Paul's Passing Thoughts

The Bad

Without a doubt, one of the greatest disappointments in my life is John MacArthur’s departure to the dark side of progressive justification leading to a doublespeak and ambiguity that never characterized his teaching in the past. In an article entitled, “Justification by Faith,” he first states that “if sanctification is included in justification….that makes justification progressive….” Then he goes on to state in the same article that the two can never be “separated.” MacArthur now functions in the Reformed world that creates its own reality; we can never separate things that shouldn’t be included. I find this nonsense coming from a man that has been granted awesome opportunity in sharing the gospel intolerable.

Furthermore, associations with hardcore Reformed mystics and the granting of credibility thereof further disturbs. He recently published a pricy theological book with hardcore Reformed mystic Joel Beeke entitled, Justification by Faith Alone: Affirming the Doctrine by Which the Church and the Individual Stands or Falls. This book boldly proclaims that the individual and even the church stands or falls on the gospel of progressive justification. It’s outrageous and despicable.

The Good

But yet, before a recent sermon, MacArthur made a statement in regard to the recent Newtown massacre. He noted that Christians should have answers in the midst of such events. This is a tremendous breath of fresh air as opposed to the usual whiffle dust that Christians offer in such situations. His statement offered powerful points in regard to a Christian worldview on this matter, and offered hope for the victims. He also noted the substantive outreach to the victims in that area by former GCC associates. It was truly a sweet visitation to the MacArthur that I used to know. Yes, a few perspectives made me a little queasy, but I think this 5 minute statement is one that every Christian should ponder, and it can be listened to here: http://www.gty.org/Blog/B1212172#.UNE5ab1IMlY.twitter

The Ugly

Yet, the fact remains that this ministry continues to deal with its share of the havoc being wreaked on the church daily by the false gospel of progressive justification. It is unclear whether MacArthur thinks the doctrine is a valuable supplement, or whether he has totally bought into the whole package. Furthermore, his counseling ministry headed by Dr. John Street offers blanket credibility to NANC and CCEF. Street is the president of NANC. Both of these ministries together constitute 90% of our present-day active biblical counseling. But yet, the counseling of both is grounded in the gospel of progressive  justification. This is counseling that denies the idea that people can really change. It is a ghastly misrepresentation of criminal proportions in the name of Christ.

No doubt, remnants of what he formally taught are still present. He has written books that I would still recommend: “Saved Without a Doubt,” and “How to Meet the Enemy.”

BUT, I would only recommend these writings specifically, and would add extreme caution when reading or listening to anything Mac. Time is valuable. A pity that teachers who can be listened to without launching an investigation on every sentence they utter are becoming fewer and fewer. But it is what it is, and predicted by the apostles.

paul