John MacArthur is a highly influential pastor, teacher, and author known for his unwavering commitment to Reformed theology and expository preaching. While many admire his clarity and boldness, several of his core teachings deserve closer biblical scrutiny. This critique will focus on three main areas: salvation (Lordship Salvation), cessationism (gifts of the Spirit), and his views on Israel and prophecy.
He has RECENTLY DIED
1. Salvation – Lordship Salvation
MacArthur's Position: MacArthur teaches that salvation requires more than belief—it includes submission to Christ as Lord. His book The Gospel According to Jesus argues that a true Christian will inevitably show the fruit of obedience. He rejects "easy-believism" and insists that repentance and surrender are intrinsic to saving faith.
Biblical Concerns:
While repentance is clearly necessary (Acts 2:38), MacArthur's view blurs the line between justification and sanctification, potentially making works a proof of salvation rather than a fruit.
Romans 4:5: "But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness."
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith... not of works."
While obedience follows true faith, MacArthur’s emphasis on subjective fruit as assurance may undermine the sufficiency of faith alone for assurance.
Alternative View: Faith and repentance are inseparable, but salvation is grounded in Christ’s finished work, not the believer’s ongoing fruit. Assurance should rest in Christ (1 John 5:13), not introspective fruit-checking.
2. Cessationism – Rejection of Present-Day Gifts
MacArthur's Position: MacArthur is a staunch cessationist. He believes the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit (tongues, prophecy, healing) ceased with the close of the apostolic age. His Strange Fire conference and book condemn the charismatic movement as spiritually dangerous and often demonic.
Biblical Concerns:
1 Corinthians 13:8-12 says prophecy and tongues will cease "when the perfect comes" — likely referring to Christ’s return, not the completion of Scripture.
Acts 2:17-18: "In the last days... your sons and daughters will prophesy."
1 Thessalonians 5:19-20: "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies."
MacArthur’s view creates a closed canon barrier to the Spirit’s ongoing gifts, even when Scripture encourages discernment rather than prohibition.
Alternative View: Gifts should be tested, not rejected (1 John 4:1). The Spirit still operates in power today, though never in contradiction to Scripture. Abuse of gifts is not a reason to dismiss their proper use.
3. Israel and Prophecy – Dispensational Premillennialism
MacArthur's Position: MacArthur holds to dispensational premillennialism, distinguishing sharply between Israel and the Church. He teaches that God has a separate plan for national Israel, and the Church will be raptured before a 7-year tribulation.
Biblical Concerns:
Galatians 3:28-29: "There is neither Jew nor Greek... If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed."
Romans 11:17-24: Gentiles are grafted into one olive tree, not a separate plan.
Ephesians 2:14-16: Christ has "made both one" by breaking down the wall of separation.
MacArthur’s framework over-divides redemptive history, creating theological dissonance between the covenants and undermining the unity of God’s people.
Alternative View: God’s promises to Israel are fulfilled in Christ and His body (2 Corinthians 1:20). There is one redeemed people, one resurrection, and one return of Christ—not two distinct programs.
Final Thoughts
John MacArthur’s teaching is meticulous and sincere, but his theology reflects Reformed rigidity, rationalistic cessationism, and dispensational assumptions that deserve biblical challenge. Rather than rejecting him wholesale, believers should test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and hold fast to what aligns with the full counsel of God.
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