIFE CHURCH): DAVID AND SUSAN HIND NARCIGESIS
2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Trinity Life Church Leicester
3. Topical Bible: Unity in Truth, Not in Deceit

The Dangers of Contemplative Prayer – Berean Research

Is The New Apostolic Reformation Counterfeit Christianity? #newapostolicreformation #bethelchurch

MIKE WINGER: THE FOLLY OF SEEKING TO RESTORE FALSE PROPHETS TO MINISTRY

(17) Bethel Insider Asks Accountability For False Prophet: Will Bethel Respond? - YouTube

I watched all three hours of this video. The comprehensive exposure of Shawn (Smartphone) Bolz and the monumental cover-up by Chris Vallotton, Bill Johnson, and other Bethel leaders was informative but unsurprising.

Where I came unstuck with Winger's video was the protracted personal appeals of Elijah Stephens to Bolz and Bethel leaders to take accountability and to reform their ministries. 

See the time stamps below.

1:54:42 Part 7. Taking Accountability 

2:06:55 Part 8. Elijah's Message to Bill Johnson 

2:21:07 THIRTY DAY DEADLINE for Bethel 

2:30:09 Part 9. Elijah's Message to Kris Vallotton 

2:56:26 Part 10. Elijah's Message to Shawn Bolz 

3:00:40 Part 11. Exposing Sexual Predators and Frauds in the Renewal Movement 

3:09:27 Elijah's Final Appeal

Winger: "This video is made to help stir up positive change in the movement."  Doesn't Winger know that Bolz and Bethel are utterly disqualified? I feel that Stephen's perception of these NAR false teachers and his hope that they will change is unrealistic and extremely naive. Even if they do repent, they should never assume the role of teachers or leaders within the body of Christ. 

Why is an appeal for change unbiblical?  

People have been calling out the leadership of Bethel Church for many years, and yet they have continued in their folly. ..while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13). Bethel is known for engaging in heretical New Age teaching, false prophecies, alleged angel feathers, gold dust, glory clouds, grave sucking and all kinds of abominations. Similarly, Bolz has been engaged in data mining and false prophecy for years and has done inestimable damage to those he has deceived.

A question for Mike Winger: At what point do we reject false teachers/prophets? 

Winger's weak approach is unacceptable, unbiblical, and shows little regard for the sheep. The scriptures do not recognize false teachers/prophets as true believers and commands authentic Christians to mark and avoid them. 

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. (Titus 3:10-11).

If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17).

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6)

But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. (1 Corinthians 5:11).

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. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Romans 16:17-18).

If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. / Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds. (2 John 1:10-11).

..having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these! (2 Timothy 3:5).

Anthony Wade (The Scattered Sheep Podcast) makes some excellent points and challenges the inadequate response of Winger and 'The Minor Prophets': Stop Trying to Salvage Charismania - Examining Videos from Mike Winger & The Minor Prophets

LARRY WESSELS (CANSWERSTV) RABID CALVINISM VS CROOKED TV EVANGELISTS

Why People Don't Want What the Bible Says But Prefer Money Grubbing TV Evangelists Who Lie Instead.

This video appears to consist of excerpts from a 2009 debate between Steve McCalip and Larry Wessels in which Wessels' views are shown exclusively.1 A debate is a discussion in which opposing arguments are put forward. I have never watched a "debate" where we do not get to hear the opposing arguments!

Pitting Calvinism against TV evangelists is something of a misnomer. Many Christians who reject Calvinism, including myself, also reject the ministries of Billy Graham, CS Lewis, and the ecumenical NAR Word-faith TV evangelists. Given the plethora of false teachings circulating within various denominations, it may seem right to run to Calvinism as a place of safety. However, to put one's faith into the teachings of John Calvin is to lunge from one false teaching to another. The "true gospel" minus the distortions of Calvinism can only be found in the scriptures. (2 Timothy 3:16). 

Wessels: "Did Jesus die for everybody who ever lived?" (in contrast to "limited atonement")

..even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (ἀντὶ πολλῶν).” (Matthew 20:28 cf. Matthew 26:28; John 10:15; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 John 2:2; 2 Cornithians 5:14-15, Hebrews 2:9).  

Meyer: "ΠΟΛΛῶΝ] The vicarious death of Jesus may be described as having taken place for all (Romans 5:18; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 John 2:2), or for many (so also Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:28), according as we regard it as an objective fact (that fact being: Jesus has given His life a ransom for all men), or look at it in relation to the subjective appropriation of its results on the part of individuals (which happens only in the case of believers). So in the present case, where, accordingly, πολλῶν is to be understood as meaning all who believe now and will believe hereafter. (John 17:20)."2 

Wessels: "Due to their carnal pride, men naturally object to God's power and sovereignty.. especially in the area of salvation.. and (they) try to say that God loves everybody equally and God wants everybody to be saved."

Many Old Testament passages teach that God hates sinners or evil and wicked people. (e.g. Leviticus 20:23; Psalm 11:5; 26:5; Proverbs 6:16-19; 16:5; Hosea 9:10-15 and Malachi 1:2-3.) Nevertheless, God rescued the wicked city of Nineveh when the people repented. (Jonah 3:6-10). The New Testament asserts that God loves the world and that Jesus died for the sins of the world. (e.g. John 3:16; Romans 5:8;1 John 4:16; 1 John 4:10). The denial that repentance and faith are the key factors that take sinners from the status of God's enemies to his beloved children is perverse. There are many examples in the scriptures where repentance and faith are required as a condition of salvation. (Romans 5:10).

   

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.. (1 Timothy 2:1-6).

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9).

Wessels: "It is the sinner, not God, who secures salvation...God offers everyone a chance as if he owed it to everyone or anyone, leaving the sinner the work of saving himself by 'accepting Christ'. From this theory, God does not save anyone in particular, just anyone who will have Him. ..This would then make God a respecter of persons, choosing people to be saved based on their own efforts to attain salvation..  Does God choose people to be saved on their own efforts.. 

The idea that repentance and faith are works is often touted by Calvinists. However, the scriptures are unequivocal: God commands all people everywhere to repent. (Acts 17:30). The New Testament affirms that we are saved by grace through faith.. not by works. (Ephesians 2:8-9). Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin. Salvation involves deep conviction and revulsion of sin and requires faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 4:5 debunks the false assumption that faith is a work: And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.

The argument that "God is a respecter of persons" because He accepts repentant sinners is totally perverse and wicked. God gives everyone the opportunity to repent, taking no account of status or anything else. The saying, "God is no man's debtor" is based on Romans 11:35. God is sovereign and self-sufficient. He does not rely on humanity for anything, and he has no obligation to save us. Salvation is based on God's grace and unmerited favour. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16). Because of His love, God has reached out to humanity with the gospel. Nevertheless, He requires a response. For some twisted reason, Calvinists equate human response to the gospel with works. But that view goes against the scriptures. (Acts 3:19,20:21,26:20; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Mark 1:15; Revelation 9:21; Luke 5:32,13:3, 24:47; Matthew 3:2 etc.)

Wessels: "If this theory is true, then John the Baptist must have 'accepted Christ' in the womb."

..for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. (Luke 1:15,41,44).

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are distributed according to God's will. (Hebrews 2:4). In other words, John did not make a conscious decision to leap in his mother's womb in recognition of Jesus as the Messiah; rather, the Holy Spirit came upon John in a specific way when Mary greeted Elizabeth. The pre-birth filling of John the Baptist is unparalleled, indicating John's pivotal role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ. (Malachi 4:5-6; Isaiah 40:3). The Holy Spirit subsequently filled Elizabeth and Mary, both of whom prophesied. We should understand that the conception, birth, and life of John the Baptist was anything but normative. John's recognition of Jesus came by divine revelation when he was baptizing: Then John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and resting on Him. I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” John 1:32-34).

Wessel's insistence that God's offer of salvation to all/everyone does not mean all/everyone (contingent upon repentance and faith) is profoundly dishonoring to God and, in my view, is a blasphemous misuse of His name! (Exodus 20:7).

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:16-21).

1. McCalip/Wessels Debate on Calvinism's Limited Atonement Part 1 of 24
2. Matthew 20:28 Commentaries: just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."