�Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.�--Romans 16:17-18 (KJV)
�Look to yourselves (take care) that you may not lose (throw away or destroy) all that we and you have labored for, but that you may [persevere until you] win and receive back a perfect reward [in full]. 9 Anyone who runs on ahead [of God] and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ [who is not content with what He taught] does not have God; but he who continues to live in the doctrine (teaching) of Christ [does have God], he has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine [is disloyal to what Jesus Christ taught], do not receive him [do not accept him, do not welcome or admit him] into [your] house or bid him Godspeed or give him any encouragement. 11 For he who wishes him success [who encourages him, wishing him Godspeed] is a partaker in his evil doings.�--II John 8-11 (Amplified)
I don�t believe Joseph Prince was always a heretic; but as he describes in his book, �Destined to Reign�, there was a point in his life and ministry where he turned away from the doctrine he had originally believed and taught himself. He still today is eloquent, charming, and gifted. He has a mastery of the language of �Word of Faith� having been groomed by some great men of God. He is also proficient at quoting scripture. Nevertheless, he is utterly self-deceived having demonstrated a willful ignorance of truth and having cultivated a warped understanding and severely twisted and irresponsible method of Biblical interpretation.
Here is a short summary of some of the many deadly heresies advocated by Joseph Prince in �Destined to Reign�:
1-Grace and law are opposites (this same doctrine was advocated by second century heretic �Marcion�)
2-Grace is one-sided and unfair (downplays faith and obedience and misunderstands divine justice)
3- Christianity is effortless (the kingdom of heaven is a welfare state)
4-Asking forgiveness for sin is unnecessary for �believers�
5-Moses and Jesus taught opposite doctrines
6-The law brings condemnation (to the wicked) and therefore Jesus removed it
7-Preaching the law makes people sin more, therefore it should not be taught at church because it will harm your church congregations (better to leave them ignorant I guess)
8-The gift of righteousness means we are righteous even if we are not
9-Unconditional forgiveness
10-God was perpetually angry in the Old Testament and perpetually happy in the New Testament
11-God does not judge nations for wickedness
12-If God judges people, cities and nations today, then He should apologize to Jesus for the cross
13-Believers aren�t punished for sin
14-We never truly stop sinning but God�s ok with that
15-We are not held more accountable to God when we know more, nor do we face greater punishment if we fail having known the truth, nor will we go through greater trials or tribulations as we draw close to God
16-The Word of God doesn�t produce faith, only the Word of Christ
17-The Word of God and the word of Christ don�t agree on some things
18-Christian�s cannot commit the unpardonable sin
19-Once saved, always saved
20-Part of Jesus� teaching is not applicable because it�s �Old Testament�
21- We can�t take doctrine from the gospels because Jesus had not yet risen from the dead yet
22-Paul�s the lead authority on doctrine (not Jesus) because he addressed the church
23-Confession of sins for believers is about �being open� with God, not about repentance because we are already forgiven
24-Even though the book of I John was written to the church, the opening chapter is only for Gnostics and therefore we can disregard the instructions to confess our sin
25-Confession of sin is unnecessary because we would have to confess all the time (inferring we would never stop sinning)
26-Paul didn�t teach confession of sins
27-Christ died to save us from the Old Testament covenant
28-Not only should we not teach �the law� from the pulpit, we should only teach grace (even though the New Testament gives 1050 commands for believers to obey, we should still skip that part)
29-Condemnation is the deepest root of all our problems (actually condemnation is caused by sin, hence the deeper problem is sin)
30-An evil conscience is one that convicts you of sin and failure (in other words a WORKING conscience)
31-The Holy Spirit does not convict us of sin or of judgment
32-The Holy Spirit only convicts us of righteousness (when we sin)
33-Satan likes the Ten Commandments
34-The law caused Paul to be deceived in sin
35-Paul continued in sin but realized he was not condemned anyway
36-The prodigal son didn�t really repent, he was just conning his father for food
37-We shouldn�t talk about sin, repentance or judgment from the pulpit, we should only talk about the goodness of God
38-Jesus frequently broke the law of Moses to help sinners
39-God didn�t unconditionally protect rebellious sinners in the Old Testament who were bitten by serpents but He will unconditionally protect rebellious sinners (�Christians�) in the New Testament
40-God had Israel put the Ten Commandments in the Ark of the Covenant to �hide� the law under the mercy seat
41-Abraham had a covenant of grace, but Moses� had an inferior covenant of works
42-The journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai was a period of pure grace (50 days of no consequence for sin which the giving of the law ruined their sin-filled but �righteousness-consciousness� utopia)
43-Repentance doesn�t involve mourning or sorrow (or confession) for sin, it just means you changed your mind about something
44-The doctrine of repentance from sin is not for believers
45-Grace is a teacher so we don�t need the law
46-Grace-preaching is the only means of effective evangelism
47-Paul taught and believed all of the aforementioned heresies
48-Paul �winked� at the sins of Corinth because they were under grace but firmly rebuked the sins of Galatia because they taught the law
49-�Falling from grace� doesn�t mean sinning, it means reverting to law
50-If you teach the law you are a �man-pleaser� (bizarre I know)
51-Fasting is unnecessary and is only in the New Testament because fasting enthusiasts added it in later manuscript copies
52-When Satan tempted Jesus to �turn the stones to bread�, he was actually tempting Jesus to get nourishment from the law instead of trusting in the love of God (my eyes are rolling even as I type this)
53-Etc., etc., etc.
For the teaching of these doctrines and many others not mentioned on this list, I assert with little timidity that Joseph Prince is unquestionably a heretic. You may not agree with my analysis on every point; but only a fool and a rebel would completely whitewash such pervasive and damnable confusion!
Consider this final quote from Joseph Prince:
�The Lord told me many years ago, �Son, your ministry is to roll away the stone.� Let me explain to you what this means. In the story of Lazarus, Jesus commanded the people to roll away the stone from Lazarus� tomb�My friend, the stone is a picture of the law.�
I would suggest to you, that any ministry or ministry personality devoted to the concept of rejecting the laws of God in the name of God, is in fact promoting lawlessness and rebellion to authority, which is why a common symptom of these heretical teachings is church splits, licensed immorality, and rogue ministers in the Body of Christ who refuse correction and accountability to qualified spiritual leaders.
Do me a great favor David and dont say HATE when I have NEVER used that word nor has anyone that Ive shared their commentary. The reason its put forth is out of love and not hate,. I dont hate anyone my friend:) oh well except satan:excited:
JESUS COMMANDS US TO "SELL OUR POSSESSIONS GIVE TO THE POOR AND YOU WILL HAVE TREASURES IN HEAVEN AND **THEN** COME FOLLOW ME!!"
In the old covenant God's commandments were only preached to Jews but in the New Covenant Jesus commands us to preach to every nation in the world teaching them to obey *EVERYTHING* He commanded and everything would also include all of the approximately 400 NT commandments also taught in Acts to Revelation {See 2 Timothy 3-16 to 4:2.}
There were 613 OT commandments and Jesus changed many of them including all of the strict Sabbath commands and all of the commands to stone someone for sinning {Jesus says that he who is without sin should cast the first stone} Jesus also eliminated all the strict Levitical dietary laws declaring that all foods are now clean. And Jesus also commanded us not to make any vows or oaths {Matt 5:33-37}on anything Just let your Yes be yes and your no, no.
Jesus also eliminated the eye for an eye laws and commanded us to always offer up the other cheek and to love {See Matt 5:38-48} our enemies. And of course Jesus eliminated all sacrifices and offerings for sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Jesus also eliminated the earthly rewards for faithful service and commanded us to sell our possessions and give to the poor and get *TREASURES IN HEAVEN* and **THEN** come follow Him.
Luke 12:33,34: Jesus says, �Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted....For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.�
Matthew 20:20-24: �All these {Commandments} I have kept, the young man said. �What do I still lack?� Jesus answered, �If you want to be perfect, go, sell tour possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. **THEN** come, follow Me.� When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus says, �It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.�
Luke 6:20: Jesus says �Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.�
2 Corinthians 6:4-10: As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance, in troubles, hardships and distresses, in beatings, imprisonments; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love, in truthful speech and in the power of God; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; dying, and yet we live on; beaten and yet not killed; *POOR*, yet making many rich; *HAVING NOTHING*; and yet possessing everything.�
I Timothy 6:5-10: There are men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain....If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.�
I Timothy 2:9,10: �I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.�
The early saints followed these commands of Jesus and the NT Covenant:
Acts 2:44,45: "*ALL* the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need." Acts 4:32: "*ALL* the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had."
Revelation 22:12: Jesus says, "Behold, I am coming soon! My *REWARD* is *WITH ME*, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done!" {When He comes, not now}
2 Corinthians 5:9,10: "So we make it our goal to please Him..For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him {Not NOW} for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad!"
Matthew 16:27: Jesus says, For the Son of Man is going to come in His **FATHER'S GLORY WITH HIS ANGELS**{See Matt 24:30-31;25:31-40}, and **THEN** {Not with earthly rewards now} He will *REWARD* each person according to what he has done."
I Peter 1:13: �Therefore, prepare your minds for *ACTION*, and set your hope *FULLY* on the grace to be given *YOU* when Jesus Christ is *REVEALED*.
2 Timothy 4:7,8: Paul said, �I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me *ON THAT DAY* {Not NOW}--and not only to me, but to all who have longed for His *APPEARING*.�
GOD'S SAINTS STRIVE FOR AND ONLY HAVE FAITH IN *TREASURES* AND *REWARDS* IN HEAVEN!!
Ephesians 2:8,9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the **GIFT** of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do!"
Matthew 5:19,20: Jesus says, �Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves **TREASURES** in Heaven!� Luke 12:33 adds �Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide for yourselves.. a **TREASURE** in heaven that will not be exhausted. For where your **TREASURE** is there your heart will be also!!�
22 Corinthians 6:6-10: As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way; in great endurance, in troubles, hardships and distresses, in beatings, imprisonments; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God...Dying, and yet we live on, beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; **POOR**, yet making many rich, **HAVING NOTHING**, and yet **POSSESSING EVERYTHING**!!�
Hebrews 11:1,6: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see....And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He **REWARDS** those who earnestly seek Him."
Ephesians 6:7,8: "Serve wholeheartedly...because you know that the Lord will *REWARD* everyone for whatever good he does!"
2 John 1:8: "Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be *REWARDED* fully!"
I Corinthians 3:6-9: Paul said, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be *REWARDED* according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers!"
Daniel 12:3: "Those who impart wisdom will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever!"
Matthew 5:11,12: Jesus says, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your *REWARD* in heaven!" {See Luke 6:35}
Revelation 22:12: Jesus says, "Behold, I am coming soon! My *REWARD* is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done!"
2 Corinthians 5:9,10: "So we make it our goal to please Him..For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad!"
Matthew 16:27: Jesus says, For the Son of Man is going to come in His **FATHER'S GLORY WITH HIS ANGELS**{See Matt 24:30-31;25:31-40}, and **THEN** He will *REWARD* each person according to what he has done."
Jesus says in Rev 2:17; 3:4, 5, 21: �To him who overcomes...I will give a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.....He will walk with Me for he is worthy... I will acknowledge his name before My Father and His angels.... I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem.....I will write on him my New Name... and I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.� According to Rev 22:3 these 2 thrones will be the only thrones in the Heavenly New Jerusalem!.
So Salvation is a 100% FREE GIFT as per Ephesians 2:8,9 and eternal *REWARDS* for God's faithful saints are 100% earned!
I Peter 1:13: �Therefore, prepare your minds for *ACTION*, and set your hope *FULLY* on the grace to be given *YOU* when Jesus Christ is *REVEALED*!!"
