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We find it extremely unseemly for someone to speculate on another's salvation. However, this author is happy to accuse Hanegraaff of apostasy, not because of sin, but because he joined with another denomination. Let's say that again: This is not a matter of sin, but a matter of choice of church.
In addition, the author will never quote a single Scripture in support of his position. He will quote Scriptures that he thinks characterizes Hanegraaff, but as far as making a scriptural case against him, it is absent.
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We find it extremely unseemly for someone to speculate on another's salvation. However, this author is happy to accuse Hanegraaff of apostasy, not because of sin, but because he joined with another denomination. Let's say that again: This is not a matter of sin, but a matter of choice of church.
In addition, the author will never quote a single Scripture in support of his position. He will quote Scriptures that he thinks characterizes Hanegraaff, but as far as making a scriptural case against him, it is absent.
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Hank Hanegraaff left the Christian faith in April of 2017. (As a reformist, the author must believe in the Perseverance of the Saints. Thus, Hanegraaff cannot have "left the Christian faith." He either was never saved, or the doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints is wrong.)
In joining the Eastern Orthodox cult, Hanegraaff began to worship idols, denied Penal Substitution, no longer believing that Jesus died to pay for his sins. (Let's see if the author documents these charges. Hint: He won't.
Hanegraaff himself said, I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with evangelicals, with Roman Catholics, with Orthodoxy around the essentials of the Christian faith — meaning the main and plain things..."
In an interview with NPR's Charlotte affiliate WFAE earlier in July that for the most part, his theological beliefs have not changed.
So the author needs to demonstrate that Hanegraaff is either lying or mistaken. In fact, the author needs to provide some evidence, any evidence at all, that Hanegraaff believes something so errant that his salvation is at stake.
This of course will not happen.)
Most egregiously, as an Eastern Orthodox idolater, Hanegraaff deneis (sic) Sola Fide, and now believes that he’ll be justified by his own good works. (Again we wait for the documentation of these charges.)
No Protestant believer could rationally call Hanegraaff a Christian believer. (No real Christian should be comfortable setting himself up as a judge of a man's heart.)
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. — John 2:19
Believing in a priest other than Jesus, Hanegraaff has joined a cult. That cult not only prays to objects and believes all kinds of superstitious doctrines, but they deny the infallible authority and sufficiency of God’s Word, instead believing that the Bible is of equal authority to their perverse traditions. (More undocumented charges.
Interesting the author blasts traditions, when he just invoked a protestant tradition, Sola Fide.)
However, David Hanegraaff, a contributor to the Christian Post Voices column, proves the truthfulness of the Bible in Galatians 5:9…
“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”
Hanegraaff seems intent on taking his family to hell with him. His son now writes…
His discoveries resulted in his decision to join the Eastern Orthodox Church, leading many to proclaim that he had “left the Christian faith.” Some of his closest friends and confidants concluded that they could no longer associate with him, despite his declarations that “God has his people everywhere” and an earnest desire to promote unity within Christendom by making good on the maxim of his ministry, “In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, and in all things charity.”
Obviously, doctrines like Sola Fide, Sola Scriptura, Sola Christus, and Penal Substitution are indeed essential things. (Obviously. In fact, so obvious that the author will never attempt to explain why these are obviously essential. Nor will he cite any evidence that Hanegraaff holds views contrary to these things.
And, yet another appeal to the traditions of the Reformation. It seems the author's traditions are superior to Hanegraaff's.)
Only a heretic would think these doctrines are non-essential. (A summary dismissal, and a preemptive strike against any who would disagree with the author. This technique, frequently used by leftists in political debate, makes it easy and convenient to negate one's critics by simply calling them heretics.
Perhaps the author will tell us why these doctrines are essential for salvation... No, of course he won't. He won't even discuss them.
This is not to suggest that these doctrines aren't important. They simply aren't crucial.
Jared Wilson has helpfully explained how to prioritize doctrine:
Further, it is with a certain irony we note that reformists don't actually believe in the principles of the solas. They do not accept Sola Scriptura; rather, it is Scripture plus Bible commentaries. It is faith plus their pastor's sermons. Christ plus Calvin. Grace plus Martin Luther.
We discuss Penal Substitution here.)
David Hanegraaff then went on in his Christian Post editorial to juxtapose the truths of Scripture against his father’s feelings. His father sought experiences and elevated his subjective feelings against the Bible.
In fact, the only difference between Joshua Harris’ apostasy and Hank Hanegraaff’s is that Harris chose antinomianism and Hanegraaff chose legalism. Their reasoning for apostasy is exactly the same. They placed their feelings above the Bible.
David Hanegraaff explained that father was choosing “life” over truth in his absconding from Biblical Christianity for the smells and bells of dead religion.
I had seen countless Christians driven to draw denominational lines in the sand time over theological conclusions that they or my father had made “because truth matters.” Yet, this was the first time I had seen someone decide to disown him because he was proclaiming that “life matters more.”
Hanegraaff continues…
Truth matters, it really matters. But life matters more. What does it mean for life to matter more? It is difficult to explain, but you know it when you see it — better yet, when you experience it.
Without attempting to discuss doctrines of essential Christian importance, Hanegraaff simply scoffed at the notion his father wasn’t a believer and ended with…
I have come to discover why truth matters, but life matters more and how understanding the difference will lead you closer to Christ and the purpose of human existence — experiencing union with God.
Union with God comes through truth. After all, life proceeds from truth. The Scripture says in James 1:18, “He chose to give us birth through the Word of Truth.”
****
(Eastern Orthodox doctrine, with a couple of notable exceptions, appears to be utterly conventional. The author would need to demonstrate that the differences are critical to salvation. As we have seen, this did not happen..
In joining the Eastern Orthodox cult, Hanegraaff began to worship idols, denied Penal Substitution, no longer believing that Jesus died to pay for his sins. (Let's see if the author documents these charges. Hint: He won't.
Hanegraaff himself said, I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with evangelicals, with Roman Catholics, with Orthodoxy around the essentials of the Christian faith — meaning the main and plain things..."
In an interview with NPR's Charlotte affiliate WFAE earlier in July that for the most part, his theological beliefs have not changed.
So the author needs to demonstrate that Hanegraaff is either lying or mistaken. In fact, the author needs to provide some evidence, any evidence at all, that Hanegraaff believes something so errant that his salvation is at stake.
This of course will not happen.)
Most egregiously, as an Eastern Orthodox idolater, Hanegraaff deneis (sic) Sola Fide, and now believes that he’ll be justified by his own good works. (Again we wait for the documentation of these charges.)
No Protestant believer could rationally call Hanegraaff a Christian believer. (No real Christian should be comfortable setting himself up as a judge of a man's heart.)
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. — John 2:19
Believing in a priest other than Jesus, Hanegraaff has joined a cult. That cult not only prays to objects and believes all kinds of superstitious doctrines, but they deny the infallible authority and sufficiency of God’s Word, instead believing that the Bible is of equal authority to their perverse traditions. (More undocumented charges.
Interesting the author blasts traditions, when he just invoked a protestant tradition, Sola Fide.)
However, David Hanegraaff, a contributor to the Christian Post Voices column, proves the truthfulness of the Bible in Galatians 5:9…
“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”
Hanegraaff seems intent on taking his family to hell with him. His son now writes…
His discoveries resulted in his decision to join the Eastern Orthodox Church, leading many to proclaim that he had “left the Christian faith.” Some of his closest friends and confidants concluded that they could no longer associate with him, despite his declarations that “God has his people everywhere” and an earnest desire to promote unity within Christendom by making good on the maxim of his ministry, “In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, and in all things charity.”
Obviously, doctrines like Sola Fide, Sola Scriptura, Sola Christus, and Penal Substitution are indeed essential things. (Obviously. In fact, so obvious that the author will never attempt to explain why these are obviously essential. Nor will he cite any evidence that Hanegraaff holds views contrary to these things.
And, yet another appeal to the traditions of the Reformation. It seems the author's traditions are superior to Hanegraaff's.)
Only a heretic would think these doctrines are non-essential. (A summary dismissal, and a preemptive strike against any who would disagree with the author. This technique, frequently used by leftists in political debate, makes it easy and convenient to negate one's critics by simply calling them heretics.
Perhaps the author will tell us why these doctrines are essential for salvation... No, of course he won't. He won't even discuss them.
- Sola Fide - means faith alone
- Sola Christus - means Christ alone
- Penal Substitution - God's wrath was poured on Jesus as our substitute, and God punished Jesus for our sins.
This is not to suggest that these doctrines aren't important. They simply aren't crucial.
Jared Wilson has helpfully explained how to prioritize doctrine:
“First-order” doctrines, things that every genuine Christian ought to affirm to be a Christian. This includes things like the Trinity, the Incarnation, justification by faith, etc.
“Second-order” doctrines would include things that provide boundaries for Christian fellowship—meaning, we would have to agree on these teachings to be able to covenant together in a local church. This would include things like views on baptism, church governance, roles of women in the church, and in some cases perhaps views on the charismatic gifts. Thus, I can’t share church membership with my Presbyterian or Anglican friends, mainly because we differ on who is an appropriate recipient of baptism, but I can still cheerfully affirm their Christianity, just as I hope they can mine.
“Third-order” doctrines would be teachings you and I could disagree on but still be in fellowship in the same church. This may include things like the age of the earth and certain details of soteriology and eschatology. I think it’s one of the strengths of the Baptist Faith and Message, for instance, that while it affirms the Lord is returning bodily and visibly to consummate his kingdom and establish the new heavens and new earth, it says nothing about the timing of a rapture or a particular view of the millennium. Thus, my friend Bob and I can disagree on the timing of the Lord’s return but still enjoy fellowship together in our local church. We agree on first- and second-order doctrines but not all third-order ones.We should note that Mr. Wilson is not explaining which doctrines are crucial to salvation, he is describing doctrines that cannot be compromised when people of differing doctrinal understanding interact with each other.
Further, it is with a certain irony we note that reformists don't actually believe in the principles of the solas. They do not accept Sola Scriptura; rather, it is Scripture plus Bible commentaries. It is faith plus their pastor's sermons. Christ plus Calvin. Grace plus Martin Luther.
We discuss Penal Substitution here.)
David Hanegraaff then went on in his Christian Post editorial to juxtapose the truths of Scripture against his father’s feelings. His father sought experiences and elevated his subjective feelings against the Bible.
In fact, the only difference between Joshua Harris’ apostasy and Hank Hanegraaff’s is that Harris chose antinomianism and Hanegraaff chose legalism. Their reasoning for apostasy is exactly the same. They placed their feelings above the Bible.
David Hanegraaff explained that father was choosing “life” over truth in his absconding from Biblical Christianity for the smells and bells of dead religion.
I had seen countless Christians driven to draw denominational lines in the sand time over theological conclusions that they or my father had made “because truth matters.” Yet, this was the first time I had seen someone decide to disown him because he was proclaiming that “life matters more.”
Hanegraaff continues…
Truth matters, it really matters. But life matters more. What does it mean for life to matter more? It is difficult to explain, but you know it when you see it — better yet, when you experience it.
Without attempting to discuss doctrines of essential Christian importance, Hanegraaff simply scoffed at the notion his father wasn’t a believer and ended with…
I have come to discover why truth matters, but life matters more and how understanding the difference will lead you closer to Christ and the purpose of human existence — experiencing union with God.
Union with God comes through truth. After all, life proceeds from truth. The Scripture says in James 1:18, “He chose to give us birth through the Word of Truth.”
****
(Eastern Orthodox doctrine, with a couple of notable exceptions, appears to be utterly conventional. The author would need to demonstrate that the differences are critical to salvation. As we have seen, this did not happen..
Here is their doctrinal statement:
Authority of Scripture: The Holy Scriptures (as interpreted and defined by church teaching in the first seven ecumenical councils) along with Holy Tradition are of equal value and importance.
Authority of Scripture: The Holy Scriptures (as interpreted and defined by church teaching in the first seven ecumenical councils) along with Holy Tradition are of equal value and importance.
Baptism: Baptism is the initiator of the salvation experience. Eastern Orthodox practice baptism by full immersion.
Eucharist: The Eucharist is the center of worship. Eastern Orthodox believe that during the Eucharist adherents partake mystically of Christ's body and blood and through it receive his life and strength.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is one of the persons of the Trinity, who proceeds from the Father and is one in essence with the Father. The Holy Spirit is given by Christ as a gift to the church, to empower for service, to place God's love in our hearts, and to impart spiritual gifts for the Christian life and witness.
Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the second person of the Trinity, God's Son, fully divine and fully human. He became flesh through Mary but was without sin. He died on the cross as man's Savior. He resurrected and ascended to heaven. He will return to judge all men.
Mary: Mary has supreme grace and is to be highly honored, but they reject the doctrine of Immaculate Conception.
Predestination: God has foreknowledge of man's destiny, but he does not predestine him.
Saints and Icons: Orthodox Christians practice veneration of icons; reverence is directed toward the person they represent and not the relics themselves.
Salvation: Salvation is a gradual, life-long process by which Christians become more and more like Christ. This requires faith in Jesus Christ, working through love.
The Trinity: There are three persons in the Godhead, each divine, distinct, and equal. The Father God is the eternal head; the Son is begotten of the Father; the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father.
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