Jerry: This post is not to clearly show (John MacArthur) teaches something heretical. Instead, this post is to present his beliefs and compare them with the Bible. The correct word I would use is aberrant concerning the doctrines he has that is based on strong Calvinism's TULIP.
We often hear the words “heresy” and “aberration” used in reference to unbiblical doctrines. But what exactly is the difference between a doctrine that is aberrational and one that is heretical?
Aberrant Doctrine Definition
Aberrant doctrine is a particular teaching does not overtly deny basic biblical theology but is nevertheless dangerously inconsistent with an orthodox confession of faith. A good example of this would be the “prosperity” teachers who are growing like wildfire within Christian denominations — doctrines of this variety are referred to as aberrations. Thus, a group may be orthodox in its central theology while at the same time maintain teachings and practices that are clearly at odds with essential Christian theology.
RELIGIOUS HERESY- Definition
The word “heresy,” in its most common usage, refers to false teachings that destroy. They are destructive because they overturn the basic elements which make up the historic Christian faith, substituting in their place doctrines which distort or contradict the teachings found in the Bible.
RELIGIOUS HERESY- The Essentials
The doctrines of the Trinity, the unique deity of Jesus Christ, and the resurrection are among the essentials of Christianity. They represent the core of Christian belief as contained within the pages of Scripture, and they compose what is commonly called “orthodox theology.” And thus, heresies are teachings which openly deny any one of these fundamental doctrines. Examples of heresies include the Mormon doctrine that there are many gods, and that you may become one, as well as the Jehovah’s Witnesses, who clearly deny the Trinity.
Source: https://www.equip.org/perspectives/heresies-and-aberrations-what-is-the-difference/
This post to present information so you can draw your own conclusions.
Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, 1 Thessalonians 5:20 & 21
What John MacArthur Believes About Everything
https://youtu.be/7zkV5-fQMQ8?si=Ay9qBoOgPsxI_8rr
Ready to Harvest
John MacArthur is one of the most well-known pastors in America. The 85 year-old preacher has been the pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969 and is the Chancellor of The Master’s University and The Master’s Seminary. He is the sole editor of the MacArthur Study Bible, which has sold over a million copies, and has also written or edited over 150 books. His radio program Grace to You is played on stations worldwide.
But what does he believe?
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Middletown Bible Church about John MacArthur's Teachings
John MacArthur and Dispensationalism
And Our Response
MacArthur Answers A Question About Dispensationalism
The following question was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, and answered by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 70-16, titled "Bible Questions and Answers." A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.
https://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/dispen/jmacdis.htm
John MacArthur's
Position on the Lordship of Christ
https://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/salvatio/lordshjm.htm
The following is intended to document some of Dr. MacArthur's teachings which relate to Lordship salvation in order to see some of the inconsistencies of his position. We hold no animosity toward Dr. MacArthur. Our desire is only to "prove all things", by testing all things by the Word of God, to see if they are true (1 Thess. 5:21; Acts 17:11). Dr. MacArthur's teachings have a worldwide impact, and his doctrines should not be embraced without subjecting them to the searchlight of the Scriptures.
John MacArthur's One Nature Position
Introduction
https://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/doctrine/1natjmin.htm
The purpose of these series of studies is to carefully document and explain John MacArthur’s teaching that the believer in Christ possesses only one nature, the new nature in Christ. This documentation was obtained from his published writings and from his public tapes.
The Scripture tells us to “prove all things (test all things by the Word of God), hold fast that which is good.” We want to do this in the case of John MacArthur’s teachings. Our desire has been to do this fairly and graciously, but at the same time to point out where, how and why certain positions which John MacArthur has taken are out of harmony with the Word of God and out of harmony with the doctrinal position of the IFCA. We hold no animosity towards John MacArthur, but because of the far reaching influence which he has in and among our churches, it is necessary to examine his teachings and warn believers concerning those doctrines that are not in harmony with what the Bible says.
This material was originally prepared for and presented to the National Executive Committee of the IFCA along with materials of a similar nature submitted by other concerned IFCA brethren. Another key issue of concern was John MacArthur's position on the Eternal Sonship of Christ. https://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/sonship/sonjm00.htm
John MacArthur's Position on the Extent of the Atonement
As Compared to the IFCA Doctrinal Statement
https://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/reformed/macatone.htm
John MacArthur was Finally Removed from the IFCA (February 2017)
In January of 2017 John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue published the book Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth. In this book is a section on "The Extent of the Atonement" where John MacArthur's position on limited atonement is made crystal clear. The IFCA International Executive Director, Les Lofquist, based on this book, recognized that MacArthur's position was in clear conflict with the IFCA doctrinal statement. As a result, John MacArthur was kindly asked to withdraw from membership in the IFCA. MacArthur responded to this request by graciously withdrawing himself from being a member of the IFCA (Feb. 23, 2017).
Les Lofquist and the IFCA leadership did the right thing. They upheld the doctrinal integrity of the IFCA by not allowing a person to hold membership who holds to a deviant view. I do not understand why it took the IFCA over twenty years to take this action because John MacArthur's limited atonement position has not changed in these past two decades, as this study has demonstrated. It is not as if all of a sudden he started teaching that Christ died only for the elect and not for all mankind. He has been teaching this for over twenty years. I am thankful, however, that the right thing was finally done.
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