A ten-country survey released by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life in October 2006 assesses the state of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements (called “Renewalists”) around the world (www.pewforum.org/surveys/pentecostal/). Fully one quarter of the world’s professing Christians fall into this category.
The survey is enlightening because it indicates just where the emotionalism of this portion of Christendom has lead. There has always been a concern that this movement lacks a grounding in solid biblical doctrine, and now may even be a false religion altogether.
Pentecostals in these ten countries (including the United States) tend to be vastly more conservative than the general population with regard to moral issues like divorce, homosexuality, drinking, and abortion. While we certainly rejoice when any people group takes a biblical position on moral issues, we must also recognize that morality does not save anyone.
This is what is rather sobering, because their theological frame of reference for salvation is at best confused and at worse a false gospel promising heaven but delivering Hell. In all but one country 70% believe that Jesus is the only way to escape eternal damnation. The majority also believes that the Bible is the Word of God and should be taken literally. So far so good.
In every country, however, a majority believes that God will grant good health and relief from sickness to those who have enough faith; in nine of the countries up to 99% of the population believe that God will grant material prosperity to His children who exercise enough faith (Ted Olsen, “What Really Unites Pentecostals?”, Christianity Today, December 2006, p. 19).
Notice the problem: there is faith in Jesus, but not necessarily a Jesus who delivers from sin. It is a Jesus who delivers from physical and financial suffering now and Hell in the future. This is not the Christ of Scripture. While it is true that God has the power to miraculously heal, and even does so on occasions, the New Testament teaches the complete opposite of this health and wealth gospel. Christ came to save us from our sins, not to make us rich with worldly goods and give us a fire escape from Hell.
Have millions of Pentecostals been sold a bill of goods? Are millions believing that they are saved because they have had an emotional experience and faith in a carnal Jesus who promises good health and much wealth? Is this not what Paul is talking about when he speaks of those who peddle the gospel? Be warned: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Roman Catholics, and Pentecostals all claim belief in Christ. We must be wise and discern whether it is an antichrist or the true Christ of Scripture. One leads to eternal life not to be repented of; the other leads to eternal death.
Having said all of this, let us recognize that general surveys of non-Pentecostal Christianity reveal even worse rates of unbelief and practice. The point is this: just because it is big and there is lots of excitement does not mean it is of God or that all involved are Christian.
2 Comments
Once being a member of an Arminian charismatic church; However,after receiving conviction and the truth from the Holy Spirit, I have been blessed with the true doctrine of grace. Prior to leaving this chaos, and as I was growing with knowledge, I started asking some Pentecostal/charismatic pastors and leadership questions concerning practices within the church, which did not line-up with the Word of God. The senior pastor informed the flock that God personally told him not to incorporate elders in the church. Needless to say, the church had no accountability of funds or the disposal of funds. Upon hearing this isogentical nonsense I sent the pastor a note asking him why would the Lord contradict his inspired scripture in which details the requirements of elders. bishops/pastors? I personally witness the assistant pastor take a man in which was whiskey drunk and pour to containers over his head while forgiving him of his sins!!! I thought forgiveness and salvation was from God?? During the five years while attending this chaos, I work in three different ministries, so I was blessed or perhaps cursed depending on one’s perspective; seeing chaotic and wickedness running ramped throughout this so-called church. I was castigated when I tried to approach their leadership in a kind godly way. I would try to show them in scripture what God’s scriptures depicted but I failed to reach them. Within this clan, there has been multiple divorces, child molestations, lesbian affairs, adultery not to mention wife swapping.
Do the charismatics preach another gospel? Oh yes, absolutely. I went to visit another charismatic church across town and to help where needed, while I was a member of my old chaos church. They seemed to be straight and Godly, at least within the body. However, the pastor brought in a self proclaimed gentleman to assist within the church. This gentleman was a seedy character that had his own lawn service. This guy would hire hispanic males and work them daylight to dark. When payday would come around this charismatic oracle would hide from his help. At times, when cornered he would write his help a personal check and across the check write void. Of course, the bank would not honor the check. I informed the pastor of this evangelist and his unethical practices. I also informed the pastor and his wife that the district attorney was looking for him. I was rebuked by the pastor, in front of the congregation and the pastor told his flock that he would come against any man who chastise this great evangelist. The pastor stood in front of the flock and forgave this man of his sins. This only a small tip of the iceberg. By the way, I stayed for the time in which I was told to and left after my duties were done. As for this den of sin the pastor left his wife for another man and she ended up filing bankruptcy, and needless to say the church folded. The pastor and his wife are now divorced living unimaginable lives.
This day, if one had to nail a title on me, I am a Calvinist, and it is refreshing to be in the truth. I believe in the absolute word of God. The entire Word of God without twisting it around baloney or false hocus pocus. MarK 16:16 tells us, “Believe and be baptized to be saved; However believe not and be damned.” Look most of the charismatic former associates, which I dealt with don’t believe. 1. They dispute salvation; they call Jesus a liar concerning John 6:31-71, John 10:24-28.The believe that they can walk in and out of salvation at will!!!! If so, who needs Jesus! 2. They use the scriptures to their advantage. Upon asking the pastor why has the title of pastor been bestowed on your wife? This contradicts St.Paul and the work of scripture inspired by the Holy Spirit. 3. Saved by works; is the theme of the day within most charismatic clans. I have heard you must hang on and overcome by being obedient to the laws to maintain your salvation. How foolish when the Bible clearly tells us we were predestined(Eph 1:3-7) and saved by faith. I tried to tell several that insist that they will be saved by the law that the scripture makes it clear then you will die by the law. 4. Their ignorance of scripture is horrendous. The twisting and scripture abuse galvanizes a large number of young Christians. After witnessing and realizing that they actually supported this hypocritical nonsense some actual become bitter and quit attending church. 4. They are the only ones to hear from God. Everyone else needs to understand their existentialistic gift that allows esoteric knowledge to be received and comprehended by them alone.
In closing,the charismatic debacles in which I supported were in financial trouble. Bills not being paid was routine. One Christian (music store) businessman was cheated out of $2600.00 from the first church that I mentioned, The pastor told him that the church didn’t have the money. The pastor and his false pastor wife within 90 days from that time bought/leased two new vehicles. One was a 2006 GMC DeNally and the other was a 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, while the Baptist businessman filed bankruptcy form the lack of payment from deadbeat churches. I suppose his wife and two children didn’t need to eat; fasting that’s it?
This was only the frosting on the cake. I could write for hours but I think you get the point.
May Lord Jesus be praise and be given all glory, and blessed be the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Peace Jeff
Dear Jeff,
I am grateful for God’s work in your life.
Though what you say saddens and angers me, it does not surprise me–I have heard many stories from others just like this.
Keep the faith and the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
Grace and Peace
Randall