Defining Deception

1. The Mystical-Miracle Movement: A Dangerous Deviation from Biblical Christianity

Experience never defines biblical truth. The truth found in Scripture must always define our experience.

Defining the movement. The Mystical-Miracle Movement, encompassing various strands like the Third Wave and New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), represents a significant departure from orthodox Christianity. This movement emphasizes supernatural experiences, signs, and wonders as essential components of the Christian faith, often elevating these experiences above biblical truth.

Key characteristics:

• Emphasis on personal revelations and prophecies
• Claims of miraculous healings and supernatural manifestations
• Promotion of "apostles" and "prophets" with special authority
• Focus on prosperity and health as guaranteed by faith

Dangers and consequences. This movement poses serious risks to genuine faith by:

• Misinterpreting Scripture to support unbiblical practices
• Creating a two-tiered Christianity (those with "special" gifts and those without)
• Potentially leading believers into spiritual deception and disillusionment
• Diverting attention from the true gospel message of salvation through Christ

2. False Teachers and Their Heretical Lineage: Understanding the Roots of Deception

The evidence shows that both Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 12–14 reference a non-learned language spoken by the early Christians. This stands in opposition to the idea of an ecstatic utterance made in church or as a private prayer language at home.

Historical context. The roots of modern mystical-miracle movements can be traced back to early 20th century figures who departed from orthodox Christianity. These individuals laid the groundwork for many of the unbiblical practices seen today.

Key figures and their influence:

• Charles F. Parham: Promoted speaking in tongues as evidence of salvation
• William Seymour: Led the Azusa Street Revival, emphasizing supernatural manifestations
• Aimee Semple McPherson: Founded the Foursquare Church, blending showmanship with healing claims
• Kathryn Kuhlman: Popularized "faith healing" through emotional and theatrical services
• Kenneth Hagin: Developed the "Word of Faith" movement, teaching that faith is a force that can control reality

Ongoing impact. These early influencers set precedents for manipulating Scripture, exploiting emotions, and promoting unbiblical doctrines that continue to shape modern mystical-miracle movements.

3. The Third Wave and New Apostolic Reformation: Modern Manifestations of False Teaching

C. Peter Wagner took the Third Wave movement into a different direction (than his colleague Wimber) when he announced, "The year 2001 [is] the beginning of the second apostolic age."

Defining the movements. The Third Wave and New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) represent the latest iterations of the mystical-miracle movement, building on earlier Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions while introducing new, problematic elements.

Key characteristics:

• Emphasis on modern-day apostles and prophets with special authority
• Focus on "strategic level spiritual warfare" and "territorial spirits"
• Belief in the necessity of signs and wonders for effective ministry
• Goal of establishing Christian dominion over societal institutions

Problematic teachings and practices:

• Unbiblical understanding of spiritual authority and leadership
• Potential for spiritual abuse through claims of special revelation
• Distraction from the core gospel message and biblical discipleship
• Risk of disillusionment when promised miracles fail to materialize

4. Bill Johnson and Bethel Church: A Case Study in Doctrinal Deception

Johnson's confusion surrounding basic Christology alone disqualifies him as a Gospel minister and demands that he repent.

Overview of influence. Bill Johnson and Bethel Church in Redding, California, have become prominent figures in the modern mystical-miracle movement, exerting significant influence through their teachings, music, and training programs.

Key problematic teachings:

• Jesus emptied Himself of divinity and performed miracles only as a man
• Christians can perform the same miracles as Jesus through faith
• Physical healing is guaranteed in the atonement
• Experience and personal revelation take precedence over Scripture

Widespread impact:

• Bethel Music and Jesus Culture have mainstream evangelical popularity
• Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry attracts thousands of students
• Partnerships with other influential figures in the movement (e.g., Benny Hinn)
• Promotion of unbiblical practices like "grave sucking" and "glory clouds"

5. Manipulative Tactics: How False Teachers Exploit Vulnerable Believers

Johnson has totally upended the epistemological cart: not only has he challenged the interpretation of Scripture as our sure source of knowledge, he has been instrumental in replacing the source of our knowledge with this new "translation."

Emotional manipulation. False teachers often employ tactics that exploit emotions and vulnerabilities to maintain control and influence over their followers.

Common manipulative strategies:

• Creating a sense of elitism or special knowledge
• Using peer pressure and fear of missing out (FOMO)
• Promising quick solutions to complex life problems
• Emphasizing experiential "encounters" over biblical truth

Exploitation of Scripture. These teachers frequently mishandle the Bible to support their claims:

• Taking verses out of context
• Using obscure passages to justify unusual practices
• Redefining biblical terms to fit their theology
• Promoting alternative "translations" that support their teachings

6. Doctrinal Errors: Unbiblical Teachings That Undermine True Faith

Bill Johnson's sub-orthodox theology of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, the Gospel, Christ's kingdom, and role of truth in a Christian's daily life is cloaked in powerful rhetoric and trite maxims but remains recognized heresy.

Christological errors. Many false teachers promote a distorted view of Jesus Christ, undermining the orthodox understanding of His nature and work.

Key problematic teachings:

• Denying or diminishing Christ's deity
• Claiming that believers can attain the same status as Christ
• Teaching that Jesus had to be "born again"

Pneumatological errors. These movements often misrepresent the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

Unbiblical emphases:

• Focusing on spectacular manifestations rather than the Spirit's sanctifying work
• Teaching that certain gifts or experiences are necessary evidence of the Spirit's presence
• Promoting a "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" as a post-conversion experience

Soteriological errors. False teachers frequently distort the biblical understanding of salvation and the Christian life.

Problematic doctrines:

• Prosperity gospel (health and wealth as guaranteed by faith)
• Kingdom Now theology (believers must establish God's kingdom on earth)
• Overemphasis on personal prophecy and revelation

7. True Healing and Restoration: Embracing Biblical Truth and Rejecting False Promises

The truth found in Scripture must always define our experience.

Returning to Scripture. True healing and restoration come through a renewed commitment to biblical truth and sound doctrine, rather than chasing after sensational experiences or false promises.

Key steps for recovery:

• Prioritizing the study and application of God's Word
• Embracing the sufficiency of Scripture for faith and practice
• Seeking community in biblically sound churches
• Developing discernment through theological education

Authentic Christian living. A genuine, biblically-grounded faith is characterized by:

• Trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of suffering
• Focus on Christ's finished work, not personal performance
• Pursuit of holiness through the Spirit's sanctifying work
• Commitment to sharing the true gospel message

Last updated: October 11, 2024