Anointed or Heresy? The New Apostolic Reformation

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a movement within Protestant Christianity that seeks to bring about a new era of spiritual revival and societal transformation through the re-establishment of the office of apostle and prophet. The NAR believes that God is restoring a new generation of apostles and prophets who will have the authority to govern the church and society, perform miracles, and bring about the kingdom of God on earth.

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) has especially stirred up controversy within the Protestant Christianity. This movement, characterized by a revival of apostles and prophets, claims to bring societal transformation and spiritual rejuvenation. But is this a divine reformation or just a pyramid scheme? Critics argue that NAR teachings often distort biblical texts for personal gains, leading to misconceptions and possible heresy. From the reinterpretation of verses like "touch not the Lord's anointed" to links with the prosperity gospel, the NAR has sparked debates among orthodox Christians and beyond. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of the Apostolic Reformation, exploring its history, doctrines, influences, and the controversies surrounding it.

History

The NAR movement traces its roots back to the 1990s, with the formation of the International Coalition of Apostles by C. Peter Wagner, a leading figure in the movement. The NAR gained momentum in the early 2000s, with the rise of charismatic leaders such as Bill Johnson, Mike Bickle, and Rick Joyner, who have been instrumental in spreading the teachings of the NAR through their ministries and publications.

Links to the Prosperity Gospel

Delving into the connection between the New Apostolic Reformation and the prosperity gospel, we see a prominent feature of the NAR. This belief system advocates for material wealth and success as the divine right of its followers. Critics often chastise this aspect, arguing that it fosters a self-centered, materialistic interpretation of the Gospel.

Prominent figures within Protestant Christianity have publicly criticized the NAR. A notable example is John MacArthur, an influential pastor and author, who has vocally rebuked the NAR and its teachings. He argues that it shifts the focus from learning to live life in Jesus's love, trust, and obedience to what one can gain from God.

It's clear that the prosperity gospel, with its emphasis on material blessings, is a central thread within the New Apostolic Reformation. Its teachings, critics argue, often lead to spiritual and financial exploitation of its followers. This, they contend, is a distortion of the true message of the Gospel.

In the end, the links between the NAR and the prosperity gospel can't be overlooked. They serve as a reminder to approach new interpretations of the Gospel with discernment, testing each against the teachings of Jesus Christ. It's always wise to remember that our faith should not be based solely on what we can gain, but on the love, mercy, and grace we receive through our Savior.

In this context, the New Apostolic Reformation and its ties to the prosperity gospel serve as an invitation to continually examine our beliefs and align them with the teachings of Christ. It's a call to orthodoxy and faithfulness, amid a sea of shifting theological interpretations.

Critics Argue Heresy

The New Apostolic Reformation is not without controversy. Critics argue the theological interpretations often border on heresy. The movement's approach to interpreting scripture, with an emphasis on prosperity and material wealth, often strays from orthodox Christian viewpoints. This divergence can lead to harmful beliefs, such as associating financial prosperity and good health with strong faith.

Critics of the apostolic reformation movement point out that this interpretation can be damaging. They argue that it places undue pressure on individuals to demonstrate their faith through material success, potentially leading to feelings of guilt or inadequacy when such success is not achieved. This, they contend, is a distortion of the Christian message, which emphasizes humility, service, and reliance on God.

The misinterpretation of biblical verses supporting the "name it and claim it" theology is a point of contention. Verses like Matthew 21:22 and Mark 11:24 are often used to suggest that believers can claim material blessings from God simply by having enough faith. Critics say this interpretation is out of context and could lead to an unhealthy focus on wealth and prosperity.

The Orthodox Church and others argue that these teachings can be harmful to faith and spirituality. They argue that the focus on material wealth and success as a sign of strong faith can lead to disillusionment and disenchantment when such prosperity is not realized. This, they believe, undermines the true teachings of Jesus Christ.

In sum, critics of the New Apostolic Reformation argue that its teachings often stray from orthodox interpretations of scripture. They warn followers to be wary of teachings that focus on material wealth and success as signs of strong faith.

Exploring the 7 Controversies Surrounding the Apostolic Reformation Movement

Let's pull back the curtain on seven contentious issues linked to the New Apostolic Reformation, a highly debated movement within Protestant Christianity. Founded by C. Peter Wagner in the mid-90s, the NAR is often tied to the prosperity gospel, an association that has raised eyebrows and sparked debates.

1. Misinterpretation of Biblical Texts: Critics argue that NAR teachings often bend biblical texts to fit their narrative. As an example, the phrase "touch not the Lord's anointed" is commonly misused to discourage theological critique of questionable teachings.

2. Overlap with Prosperity Gospel: Preaching promises of earthly wealth and guaranteed healing as signs of faith, the prosperity gospel is seen as spiritually and financially exploitative. This overlap with NAR doctrine raises questions about its legitimacy.

3. Accusations of Heresy: Orthodox Christians voice concerns about NAR teachings, particularly those that undermine Christ's divinity, a cornerstone of Christian theology.

4. Influence on Modern Christian Practices: The global reach of the NAR has seen charismatic expressions and belief in modern-day apostles and prophets weaving their way into Christian practices worldwide.

5. Impact on Emerging Churches: The NAR's influence is particularly notable in emerging churches in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Churches in these regions often adopt charismatic practices and hierarchical structures, potentially leading to theological challenges.

6. Future Implications: The NAR’s rapid growth and lack of doctrinal accountability could lead to further divisions within Christianity and a drift toward cult-like behaviors.

7. Confusion in Theological Practices: The NAR's emphasis on signs, wonders, and new revelations can overshadow traditional Christian doctrines, leading to theological confusion.

For a more in-depth look into the NAR, Defining Deception provides a detailed critique.

Carrying this into life

As Christians, we should be wary of the NAR and its teachings. While the movement claims to be a fresh wind and a new time of anointing, there are serious concerns about the ways in which it distorts the message of the Gospel. The Trust Gospel - that is, placing our trust in Jesus Christ who died for our sins and offers us a sincere relationship with our Heavenly Father for all eternity - should be more than enough for believers. We do not need to pursue material wealth or power in order to be blessed by God; true blessings come from living in accordance with his will and following Jesus' example of love, humility, and service.

Read slowly, with room for another person to hear these words differently. May what we learn draw us toward a more patient conversation and a life more attentive to love.