CALVINISTS ROB ZINS AND LARRY WESSELS UTTER INCOMPETENCE (CANSWERSTV)

Unpopular Bible Doctrines #1: The Biblical God No One Wants To Know

In this follow-up post, I will expose some of the horrible beliefs of hardcore Calvinists Larry Wessels and Rob Zins that portray God as a monster. In my last post, I demonstrated that Zins' teaching regarding 2 Peter 3:8-9 is incompetent and misrepresents the scriptures. (1 John 4:1). Despite boasting of their thirty-four-year tenure hosting CAnswersTV as "biblical experts, in reality, they have yet to grasp the basics of Koine Greek, elementary hermeneutics and the importance of honest research. Zins proposed that 2 Peter 3:8-9 was addressed to "the reading community" to whom Peter was writing. In other words, Peter was telling the "reading community" that God was not willing for them to perish (ἀπόλλυμι). This is an absurd interpretation of the passage since ἀπόλλυμι implies permanent (absolute) destruction. Below is an excerpt from my previous post exposing Zins' mistranslation of the verb boúlomai as "a command that can be disobeyed".

"Note: Not willing that any should perish; rather, not wishing or desiring (μὴ βουλόμενος). Zins throws an unnecessary spanner into the works by suggesting that boúlomai could mean either 'God's eternal decree' or 'the will of God's command'. In the New Testament, 'entolé' refers to a commandment or directive, often of divine origin. Zins cites 1 Thessalonians 4:3 as an example of God's 'will of command' aka God's 'perceptive will'. For this is the will (θέλημα) of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; Note that Paul used the noun θέλημα in this verse, not the verb boúlomai. 'θέλημα  = will, desire, purpose.'9 The lexical interpretation of boúlomai is '..to plan with full resolve (determination). Strong's 1012 boulḗ – properly, a resolved plan, used particularly of the immutable aspect of God's plan – purposefully arranging all physical circumstances, which guarantees every scene of life works to His eternal purpose.10 The interpretation of boúlomai should be obvious to any competent bible teacher. (2 Timothy 2:15).. boúlomai refers to God's decretive will, i.e., it is not a command that can be disobeyed.."1 

The obvious qualification for bible teachers and debaters is that they have sound doctrine and are able to teach. (Titus 1:9; 1 Timothy 3:2,4:2-3). However, Calvinism (Reformed theology) is demonstrably a different gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:4). Limited atonement is a message of utter hopelessness to the majority of humanity. Calvinism twists the scriptures so that all/everone/any/the world/every creature does not actually mean what it says. Those who teach this wicked doctrine often have an appearance of superior wisdom, while in reality, they deny the universal application of the gospel itself. But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1). Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is an inclusive invitation directed towards all sinners in the world who are willing to repent and put their faith in Him. (1 Timothy 1:15).

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent (μετανοειτε) for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”(Matthew 4:17 cf. Mark 1:15; Luke 5:32). Jesus used the imperative; in other words, He commanded all to repent.

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.. (Acts 3:19).

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. (1 Timothy 2:3-4).

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).

Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? (Ezekiel 18:23).

For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live." (Ezekiel 18:32 cf. Job 36:9-12; Proverbs 1:23-33; Isaiah 1:19-20; Jeremiah 7:23-24; Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Ezekiel 18:30-32).

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).

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.. (Titus 2:11).

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).

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. (Revelation 22:17).

He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2).

Wessels' horrible theology

Wessels seems to relish his perverted doctrine of limited atonement: "God hates the wicked.. he abhors them..  but he has a love for some that he has put his mercy on..." (41:00 mark). The horror of Wessels' theology is that he teaches that God puts His mercy on very few people (the elect) arbitrarily, but that the vast majority of humanity cannot be saved because they are not granted repentance. In Calvinism, repentance is considered a "work". However, Romans 4:5 debunks this false assumption: And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness..

Wessels: "God sends evil spirits to men.."  

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In Calvinism, a reprobate is a sinner who is not of the elect and is predestined to damnation. Wessels fails to take the two examples of Saul and Ahab in context. These two kings became apostate by degree, their final condition being reprobation. 

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 is an eschatological passage concerning the day of the Lord. Note that Paul speaks of "the rebellion" and the appearance of "the man of lawlessness" (the Antichrist). The reason for their rejection could not be clearer; they "refused to love the truth and be saved.. they did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."  

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

False teachers like Zins and Wessels are unteachable. Their agenda is to press on regardless with their own perverted version of the scriptures in willful ignorance. (Proverbs 12:1,16:18). Those who claim to have superior knowledge while teaching gross error are, like the Pharisees, at severe risk of being abandoned to judicial hardening. (John 9:41).

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: MY RESPONSE TO HARDCORE CALVINISTS ROB ZINS & LARRY WESSELS

BLASPHEMER JIMMY EVANS: "JESUS WAS WRONG"

Jimmy Evans continues to lead naive believers astray as his dangerous fixation on radical "submission" to apostate leaders remains unchecked despite the negative publicity he received last year following the Daystar train wreck. Evans should have repented and stepped down following his disgraceful behavior including threats against Jonathan and Suzi Lamb when he claimed that Joni Lamb was "the voice of God at Daystar."1 Evans' latest blasphemy is that he calls into question the very character of Jesus Christ! According to Evans, Jesus was wrong as a twelve-year-old boy when he remained behind in Jerusalem after the feast and did not accompany Mary and Joseph on their journey home. Evans: "You won't get everything God has unless you are submitted to authority. I will give you the example, Jesus, He was wrong, the Son of God.. he was very sincere, but he was wrong."  

And the Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.
Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the Feast.
When those days were over and they were returning home, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but His parents were unaware He had stayed. Assuming He was in their company, they traveled on for a day before they began to look for Him among their relatives and friends.
When they could not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him. Finally, after three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers.
When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. “Child, why have You done this to us?” His mother asked. “Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”
“Why were you looking for Me?” He asked. “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” But they did not understand the statement He was making to them.
Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:40-52).

Evans didn't even manage to get the basic details of the narrative correct. 

Evans: "After several days, they notice he is not there." It was after only one day that Mary and Joseph noticed Jesus was not amongst their company.  

Evans: "There was not a day when Jesus was not subject to Mary and God the Father..." The passage says that He was obedient to them i.e. Mary and Joseph. 

A more accurate translation is "I had to be in my Father's house. (ἐν τοῖς τοῦ πατρός μον). These are the first recorded words of Jesus. Note: "I had to be (δεῖ) in my Father's house"  (δεῖ - it is necessary). This verse indicates that Jesus' primary objective was to do His Father's will, perhaps despite anticipated objections from Mary and Joseph?

At twelve years old, Jesus was on the cusp of the Jewish bar mitzvah. Bar mitzvah is Hebrew for "son of commandment”. Within Judaism, a new status is conferred upon boys reaching the age of 13. This milestone marks a significant transition from boyhood to the rights and obligations of a Jewish adult, including the commandments of the Torah.2 This milestone was particularly significant for Jesus at the time of this incident.  

And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. Jesus' obedience to His earthly parents until the appropriate time highlights His fulfillment of the Law, specifically the commandment to honor one's father and mother (Exodus 20:12). However, He put no special significance upon his earthly family during His ministry. (Luke 8:19-21).

According to Evans, God gave Mary special authority over Jesus' ministry. 

Evans: "God the Father co-parented Jesus with Mary. He disclosed something to Mary He didn't to Jesus.. At the wedding of Cana in Galilee, Jesus was thirty years old. He wasn't ready to go into the ministry. Mary told Him to make wine.. Jesus said 'woman what do I have to do with you.. get off my back, I'm a carpenter..' and Mary said, 'No honey, your ministry starts here today.'"

This reckless teaching exalts Mary beyond her actual role, with the obvious danger of leading people into Mariolatry. With such abysmal teaching being propagated by Evans and other false teachers, it is hardly surprising that many within the church are confused!

On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:1-5).

My hour has not yet come. The "hour" usually refers to the appointed time for Jesus' crucifixion and glorification, a theme that recurs throughout the Gospel of John (John 7:30,8:20,12:23). However, in this instance, and given the context, "my hour" appears to refer to Jesus' hour for being openly manifested as the Messiah. (cf. John 7:8). ὥρα (hour) refers to a definite space of time, a season, (b) an hour, (c) the particular time for anything.     

Gaebelein: "The words of rebuke to Mary clearly show that she erred and was as fallible as any other woman. The Lord rebuked her because He did not want her to interfere with Him and His work. 'She erred here, perhaps from an affectionate desire to bring honor to her Son, as she erred on other occasions. The words before us were meant to remind her that she must henceforth leave our Lord to choose His own times and modes of acting. The season of subjection to her and Joseph was over. The season of His public ministry had at length begun. In carrying on that ministry, she must not presume to suggest to Him. The utter contrariety of this verse to the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church about the Virgin Mary is too palpable to be explained away. She was not without error and sin, as Romish writers have dared to assert, and was not meant to be prayed to and adored. If our Lord would not allow His mother even to suggest to Him the working of a miracle, we may well suppose that all Roman Catholic prayers to the Virgin Mary, and especially prayers entreating her to ‘command her Son,’ are most offensive and blasphemous in His eyes.."3

Evans' previous track record and his attempt to sanctify the adulterous marriage of Joni Lamb, as well as his false teaching on remarriage, indicate that we are dealing with a wolf of the first order. Evans has influenced many naive believers to accept his blasphemous version of remarriage. 

Apart from the above disasters, Evans has awarded himself the grandiose but unbiblical title of "Apostolic Elder".4  Evans also peddles the false pretrib rapture and claims to be a "prophecy expert". He and fellow pretrib "prophecy expert" Mark Hitchcock have a close association and have authored a number of books together.5

Mark and avoid Jimmy Evans!

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. The Roys Report: Full Audio of Daystar Meeting
2. Bar Mitzvah: What It Is and How to Celebrate - A Jewish Boy's Coming of Age - Chabad.org
3. John 2 Gaebelein's Annotated Bible
4. Pastor Jimmy Evans Biography: Age, Net Worth, Family, Career and Achievements - PASTORS BIO
5. The Antichrist, Four Horsemen & Israel's Role in Tribulation | Jimmy Evans & Dr. Mark Hitchcock

7 Pretrib Problems and the Prewrath Rapture (Full Movie)

MY RESPONSE TO HARDCORE CALVINISTS ROB ZINS & LARRY WESSELS

Rob Zins & Larry Wessels of Christian Answers Are Accused of Being False Prophets For 2 Peter 3:8-9

In the above video, Rob Zins and Larry Wessels spend the best part of an hour and a half insulting me in their failed attempt to destroy my critique of their teaching on 2 Peter 3:9: "God Is Not Willing That Any Should Perish," Who Is God Talking About In 2 Peter 3:9? All Or Some?

My Response: WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: ROB ZINS' CALVINIST TAKE ON 2 PETER 3:9: "GOD IS NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH". 

Zins/Wessels' bizarre assumptions and scripture twisting

* Zins and Wessels attempt to justify themselves by pointing out that they have been producing videos together for thirty-four years. During this time, they claim they have taught "pretty much what the Bible says." This is a logical fallacy. Millions of views and 120 videos are meaningless if they do not teach the truth. Roman Catholics, Mormons, JW's, and many other false denominations have disseminated videos and written material over hundreds of years.. Does that make them right? 

* My brief description of Arminianism and Calvinism (Reformed Theology) was for the benefit of readers who are not familiar with the subject. I don't assume I have anything to teach Zins and Wessels about theological issues per se. My problem is with their distorted interpretation of the scriptures through a Calvinist lens.

* Wessels: "If Calvinism is not true, Jesus' mission failed because so few people are saved." (paraphrased) Jesus' mission did not fail! He knew very well that few would be saved. (Matthew 7:13-14).

Bible Hub:".. and only a few find it.. This phrase underscores the reality that not everyone will choose the path of righteousness. The use of 'few' indicates that true discipleship is rare and requires a conscious decision to follow Christ. This reflects the biblical theme of the remnant, a faithful minority who remain true to God amidst widespread unbelief (Romans 11:5). It also serves as a warning and a call to evangelism, urging believers to guide others toward the narrow way."1 

* Zins' claim that "Pelagian Armenian Evangelical and Roman Catholics" believe in Open Theism is incorrect. Zins: ".. does God know all things because He looks down and adds them to his knowledge base? It is a universal and consistent theme of Pelagian Armenian Evangelical and Roman Catholic theology that God arrives at knowledge." 

Catholic Encyclopedia: "Predestination (Latin præ, destinare), taken in its widest meaning, is every Divine decree by which God, owing to His infallible prescience of the future, has appointed and ordained from eternity all events occurring in time, especially those which directly proceed from, or at least are influenced by, man's free will. It includes all historical facts, as for instance the appearance of Napoleon or the foundation of the United States, and particularly the turning-points in the history of supernatural salvation, as the mission of Moses and the Prophets, or the election of Mary to the Divine Motherhood. Taken in this general sense, predestination clearly coincides with Divine Providence and with the government of the world, which do not fall within the scope of this article (see DIVINE PROVIDENCE)."2 

Catholic Answers: "God’s knowledge of our future follows necessarily from his perfection. If God didn’t know our future, then he would lack knowledge. But God can’t lack knowledge because he is absolutely perfect, the fullness of being itself (ipsum esse subsisten–subsistent being itself). Therefore, God must know the future.."3 

Again, I do not doubt Zins's knowledge and competence in refuting Roman Catholicism. However, his statement concerning RC foreknowledge contradicts their official doctrine i.e., "God has appointed and ordained all events occurring in time.." Open Theism was rejected by the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) around twenty years ago and they still officially hold that position.4 Open Theism was adopted by false "Apostle" C Peter Wagner and his view been accepted by many New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) leaders.5 The current status of Open Theism is that it is a minority position widely rejected by mainstream evangelicals. I bring this up, not because I think I have anything to teach Zins, but because he has demonstrably misrepresented both the RCC and mainstream Evangelicals. Again, I am not an apologist for the RCC, but to misrepresent an adversary in any debate is disingenuous. Rather than embarking on a rant against me for calling him out, Zins should have corrected this false statement. (Proverbs 12:17).

* While I have quoted Spurgeon occasionally, I do not endorse Calvinism, no matter who teaches it. I was never truly comfortable about quoting Calvinist or Lutheran sources, and I occasionally included a proviso. In fact, one of my readers challenged me about this some time ago. As a result, I no longer reference those who teach a mixture of truth and error. (1 John 4:6). 

* The false accusation that I have made ad hominem attacks against Zins and Wessels is unfounded. I submitted a critique of Zins' teaching and my horror of Calvinism. However, I did not launch a personal attack against either of these men. Unfortunately, they did not show me the same courtesy!

* I stand corrected. Zins said "regeneration precedes faith", whereas I quoted him as saying "regeneration precedes salvation". I have corrected this error in my original post. Nevertheless, the argument stands. For all the scriptures Zins quotes allegedly supporting the proposition that regeneration precedes faith, several scriptures suggest that faith precedes regeneration. (e.g. John 1:12, 3:15-16; Acts 2:38, 3:19, 21,11:18,16:31; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 1:21). 

* In 2000, I wrote a paper on Free Will and Determinism, in which I compared the conflicting views of Luther and Erasmus. I purchased Luther's The Bondage of the Will and Erasmus' Discourse in Free Will, and my research took some months to complete. I came to the conclusion: 'In His sovereignty, God created human beings with free will.' This may seem like a contradiction in terms, but I found that when I considered one view, there was an equally good argument from the other side. After wrestling with the problem for some time, I felt that the two rigid options, free will or determinism, fail to adequately answer the question, and that it is not an either/or choice. (Psalm 139:6). Tozer: "God sovereignly decreed that man should be free to exercise moral choice, and man from the beginning has fulfilled that decree by making his choice between good and evil." Calvin presents us with a cautionary example of a prideful man operating in the flesh who presumed that it was within his remit to impose his own (heavily influenced by Augustine) understanding onto the scriptures. The aftermath has resulted in grievous divisions within the Body of Christ that should never have arisen. The fact that Calvin was a despot who persecuted and even murdered his detractors reveals what spirit he was of.6  

* For Zins to state that I know nothing about Calvinism is defamatory. While I do not claim to be an expert, I have studied Calvinism in some depth, as demonstrated by my previous posts on the subject. I do not claim to have the same in-house knowledge as hardcore Calvinists Zins and Wessels, who have been entrenched in the heresy for many years. 

* Zins denies human autonomy and shifts the focus onto human responsibility. Once again, he regresses into a logical fallacy. How can human beings be held responsible if they do not have free will? In contrast, those who oppose Calvinism argue that people have a responsibility to believe and repent. Although humanity is in bondage to sin, people have the capacity to willingly admit that they are in bondage to sin and in need of God's help. This is facilitated by God's revelation through the law (a tutor) and the appeal of the gospel (grace).    

* But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing (βουλόμενος) that any should perish (ἀπολέσθαι), but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. (2 Peter 3:8-10).

He is patient toward you (ὑμᾶς, plural). (2 Peter 3:9). Zins' interpretation of this verse is that Peter directed this phrase to "the reading community" whom he addressed as "Beloved" earlier in the chapter. (2 Peter 3:1). The question arises: Was Peter addressing this specific group of believers (in this case, predominantly Jewish believers), or was he including everyone in the world in these statements? The obvious problem with Zins' interpretation is that it makes no logical sense for God to say to "the elect" that he is not willing for any of them to perish. In other words, why would God say that He is not willing for any believers to perish if, according to Calvinism, "the elect" cannot perish? If Peter was referring to "repentance within salvation", it is highly unlikely that he would have used the term ἀπόλλυμι which implies "permanent (absolute) destruction, i.e. to cancel out (remove); 'to die, with the implication of ruin and destruction' (L & N, 1, 23.106); cause to be lost (utterly perish) by experiencing a miserable end. consequences."7 Zins seems to be suggesting that "the reading community" to whom Peter was writing could perish i.e. lose their salvation. Zins' deficient interpretation is fairly typical of the reductio ad absurdum that Calvinists resort to in order to manipulate the scriptures. The orthodox non-Calvinist interpretation is that God is patient and delays judgement because he desires all men everywhere to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:4; Acts 17:30; John 3:16; 1 John 2:2). Earlier in the chapter, scoffers refer to "the promise of His coming" when they ask, "Where is the promise of His coming?" (2 Peter 3:4). "His promise" in 2 Peter 3:9 refers back to, and addresses the accusation on the lips of the scoffers. In other words, these verses are not directed exclusively to the "reading community". The context and grammar of this passage indicate that God is patient with everyone.. not willing that any should perish. (2 Peter 3:9).  

Meyer: "εἰς ὑμᾶς] not: 'towards mankind called of free grace' (Dietlein), nor towards the heathen (Schott), but in ὑμᾶς the readers are addressed to whom the epistle is written, the more general reference to the others being understood as a matter of course.."8  

Note: Not willing that any should perish; rather, not wishing or desiring (μὴ βουλόμενος). Zins throws an unnecessary spanner into the works by suggesting that boúlomai could mean either "God's eternal decree" or "the will of God's command". In the New Testament, "entolé" refers to a commandment or directive, often of divine origin. Zins cites 1 Thessalonians 4:3 as an example of God's "will of command" aka God's "perceptive will". For this is the will (θέλημα) of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; Note that Paul used the noun θέλημα in this verse, not the verb boúlomai. "θέλημα  = will, desire, purpose."9 The lexical interpretation of boúlomai is "..to plan with full resolve (determination). Strong's 1012 boulḗ – properly, a resolved plan, used particularly of the immutable aspect of God's plan – purposefully arranging all physical circumstances, which guarantees every scene of life works to His eternal purpose.10 The interpretation of boúlomai should be obvious to any competent bible teacher. (2 Timothy 2:15).. boúlomai refers to God's decretive will, i.e., it is not a command that can be disobeyed. Ironically, Zins says that I should be embarrassed by my non-Calvinist interpretation of this passage! Well, I guess these guys had their moment of hollow victory while they laughed, scorned, and ridiculed me as an ignoramus and a heretic! Perhaps the boot should be on the other foot! 

Zins' asinine interpretation of 2 Peter 3:8-9 and his barrage of insults against me are unconscionable. Zins: "She is not a very good Bible expositor, and she is probably running on high emotion most of the time. She understands a little bit of Arminianism, a little bit of Pelagianism, and a whole lot of nothing about Calvinism." If it is "emotional" to trust the Lord and to believe that Jesus Christ came to die for the sins of the whole world, then I stand guilty as charged! (John 3:16).

Extreme doctrine that goes beyond what is written inevitably results in those who indulge in such foolishness rejecting those outside their own elitist group as being non-Christian and devoid of the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 4:6). This is precisely where Zins and Wessels are at. They even go so far as to reject believers outside the Calvinist echo chamber as unbelievers. (Acts 11:9).  

Disclaimer: I do not promote or agree with Open Theism, Pelagianism, Arminianism, Provisionism, Universalism, Synergism, Monergism, or any other philosophical label falsely applied by many Calvinists with the intention of misrepresenting their detractors. 

Recommended Links

 - Joel Korytko. Korytko has made a significant impact on the debate. In particular, I recommend his verse-by-verse analysis of the Old Testament in Romans 9. How Romans 9 Doesn't Support Calvinism

- Jordan Hatfield (Great Light Studios). (383) Answering Calvinism (Non-Calvinist Teaching Resources) - YouTube

- Kevin Thompson (Beyond The Fundamentals). Thompson's videos on stealth Calvinism are very revealing. Paul's Conversion Disproves Calvinism

- Alana Lagares. 19-year former Calvinist.. (383) Leaving Calvinism After 19 Years | With Alana L - YouTube 

- Dave Hunt. I regarded Dave Hunt as a good bible teacher. However, it should be noted that I do not endorse the pretribulation rapture. (415) Dave Hunt - What Love is This? (Calvinism's misrepresentation of God) - YouTube

1. Matthew 7:14 But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.  

2. CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Predestination

3. Why God's Foreknowledge Doesn't Negate Free Will | Catholic Answers Q&A

4. Evangelical Theological Society rejects 'open theism,' affirms God's foreknowledge | Baptist Press 

5. Open Theism & NAR Theology — Richard P. Moore 

6. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: CALVINISM: THE HORRIBLE DECREE

7. Strong's Greek: 622. ἀπόλλυμι (apollumi) -- To destroy, to perish, to lose 

8. 2 Peter 3:9 Commentaries: The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

9. Strong's Greek: 2307. θέλημα (theléma) -- Will, desire, purpose.  

10. Strong's Greek: 1014. βούλομαι (boulomai) -- to will, to wish, to desire, to intend. 

FRANKLIN GRAHAM'S ENDORSEMENT OF FALSEHOOD

Blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, who has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood. (Psalm 40:4).  

The Treasury of David: "We must never pay deference to apostates, time-servers, and false teachers; they are an ill leaven, and the more we purge ourselves of them the better; they are blessed whom God preserves from all error in creed and practice. Judged by this verse, many apparently happy persons must be the reverse of blessed, for anything in the shape of a purse, a fine equipage, or a wealthy establishment, commands their reverence, whether the owner be a rake or a saint, an idiot or a philosopher. Verily, were the arch-fiend of hell to start a carriage and pair, and live like a lord, he would have thousands who would court his acquaintance."1 

Royals, dignitaries, and world leaders joined hundreds of thousands of mourners for the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26. Roman Catholicism accounts for approximately 1,268,004,246 of the world's population and is the largest denomination of professing Christians.2  Although Roman Catholicism claims to be "orthodox" it has deceived millions of people into believing a false gospel. Until the Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, aka Vatican II (1962 to 1965), the RCC was considered apostate by all but liberals, largely due to the influence of 16th-century Reformers Martin Luther and John Calvin. The steady drift towards unity with Rome was hugely influenced by the compromise of Billy Graham in the mid-20th century. Billy Graham's son, Franklin Graham, and his daughter, Anne Graham Lotz, fully support the ecumenical agenda and are joined in their apostasy by neo-charismatic New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) leaders and other apostate denominations. These compromisers do not consider the huge implications of the RCC's drastic departure from the core tenets of biblical faith worth noting. 

Franklin Graham's participation and association with the RCC is perplexing given the biblical command to separate from apostates. (2 Corinthians 6:15-17). Roman Catholicism is an obvious false gospel based on a combination of faith plus works. (2 Corinthians 11:4-5). Faith plus works is a fundamental deviation from the core doctrine of the biblical faith. The apostle Paul taught that the basis of salvation is faith alone, and that works or good deeds are evidence of salvation.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-9). 

The five solas laid down by the Reformers sum up the core tenets of orthodox faith:

* Sola gratia (by grace alone): Salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human effort.

* Solo Christo (on the basis of Christ alone): Christ's work is the only basis for justification.
* Sola fide (through the means of faith alone): We are justified by faith in Christ.
* Soli Deo gloria (to the ultimate glory of God alone): All glory belongs to God.

* Sola Scriptura (as taught with the final and decisive authority of Scripture alone): The Bible is the ultimate authority.

In addition to the RCC's heretical understanding of justification and salvation, several of their beliefs and practices are incompatible with biblical faith.

*  The RCC replaces Sola Scriptura with the authority of the Papacy and Papal infallibility. (Colossians 1:18).

*  Veneration of the saints and the assumption of Mary is blasphemous. 

*  In Protestant theology, only baptism and the Lord’s Supper are recognized as sacraments instituted by Christ. The RCC has added five further sacraments: Confirmation, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The RCC views sacraments as necessary channels of grace administered by the church, whereas Protestants view grace as a gift received directly through faith in Christ. 

*  The RC unbiblical concept of purgatory and indulgences lacks scriptural basis.

The onus upon true Christian teachers is to reprove the RCC for their heresies, and yet Franklin Graham fraternizes with them, and in doing so, he embraces their lethal compromise. 

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose (ἐλέγχετε) them. (Ephesians 5:11).

"..but rather expose them ἐλέγχετε] reprove -- To convict, to reprove, to expose, to refute, to correct."3  

Anyone who participates with and approves of false teachers should expect to share in their plagues!

These men are hidden reefs in your love feasts, shamelessly feasting with you but shepherding only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried along by the wind; fruitless trees in autumn, twice dead after being uprooted. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. (1 Jude 1:12).

1. Psalm 40 Treasury of David
2. Major Religious Groups in the World – 1945/2025 -
3. Strong's Greek: 1651. ἐλέγχω (elegchó) -- To convict, to reprove, to expose, to refute, to correct

5 Lies Pope Francis Believed About Himself

WHY NAR ESCHATOLOGY IS DANGEROUS

NAR eschatology presents a major paradigm shift from the eschatology found in the scriptures. The disparity between the scriptural account and "victorious eschatology" taught by false NAR dominionist "prophets" and "apostles" is a comprehensive departure from Jesus' teaching. This aberrant eschatology was introduced into Christian charismatic organizations by false "Apostle" C Peter Wagner (1930-2016). Wagner is well-known as the founder of the New Apostolic Reformation, a network in the Apostolic-Prophetic movement. NAR leaders vary in the details of their eschatological beliefs. However, in general terms, they have adopted a new optimistic eschatological revelation for the church, which they claim supersedes the scriptures and excludes the prewrath rapture of the church. (Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The NAR mandate involves removing "demonic forces" from worldly positions of power and replacing them with Christian "prophets and apostles" who will ultimately cause the kingdom of God to be established on the earth before Jesus' return. This agenda is known as the "seven mountain mandate" i.e., seven aspects of society that believers seek to dominate: family, religion, education, media, arts and entertainment, business, and government. Their agenda includes practicing various unbiblical "spiritual warfare" techniques, including "prayer walking", "spiritual mapping", and "prayer warriors" aggressively declaring various decrees against territorial strongholds held by demons to oust/destroy them from their alleged positions of authority. These practices supposedly facilitate "alignment with God" allowing the eradication of evil and the miraculous transformation of society, culminating in the ultimate merger of church and state. The reasoning behind victorious eschatology is that the church is given the mandate to take back dominion forfeited by Adam to Satan in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 1:26-28). According to NAR doctrine, Jesus cannot, or will not, return until the church has achieved "your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven". (Matthew 6:10).1 In other words, NAR proponents separate Matthew 6:10 from the petitionary context of the Lord's prayer and reinvent it as a mandate to take dominion over the earth prior to Jesus' return. 

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.*
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

* may your kingdom come, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (NET Bible)2

Jesus' command to "keep watch" in the Olivet Discourse

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. And they were oblivious until the flood came and swept them all away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.

Therefore keep watch (γρηγορεῖτε), because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:36-44).

The present active imperative verb γρηγορεῖτε  - watch, be vigilant, stay awake is a critical instruction to the church. Present active imperative verbs give commands. These commands have an imperfect aspect. In other words, they command an action to happen continuously or repeatedly. Γρηγορεῖτε is a recurring imperative in the New Testament that occurs frequently when associated with Christ's coming. (Matthew 24:42,25:13,26:38,26,41; Mark 13:35,37). The recurring emphasis of the command to watch relating to Christ's coming refutes those who claim that eschatology is a secondary issue! If believers are unaware of what they should watch for, how will they escape? Jesus repeated γρηγορεῖτε in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins:

Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch (γρηγορεῖτε) therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. (Matthew 25:1-13).

Jesus parallels "the days of Noah" and the end of the age in the Olivet Discourse. Both periods are defined by wickedness, corruption, moral decay, spiritual apathy, and apostasy. 

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5).

NAR eschatology is incompatible with the book of Revelation. Revelation 13 describes the rise of the beast (the Antichrist) and the false prophet. And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” (Revelation 13:4). 

Revelation 16 describes the kings of the earth being assembled by demons for the battle at Armageddon, followed by further exhortation to watch (γρηγορῶν) in Revelation 16:15.

The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake (γρηγορῶν), keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. (Revelation 16:12-16).

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:11-16).

NAR deviation from scripture should alarm Christians who believe in the authority and inerrancy of the word of God as the basis for all matters of life and doctrine. (2 Timothy 3:16).  

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1 cf. Acts 20:29-20; Romans 16:17-18; 2 Timothy 4:3-4).

1. NAR "Apostle C. Peter Wagner teaching its key doctrine of Dominionism
2. Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

WARREN MCGREW (IDOL KILLER) DENIAL OF PENAL SUBSTITUTION IS DISINGENUOUS

Responding to Dr. David Allen’s Defense of Penal Substitution

In their rebuttal of David Allen's Defense of Penal Substitution, Warren McGrew, Paul Vendredi, and Will S claim that the Church Fathers did not expound the doctrine of Penal Substitution. Their contention that Reformed theologians invented the doctrine of Penal Substitution is disingenuous. There are many legitimate criticisms of Reformed theology, however, this is not one of them. Below are various citations from the Church Fathers that debunk McGrew and his guests. 

McGrew: "We just heard Dr Allen state that the early church fathers affirmed penal substitution. He said that he's got half a page worth of footnotes, but he didn't offer any specific name or citation or quote for us to consider.. I don't have a copy of his book, but from my research, I don't know of any instance where an early church father is affirming the unique claims of penal substitution.. that God can't forgive, that he needed to be rendered well disposed and propitious by disposing of his wrath on Jesus."

Epistle to Diognetus (? AD130): He Himself took on Him the burden of our iniquities, He gave His own Son as a ransom for us, the holy One for transgressors, the blameless One for the wicked, the righteous One for the unrighteous, the incorruptible One for the corruptible, the immortal One for those who are mortal. For what other thing was capable of covering our sins than His righteousness? By what other one was it possible that we, the wicked and ungodly, could be justified, than by the only Son of God? O sweet exchange! O unsearchable operation! O benefits surpassing all expectation! That the wickedness of many should be hid in a single righteous One, and that the righteousness of One should justify many transgressors! (Epistle to Diognetus, 9.2–5). 

Justin Martyr (AD150-165): "For the whole human race will be found to be under a curse. For it is written in the law of Moses. Cursed is every one that continues not in all things that are written in the book of the law to do them.' Deuteronomy 27:26 And no one has accurately done all, nor will you venture to deny this; but some more and some less than others have observed the ordinances enjoined. But if those who are under this law appear to be under a curse for not having observed all the requirements, how much more shall all the nations appear to be under a curse who practise idolatry, who seduce youths, and commit other crimes? If, then, the Father of all wished His Christ for the whole human family to take upon Him the curses of all, knowing that, after He had been crucified and was dead, He would raise Him up, why do you argue about Him, who submitted to suffer these things according to the Father's will, as if He were accursed, and do not rather bewail yourselves? For although His Father caused Him to suffer these things in behalf of the human family, yet you did not commit the deed as in obedience to the will of God." {Dialogue with Trypho Chapter 95}

Athanasius (AD300-375): "Thus, taking a body like our own, because all our bodies were liable to the corruption of death, He surrendered His body to death instead of all, and offered it to the Father. This He did out of sheer love for us, so that in His death all might die, and the law of death thereby be abolished because, having fulfilled in His body that for which it was appointed, it was thereafter voided of its power for men. This He did that He might turn again to incorruption men who had turned back to corruption, and make them alive through death by the appropriation of His body and by the grace of His resurrection. Thus He would make death to disappear from them as utterly as straw from fire.." (chapter 2)

He assumed a body capable of death, in order that it, through belonging to the Word Who is above all, might become in dying a sufficient exchange for all.. (chapter 2)
But beyond all this, there was a debt owing which must needs be paid; for, as I said before, all men were due to die. Here, then, is the second reason why the Word dwelt among us, namely that having proved His Godhead by His works, He might offer the sacrifice on behalf of all, surrendering His own temple to death in place of all, to settle man's account with death and free him from the primal transgression.. He died to ransom all... (chapter 4) 

Gregory of Nazianzus (AD329-390): "For that which He has not assumed He has not healed; but that which is united to His Godhead is also saved." {Letters division 1) Vendredi links this sentence to what he refers to as "The Restored Icon Model" based on Genesis 1:26 and The Wisdom of Solomon 2:23-24 in the Septuagint.1 This view affirms that man is an icon of God that has become damaged. To repair this damage, God Himself assumes human flesh, uniting the entirety of human nature to his divinity. The Greek word in question is εἰκών (eikón): an image, i.e. lit. statue, fig. representation. While I have no argument with this model as far as it goes, Gregory of Nazianzus had more to say about the atonement:  

"..as for my sake He was called a curse, Who destroyed my curse; and sin, who takes away the sin of the world; and became a new Adam to take the place of the old, just so He makes my disobedience His own as Head of the whole body. As long then as I am disobedient and rebellious, both by denial of God and by my passions, so long Christ also is called disobedient on my account. {Fourth Theological Oration (Oration 30)}

John Chrysostom (AD347-407): And what does He entreat? Be reconciled unto God. And he said not, 'Reconcile God to yourselves;' for it is not He that bears enmity, but you; for God never bears enmity. Urging moreover his cause, like an ambassador on his mission, he says, For Him who knew no sin He made to be sin on our account.
'I say nothing of what has gone before, that you have outraged Him, Him that had done you no wrong, Him that had done you good, that He exacted not justice, that He is first to beseech, though first outraged; let none of these things be set down at present. Ought ye not in justice to be reconciled for this one thing only that He has done to you now?' And what has He done? Him that knew no sin He made to be sin, for you. For had He achieved nothing but done only this, think how great a thing it were to give His Son for those that had outraged Him. But now He has both well achieved mighty things, and besides, has suffered Him that did no wrong to be punished for those who had done wrong. But he did not say this: but mentioned that which is far greater than this. What then is this? Him that knew no sin, he says, Him that was righteousness itself, He made sin, that is suffered as a sinner to be condemned, as one cursed to die. For cursed is he that hangs on a tree. Galatians 3:13 For to die thus was far greater than to die; and this he also elsewhere implying, says, Becoming obedient unto death, yea the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8 For this thing carried with it not only punishment, but also disgrace. Reflect therefore how great things He bestowed on you. For a great thing indeed it were for even a sinner to die for any one whatever; but when He who undergoes this both is righteous and dies for sinners; and not dies only, but even as one cursed; and not as cursed [dies] only, but thereby freely bestows upon us those great goods which we never looked for; (for he says, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him;) {Homily 11 on Second Corinthians}

The above selection demonstrates that the writings of the Church Fathers contain elements of Christ's substitutionary death using penal language. While they had no systemized formula for the atonement, their focus was multifaceted. Anyone can quote fragments of the Church Fathers selectively to suit their own interpretation, but it is vital to take account of the overall picture of their writings, and elements of PSA are very much part of that picture.

1. Paul Vendredi : The God that Answereth by Fire, Let Him Be God

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Search results for penal substitution

THE NAR BLIGHT: TODD WHITE EXPOSED

Mike Winger: "This video is dedicated to the victims of Todd White. The following info is from multiple eye-witnesses who have come forward to tell the truth about Todd White. I've met with them, confirmed their identities, seen the evidence that corroborates their testimonies, and believe that it's Christ-honoring to come forward and shout a warning to believers everywhere that Todd White is disqualified and dangerous.

You can download the open letter from whistleblowers about Todd White’s pathological lying and disqualifications from ministry. Link below." 

An-Open-Letter-to-the-Church-Concerning-Todd-White.pdf

Mike Winger's exposé of Todd White, founder and president of Lifestyle Christianity, Watauga, Texas, typifies the corruption of New Apostolic Reformation leaders. Todd White claims that he has not sinned since his conversion, but it appears that his entire life and ministry are defined by pathological lying and sin. (1 John 1:8). This latest exposure of yet another NAR wolf follows Mike Bickle, Robert Morris, Art Lucier, Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, Tony Evans, and many others.  

There has been some criticism of Mike Winger due to his previous affirmation of Todd White as "sincere" and a "brother in Christ". Winger's unfortunate indulgence of NAR heretics has caused consternation in some quarters, and rightly so. Todd White is definitely not a "brother in Christ". (Matthew 7:23). There are also concerns about anonymous whistleblowers. I hope these individuals will have the courage to identify themselves; there is no such thing as an anonymous witness in the bible. The Body of Christ needs full disclosure in order to evaluate these claims. A further problem is that the whistleblowers have been accused of validating White's doctrine. Their statement appears to be limited to the affirmation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. However, I think we need clarification on this crucial point since false doctrine negatively impacts integrity and character. (1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:16-18; Titus 1:10-11). 

Whistleblowers: "It is important to clarify that our concerns with Todd are not regarding the doctrine of the gifts of the Spirit, miracles, or signs and wonders—we believe in these wholeheartedly. Rather, our concerns lie with Todd’s integrity and character, which we find increasingly troubling."

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).