We are warned, commanded, and urged in 26 of the 27 New Testament books to watch out for false teachers and false religious movements (example- Judaizers, Nicolaitans). Heresies have popped up like wildfires in every century since Jesus ascended to heaven. The church as diligently battled them when they arose.
But too often the word ‘heretic’ and ‘heresy’ are watered down from overuse. They have lost meaning from people who misunderstand its import. We cannot fling the word around and aim it at people when they are not in fact heretics. A heretic is bound for hell. It’s serious. So what does heresy actually mean?
Heresy
In a previous Word of the Week, I’d posted about Orthodoxy. In the religious context, Orthodoxy means conforming to correctly interpreted, established doctrine, especially in religion. Heresy is a teaching or belief that stands in opposition to the orthodox teaching, so much so that to believe it, one essentially declares himself not a Christian. Here is Matt Slick at Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry to explain.
Heresy, by Matt Slick
Heresy is a false teaching. It is a belief or idea that is in contradiction to orthodoxy. In the context of Christianity, heresy is that which deviates from standard biblical teaching. Examples of heresy would be polytheism [more than one god], a denial of the resurrection of Christ, salvation is obtained by works, etc. The Christian church has experienced many attacks by heretics throughout the centuries, but it has fought them successfully – even though many persist. There are modern-day heresies. For example, Mormonism which teaches God is an exalted man from another planet and that we can become gods. The Jehovah’s Witnesses deny the Trinity, deny the deity of Christ, and deny salvation by grace alone through faith alone. Roman Catholicism teaches this also, teaches works to salvation, and promotes Mary worship.
Thus, even though Mormons, Catholics, and Jehovah’s Witnesses claim a religion, and claim to know God, they are heretics because they deny the foundational aspects of Christianity. They do not know God.
“Error, indeed, is never set forth in its naked deformity, lest, being thus exposed, it should at once be detected. But it is craftily decked out in on attractive dress, so as, by its outward form, to make it appear to the inexperienced (ridiculous as the expression may seem) more true than truth itself,” (Irenaeus Against Heresies 1.2).
The word “heresy” comes from the Greek ‘hairesis’ which means “choosing” or “faction.” At first, the term heresy did not carry the negative meaning it does now. But, as the early church grew in its scope and influence throughout the Mediterranean area, various teachers proposed controversial ideas about Christ, God, salvation, and other biblical themes.
It became necessary for the church to determine what was and was not true according to the Bible. For example, Arius of Alexander (A.D. 320) taught that Jesus was a creation. Was this true? Was this important? Other errors arose. The Docetists taught that Jesus wasn’t human. The Modalists denied the Trinity. The Gnostics denied the incarnation of Christ. Out of necessity, the church was forced to deal with these heresies by proclaiming orthodoxy; and in so doing, condemnation upon these heresies and the heretics became a reality.
Heretics after death will be cast into hell. Heresy is serious. So we do not cast around that word unless we have mindfully studied and are sure the person or movement we are commenting on is indeed meeting the qualifications of heretic or heresy.
“Hell at last, Yawning, received them whole”, Gustave Dore illustrator, Paradise Lost by Milton.
The article discusses the biblical principle of women’s silence in church, citing 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy. While it emphasizes women’s submission, it does not imply total silence. It encourages women to embrace their role in church as silent witnesses to God’s glory.
SYNOPSIS The post critiques the modern emphasis on dreams and visions within charismatic circles, asserting that such experiences were not part of historic Christianity after the closure of the canon. It emphasizes reliance on scripture over personal revelations, warning against false teachings that distort biblical truth.
A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead. (Proverbs 21:16).
The phrase ‘assembly of the dead’ is especially vivid. Assemble is active, but dead is passive. Inert, even. We don’t usually think of the dead assembling, or being assembled. But they will all be there, together, away from God. This is a horrifying thought.
I was struck by this illustration when I was looking for stock photos. The clamorous crowd of women reminds me of so many women today, prominent women, whose actions and teachings are a raised fist against God.
Contentious women, rebellious women, haughty women, are a dishonor to the Lord. Proverbs 25:24 says
It is better to live in a corner of the roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
A woman like that is not easily lived with, not in the home nor in the church or in the denomination or in the global church.
No man or women decides to wade into the bog where death lurks. He thinks he is going “my way”, or the “right way”. Or even, the ‘It’s OK, Way”. This is the very bottom of the barrel of sin, which is pride.
Does man, or woman, know better than God? Will there be absolution for those who claim “ignorance of the Law?”
There is only one way, and it is the only right way, as the Bible shows repeatedly in Proverbs 16:2, 25; 21:2. To stay in what the Proverb calls “the way of understanding,” or the Gospel, we love God’s precepts, obey His commands, and mortify our own opinions and philosophies. (2 Corinthians 10:5).
The flesh will want to rear up, (Genesis 4:7, Romans 6:12), so staying in the Word and in constant prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) will subdue those inclinations.
Ladies, we are gentle, soft-spoken, kind, teaching and teachable. We are dignified and loving, patient and diligent. We’re moms and widows, virgins and singles. We are strugglers and overcomers, sinners and repenters, but most of all we are loved by Jesus as His own. We are and always will be part of the assembly of the living. Praise Jesus for that!
I discuss the challenges Christians face when surrounded by non-believers, referred to as “enemies of the cross.” I mention that living a Christian life involves spiritual battles. Drawing on biblical examples like King Jehoshaphat, I encourage believers to seek the Lord for strength and to love those who oppose them, as these individuals bear heavy burdens.
Do you think about heaven? Sometimes we get busy and forget there is a home waiting for us. We forget this is not our home and we are temporary pilgrims here on earth living a life that is a mere shadow of the real life we will be living ‘over yonder.’
Paul said what is waiting for us is beyond anything we can imagine. The words he heard were inexpressible which a man is not allowed to speak, and the revelations were great.
Warren Wiersbe said, “Our God is a God of beauty, and He will lavish His beauty on the city He is preparing for His people.“
John wrote down what he was instructed and we have a vision of heaven in Revelation 4 and 5, 21 and 22. Of course we have Ezekiel and Isaiah’s visions as well which give us a glimpse. (Ezekiel 1, Isaiah 6).
Revelation 21:21b says,
And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
BUT, the whole city is of gold! Revelation 21:18b says,
and the city was pure gold, like clear glass
What a sight that will be! God’s glory will shine everywhere.
Matthew Henry’s Whole Commentary makes a note,
The light of this city. Where there is no light, there can be no lustre nor pleasure. Heaven is the inheritance of the saints in light. But what is that light? There is no sun nor moon shining there, v. 23. Light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is to behold the sun. What a dismal world would this be if it were not for the light of the sun! What is there in heaven that supplies the want of it? There is no want of the light of the sun, for the glory of God lightens that city, and the Lamb is the light thereof. God in Christ will be an everlasting fountain of knowledge and joy to the saints in heaven; and, if so, there is no need of the sun or moon, any more than we here need to set up candles at noon day, when the sun shineth in its strength
Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 2484). Hendrickson.
At 6:17 pm Pacific time on July 14, 2025, the greatest pastor-teacher of our time was brought home to personally meet the Master he had preached about for so long.
This is my memory:
It was the mid 1990s. My husband and I were unsaved when we took a VW Camper van camping across the country. He loved AM radio talk shows. When we had gotten south, of course mixed in with all the talk were the ‘JAY-sus’ preachers. Both of us, when we heard that we turned the dial immediately.
BUT … when I heard this certain music and then the voice of one certain guy, we’d always listen a minute. Something compelling about the man’s speech, his content. There was something that set him apart from all the other preacher voices we’d heard on the radio. He was mellow, clear, interesting. He was unapologetically proclaiming of the Word of God, though I didn’t know at that unsaved stage there were shepherds who did not accurately preach the word. The word of God startles and draws.
It was John MacArthur of course. In the camper van I wanted to listen more, and we did listen a bit. Then my husband would change the channel. He and I were pagans, and pagans gonna pag. The Word of God also rebuffs.
Yet, 8 years later when the Lord graciously saved me I’d listen to Adrian Rogers on the computer radio. Then one day I heard that same music! I joyfully did NOT turn the dial and I listened. And listened and listened, and never stopped. What a joy to be educated by his exposition.
One of the first series from him I listened to was “Creation: Believe it or Not” later known as “The Battle for the Beginning”, Genesis 1-3. I loved it. And I love John MacArthur.
Well done, good and faithful servant, John MacArthur no doubt heard those words at 6:17pm last night (July 14, 2026) as he translated to heaven
John MacArthur was the Spurgeon of our time. As you read this memorial essay, hopefully you will notice the similarities.
Spurgeon was called the Prince of Preachers. He was a hard working preacher, a seminary president, prolific writer, itinerant preacher, letter-writer, prayer, constant reader, and husband to Susannah, among other things! He was busy, and his packed schedule contributed to his 24 years of ill health and eventual death on January 1, 1892 at age 57. He literally poured himself out for His savior.
He had been preaching since he was 16 years old. Forty-one years of sharing the Gospel multiple times per week made an impact on his city, his nation, and the world. That is the power of the Gospel and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
On the last day of the same memorable month of January, the dearly-loved speaker, who uttered such wise and weighty words, “fell asleep in Jesus”. During the darkness the news flashed around the world, and when February dawned, millions of hearts were saddened to learn that C.H. Spurgeon lived on earth no more. Source- the book From the Pulpit to the Palm Branch by Arthur Tappan Pierson
Spurgeon had died in Menton, France, where he had often retreated in his later years during winter, finding the balmy, warm breezes and sunny sunshine a succor for his health. He had desired to be buried on English soil, and so 11 days after Charles had passed, the monumental funeral was held. It seemed that all the world had turned out for it.
“Nothing was seen for miles but bared heads, closed blinds, and universal signs of grief and sorrow. It was indeed a memorable scene. What a lesson that Bible-decked coffin preached to its tens of thousands as it passed through their midst!”
What a gift from God to have raised up such a Godly warrior! He had endured all that the Lord had set on the plate before him- tireless toil, endless prayers, sorrow, joy in marriage, poor health and bodily pain; rejection by men, disappointments, Down-grades, and depression. Yet the Lord kindly allowed his contemporaries to understand that his impact for the kingdom was a magnificent and present glory of the Lord’s bountiful care for His people. To have raised up such a man, put in his mouth so many words, sustain such a stalwart without blot of scandal, and then to graciously ease him home…
Photograph: Funeral Procession of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, West Norwood, London, 1892
With hearts bowed with a great grief, with tender and loving hands, is that precious burden born to its last resting-place. Eight students (specially chosen for that last sad duty) from that college of which he had so long been the head and chief, deposit with reverent hands and stricken hearts that prized casket in its last resting-place. They weep. Well they may. Behold how they loved him! Their master is taken from their head today. They shall see his face no more. It is their last act of service; their last tribute of affection to him who had been so much to them. Alas! how much they have lost as yet they know not! Yet they sorrow not as those without hope. Their beloved one only sleeps, he shall rise again. ~Laying the Warrior to Rest
Newspaper telegraphs ticked the news out and it quickly spread around the world. These same newspapers had for years reprinted Spurgeon’s sermons each Monday for eager readers to devour.
The Late Mr C H Spurgeon, Viewing the Coffin in the Metropolitan Tabernacle, 9 February 1892
The world’s loss is heaven’s gain in both cases, the passage of Charles Spurgeon and of John MacArthur. The Lord gave us a faithful servant in MacArthur who even served longer than Spurgeon’s ministry on earth, and many millions are the better for it. Many are saved and secure, knowing the Lord’s love and salvation, because of one John’s preaching of the doctrines of God. See what the Lord can do? See the Lord’s love for His people? He always leaves a remnant. And He always leaves true shepherds to lead them.
The world had not seen its like, such respect for the man of God and mourning that his time on earth had ended. Though even in Jonathan Edwards’ time as the country’s foremost theologian, his passing had not caused such a stir. Not George Whitefield, either. Spurgeon, Prince of Preachers made an impact. He was well loved by millions. And it is the same with MacArthur.
We mourn the passing of the stalwart soldier John MacArthur today, and we express joy that his labors are complete and he is praising his Lord and resting in his well-earned rest with his beloved Lord.
“Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will shepherd you on knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15).
“John Fullerton MacArthur Jr. — pastor, teacher, author, and a strong defender and proclaimer of biblical truth — has entered the presence of his Lord and Savior at 6:17pm PT on July 14th, 2025”.
John Fullerton MacArthur, June 19, 1939 – July 14, 2025
John F. MacArthur was remarkable preacher, a pastor, shepherd, lion of a Godly man, now laid to rest. He was 86.
Dr. John MacArthur had led Grace Community Church since February 1969 as the lead pastor-teacher. He became President of The Master’s University in 1985 and founded The Master’s Seminary in 1986. He was the longest-serving president of the college transitioning to the Chancellor role in 2019.
His media ministry, Grace to You, is a nonprofit organization responsible for distributing John’s books, audio resources and the “Grace to You” radio program to a global audience. More than 3,000 of John’s sermons are available for free on GTY’s website.
He had been married to his wife, Patricia, for almost 62 years, has four married children, 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
August 30, 2024, Facebook post: “Celebrating 61 years of marriage with my precious Patricia. My college sweetheart for life.”
“None on earth can estimate his worth. He was the Evangelical Prophet of his age; our modern Isaiah. Like Isaiah, he early saw “the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; ” he had his lips purged with the live coal; and when he heard the call, ” Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” he gladly answered, “Here I am, send me.” Beholding the Lord in His temple, he laid himself upon the altar, and like Isaiah, he was “very bold” to declare the Word of God.”From the Pulpit to the Palm-branch, a book about Charles Spurgeon’s passing
MacArthur often said he had two goals: to preach faithfully, and raise up men to preach faithfully.
“His light rose in obscurity, and broke forth as the morning. He deliberately set his heart against seeking great things for himself, yet fair and clear he shone undimmed before the world for [sixty] years; shining more and more until the perfect day.” From the Pulpit to the Palm-branch
The similarities between Spurgeon and MacArthur, their stances, their controversies, their ministries, and their ministry output, are remarkable. JMac, as he was affectionately called, was very like like Spurgeon in his time, with ceaseless preaching. His was known for his stalwart promotion of the Gospel even though it fell out of season. Leading his seminary and raising up men of faith in good standing to launch then land in places the Lord wanted, was his Gospel faithfulness. Praying, letter-writing, counseling, leading, defending, faithful loving husband to Patricia for over 60 years, shepherding, expositing, even rebuking… JMac was seemingly tireless in his duties in service to Christ for 60-plus years.
He once said a pastor never retires. His men should take him off the stage when he starts not to make sense. There was no retirement when serving God. He said the following in 1984,
I get weary. There is a tolerance level that all of us have, and I don’t know about you, but I seem to be on the edge of it most of the time. And some people would say to me, “Well, why do you keep taking more projects on? Why don’t you just back away?” Well, I don’t know what you mean by that. There’s nothing I can’t not do because of what God has put in my heart. And in the midst of the doing and looking ahead, you say, “Well, aren’t you looking forward to retirement?” I’ll never retire. From what, the gospel? You may dump me long before I’m ready to go but – I mean, this is a life commitment. As long as I have my senses. And the discipline for this time seems a small thing when you think about the hope of eternity, doesn’t it?John MacArthur, Source.
His ministry’s impact was global. Like Spurgeon, his sermons flung out from the point of origin, Sun Valley, CA, to the ends of the world. To the Faroes at the Arctic Circle, deserts of Africa, behind the Iron Curtain, closed China…
In MacArthur’s time he also endured times of favor within his camp and times of disfavor. He became a lightning rod during several controversies due to his stalwart stand on biblical issues. He did not bend to culture. The Lordship Salvation controversy of the late 1970s through the 1980s (opposing ‘carnal Christianity’), the Strange Fire controversy of the early 2000s (opposing charismaticism), and the Beth Moore “Go Home” controversy of the 2020s (opposing feminism & female preaching) involved much ink spilled as debates raged over these important topics within evangelicalism.
His stances, though biblical, were not always appreciated. Once, during a heavily attended Sunday Service, an intruder wearing a backpack strolled down the aisle of the church while MacArthur was preaching, ascended the pulpit steps, and walked over on the stage to confront JMac on his cessationist stance. More here on that incident.
MacArthur authored more than 150 individual books and monographs, he had also contributed to more than 30 multi-author works. His commentary series covers all of the New Testament and he has published several commentaries on books of the Old Testament as well.
MacArthur said of his desire to be a pastor: “I never wanted to be an itinerant minister, because I always wanted to exposit the Scripture. I mean I had poured – I took a Greek minor in college because I wanted to work in the New Testament. I didn’t want ten suits and ten sermons. I didn’t want to be on the road. I didn’t want to be the out-of-town guy. I wanted to follow what my dad did and my granddad did. I wanted to be in a church, and I wanted to exposit the Word of God.“
MacArthur preached on. He is known for having preached through every verse of the New Testament. It was a 43 year endeavor. He completed it on June 5, 2011. He had been preaching at his church since February of 1969. This accomplishment is considered rare in modern church history.
Preaching to male students at The Master’s University Chapel
His long tenure as pastor of Grace Community Church was without any moral failure, without one theological blot, for all these decades, a true testament to God’s faithfulness in raising up lions of the faith.
“Now he has left the pulpit for ever, and he stands amongst the great multitude who are before the throne and before the Lamb, “clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.” He is not in strange company there, for the song of those who wave the palm-branch was ever his theme as he stood in the pulpit: “Salvation to our God who sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” From the Pulpit to the Palm-Branch has been for him a very natural transition. He preached Christ here; he praises Him yonder.” source “From the Pulpit to the Palm-branch“, a memorial to Charles Spurgeon
We mourn the passing of this stalwart soldier today, and we express joy that his labors are complete and he is enjoying his well-earned rest with his beloved Lord.
I am sure that many will write of Johnny Mac, as he was also affectionately called, in better or more poignant terms. But Susannah Spurgeon’s reflections of her husband’s likely entry into heaven impacted me and I re-state it becuase no doubt, NO doubt in my mind, JMac was greeted in this manner as well:
“His ‘abundant entrance’, the ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’ of the Master, the great throng of white-robed spirits, who welcomed him as the one who first led them to the Saviour, the admiring, wondering angels, the radiant glory, the surprise of that midnight journey which ended at the throne of God; all this, and much more of blessed reality for him, has lifted our bowed heads, and enabled us to bless the Lord, even though he has taken from us so incomparable a friend and pastor. All that was choice, and generous, and Christlike, seemed gathered together in his character, and lived out in his life. He was pre-eminently ‘the servant of all’; yet he served with such humility and wisdom, that, with him, to serve was to reign.
Preaching from his pulpit at Grace Community Church. It’s on a hydraulic lift. more here
Dr. John F. MacArthur truly was the Spurgeon of our time:
“Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will shepherd you on knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15).
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23).
SYNOPSIS
Theological literacy for believers is important, particularly understanding key biblical concepts and even common words we think we understand. Common terms, like goodness, often differ in biblical context from cultural interpretations. Central to this is the Fruit of the Spirit, with love as a primary characteristic manifesting through believers, reflecting God’s nature and sacrificial commitment. Let’s look at Goodness today.
In this essay, I discuss the fact of God’s transcendence and relational nature of Jesus. While He possesses incommunicable attributes making Him totally ‘other’, Jesus also intimately connects with individuals, as shown in Mark 6:48. He sees and cares for His sheep, offering comfort and encouragement, reminding believers of His personal presence and compassion for each person.
the-end-time.org 