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Question: There are many influences of the "Word of Faith" movement in all kinds of denominations, also in pentecostal churches. There are so many so-called "man of God", especially on tv and large crusade, going around the world, spreading various teaching based on "Word of Faith". Are they all deceived? Sometimes it confuses me. Shouldn't there be more exposing of these false teachings? I don't want to be "over critical", but it seems there is no middle way concerning these doctrines. Still they sound so attractive to many people and they are (it seems) increasing in popularity and influence. Is there something I can do?

For me, the "Word of Faith" of "Faith" movement also encludes the "Prosperity" movement and "Name it, claim it" theology, and so on; because all these teaching arise from similar doctrines. Doctrines, some say, of which Kenneth Hagin indeed is the spiritual father, others acknowlegde them to E.W. Kenyon. In any case, some do consider Kenneth Hagin to be a false teacher. Together with Kenneth Copeland, Fred Price, Benny Hinn and many others. Now I don't like calling name, but maybe this will get my question clearer. In any case, I have not investigated these ministers and their ministries personally, but did hear and read some strange things about them. One example is the doctrine most of these teacher hold: the teaching that Jesus died spritually, taking the nature of satan and so on.

Here in Holland I don't have access to all these ministries, so I cannot "test" the fruit for myself. But since I have access to the internet I've come to several "apologetical" sites and have read alot about these an other teachings/movements and I became aware that indeed not everything that glitters is gold. Now I am also aware that some of these critics will tear down everything and everybody that does not line up with them, but I've also read more balanced pieces, with scripture next to quotations from some of the above mentioned, and (in mine opinion) then the conclusion would have to be that at least some part of what is taught by these men is unorthodox (not to say heretical).

Now I am "struggling": how to deal with all of this, I mean, I don't want to "throw the baby out with the bath water" but on the other side "a little yeast works through to whole dough" (translated from dutch). I hope this is clearer, forgive me for calling names, it's what I've read, not my judgement, because I don't believe we have to judge men (all judgement belongs to the Lord) but we must test the ministry and the fruits, and contend for the faith (sound doctrine), and to me it seems this is getting more and more difficult with so many teachings.

Answer: To answer your letter fully, I suppose I would have to write a book. I will try to answer, by starting with the fundamentals.

I would like to make a distinction between "doctrinal error" and "heresy." There are many people that we cannot exclude from heaven simply because they do not agree with us on points of doctrine. A person who has been "born again" will show the fruits of righteous living. Jesus said that we would not know false teachers primarily by their doctrines, but by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-20). A person may be right in his heart, demonstrate agape love in his everyday walk, he may live a life of communion with his Savior, and bear the fruits of righteousness; yet, he may hold some doctrinal views that I cannot agree with.

I would define "error" as a teaching that comes from a wrong interpretation of Scripture, but not such that it would keep him out of heaven. "Heresy," on the other hand, is teaching that would exclude that person from real salvation for his soul. Some heretical doctrines would be denial of the deity of Jesus Christ, denial of the need to be born again by the Spirit and the Word of God. Another heretical doctrine is given in Jude, verse 4. The grace of God cannot be turned into lasciviousness. First John also tells us what is true and what is false, such as chapter 1, verses 6 and 8; chapter 2, verses 11, 22-23; chapter 3, verses 14-15; chapter 4, verses 2-3, 7-8, 14; chapter 5 verses 1, 10; and other places in the Bible.

Luther and Calvin, for example, disagreed strongly on some points of doctrine, but both were a great blessing to many. George Fox, the founder of the Quaker movement, held some doctrines that I could not agree with, but who can deny that he was a great blessing to the world? The first great awakening in the U.S.A. came under the leadership of Calvinists like Edwards and Whitefield. The second great awakening, about the year 1800, came under men of Arminian persuasion. Sometimes leaders arise who strongly emphasize teachings from the Word of God that had been neglected and needed to be restored to the Body of Christ. When the Church accepts these neglected truths, then that movement will die out. This has happened to many true moves of God, that are no longer in the forefront.

Unfortunately, every "movement" seems to spawn some unfortunate side effects which are not the fault of its leaders. The "Faith Movement" as some would call it, have people in it who ignore the truths that would keep the teachings regarding faith in balance. Some would deny the Scriptures concerning suffering; some ignore the Scriptures concerning holy living. Others overemphasize material prosperity and make prosperity the goal of the Christian life. Nevertheless, who can deny the need for greater faith in his life? I pray daily for God to "increase my faith" (Luke 17:5).

Many people have been wonderfully healed and delivered through men like Hinn and Hagin. The anointing of the Holy Spirit has been upon them through the years. I would say that I personally do not agree with some things they say, but their ministries have reached out to many. What we need to do is to pray for those who are greatly used of God, that He will keep them humble before Him.

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