The Shepherd's Chapel teaches a doctrine distinguishing between the "elect" and the "very elect." Central to this is the concept of the "7000 very elect," claimed to be a literal group of 7,000 elite predestined individuals who stood most faithfully with God against Satan in a pre-existent "first earth age" before the current creation. These "very elect" (sometimes referred to as the "Zadok") are considered a superior subset of the broader "elect," inherently resistant to deception by the Antichrist and specifically destined to be "delivered up" to him for testimony during the end times. The doctrine primarily draws from 1 Kings 19:18 and Romans 11:4, where God reserves 7,000 who have not bowed to Baal, but Shepherd's Chapel expands this into a framework involving soul pre-existence and hierarchical election.
Reformed Thinker:
Former Shepherd's Chapel Student refuting Shepherd's Chapel teachings.
Shepherd’s Chapel’s Denial of the Physical Resurrection
As a former student of Shepherd’s Chapel for over 20 years, I was deeply immersed in their teachings, studying alongside my family under the guidance of Pastor Arnold Murray. However, after careful examination of Scripture and reflection, I came to reject their doctrine, particularly the claim that there is no physical resurrection of believers. This belief, which asserts that believers are raised only spiritually and not bodily, is not only unbiblical but also a dangerous and heretical departure from orthodox Christianity. Below, I outline why this teaching is false and the profound implications it has for the Christian faith.
From Shepherd’s Chapel to Calvinism
For over 20 years, I was part of Shepherd’s Chapel, drawn by its verse-by-verse teaching and distinctive interpretations that opened up what felt like hidden depths in the Bible—ideas like a “first earth age” where souls existed before creation, the Kenites as a unique lineage tied to evil, and a division between “elect” and “free-will” believers. It was exhilarating to feel like I was uncovering secret truths, and this sense of discovery shaped my early faith. But as I immersed myself deeper in Scripture, doubts began to surface. Some of Shepherd’s Chapel’s teachings seemed to stray from the Bible’s clear message, prompting me to question their foundation. My shift to Calvinism was more than a theological pivot—it was a life-altering encounter with God’s sovereign grace that brought clarity, peace, and a renewed trust in His Word.
Why Shepherd’s Chapel’s View of “Born from Above” Misses the Gospel’s Heart
As someone who once sat under the teachings of Shepherd’s Chapel, I know firsthand the pull of their distinctive take on Scripture. For years, I tuned into Arnold Murray’s broadcasts, captivated by his confident delivery and the promise of “deeper truths” hidden in the Bible. His explanation of being “born from above” in John 3, tied to a doctrine of pre-existence, felt like a revelation at first—it gave me a sense of cosmic purpose, like I was part of a grand, ancient narrative. But as I wrestled with the Scriptures and the Gospel’s core message, I began to see how this teaching strayed from biblical truth and muddied the beauty of salvation through Christ alone. This is my journey of moving away from Shepherd’s Chapel’s view and rediscovering the true meaning of John 3.
Shepherd's Chapel's View of "Sons of Zadok" Refuted.
The Shepherd’s Chapel teaches that the "sons of Zadok" mentioned in Ezekiel 44:15-16 are synonymous with the "elect," a group they claim are God’s chosen people who remain loyal during end-times events. This view, often tied to their broader eschatological framework, suggests that the sons of Zadok represent a spiritual elite destined to receive special rewards for their faithfulness. However, this interpretation is problematic when examined against biblical texts, historical context, and scholarly analysis. This article refutes the Shepherd’s Chapel’s claim by demonstrating that the "sons of Zadok" are a specific historical and priestly lineage, not a metaphorical or eschatological representation of the "elect."
Shepherd's Chapel's Second Chance Salvation Doctrine
Shepherd's Chapel teaches a distinctive doctrine suggesting that individuals who are deceived in this life will have a second chance at salvation during the millennial reign of Christ. This belief stems from their premillennialist view, which posits that Christ will return to establish a literal 1,000-year kingdom on Earth, during which those who did not accept Him in this life can choose to follow Him. This article examines this teaching in light of biblical texts and traditional Christian theology, demonstrating why it is not supported by Scripture.
The Errors of E.W. Bullinger
Ethelbert William Bullinger (1837–1913), an Anglican clergyman and biblical scholar, is best known for his role in developing ultradispensationalism, a theological framework that has significantly influenced various Christian movements, including the controversial teachings of Shepherd’s Chapel, led by Arnold Murray. This article examines the theological errors in Bullinger’s teachings, particularly his ultradispensationalism, and explores how these ideas have contributed to the false doctrines propagated by Shepherd’s Chapel, despite divergences in certain areas. By analyzing Bullinger’s hyperdispensationalist views and their adoption by Murray, we aim to highlight the deviations from mainstream Christian theology and their implications.
Critique of Pastor Arnold Murray's "In Answer to Critics"
The late Arnold B. Murray, founder of Shepherd’s Chapel, has garnered a significant following through his verse-by-verse Bible teaching, broadcast to millions worldwide. In his article In Answer to Critics, Murray responds to accusations of theological errors, including modalism, racism, the serpent seed doctrine, and questionable credentials. However, a careful examination of his claims against scripture and external critiques reveals that his responses often fail to address core concerns, leaving significant biblical and doctrinal issues unresolved. This article evaluates Murray’s teachings in light of scripture, offering a balanced perspective for those seeking to discern truth.
Good & Bad Figs (Jeremiah 24)
This article examines the Shepherd's Chapel teaching on the "Good and Bad Figs" from Jeremiah 24, which claims that the passage refers to Kenites (bad figs) and true Jews (good figs) returning to Israel in 1948, marking the start of the "generation of the fig tree." This interpretation, however, relies on eisegesis—imposing external ideas onto the text—rather than a faithful exegesis of Scripture. A careful reading of Jeremiah 24 reveals that it addresses the Babylonian exile and God's plans for judgment and restoration, not modern events or ethnic groups.
A Biblical Refutation of Shepherd’s Chapel’s View of Annihilationism
The Shepherd’s Chapel teaches a form of annihilationism, the belief that the wicked, rather than suffering eternal conscious torment in hell, will be completely destroyed or cease to exist after judgment. This doctrine, often tied to conditional immortality, asserts that only the righteous receive eternal life, while the unrighteous face total destruction. While this view may appeal to some due to its perceived alignment with a loving God, it diverges from historic Christian orthodoxy and, upon close examination, fails to withstand biblical scrutiny. This article refutes the Shepherd’s Chapel’s annihilationist stance, drawing on Scripture, theological reasoning, and the broader Christian tradition to affirm the eternality of hell’s punishment.
Refuting Shepherd's Chapel's Katabole, Three Earth Ages, and Gap Theory
The Shepherd's Chapel, led by Arnold Murray, promotes a distinctive interpretation of biblical creation, centered on the concepts of the "Katabole," the "Three Earth Ages," and the Gap Theory. These teachings suggest a pre-existent earth age destroyed due to Satan's rebellion, followed by a recreation described in Genesis. This article critically examines these doctrines, arguing that they lack biblical support, misinterpret key scriptures, and conflict with sound theological principles.
Refuting the Shepherd’s Chapel Doctrine of British Israelism
The Shepherd’s Chapel, founded by Arnold Murray, promotes a doctrine known as British Israelism, which asserts that the Anglo-Saxon peoples, particularly the British and their descendants in countries like the United States and Canada, are the true descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. This belief is a cornerstone of their teachings, often tied to interpretations of biblical prophecy and history. However, British Israelism lacks credible support from scripture, history, archaeology, linguistics, and genetics, and it has been widely refuted by scholars and theologians. This article examines the key claims of the Shepherd’s Chapel’s British Israelism and provides a critical refutation based on evidence and reason.
Refuting the Serpent Seed and Kenite Doctrine
The Serpent Seed Doctrine and the associated Kenite Doctrine taught by Arnold Murray of Shepherd's Chapel are controversial teachings that deviate from mainstream Christian theology. These doctrines claim that the Serpent (Satan) had a sexual relationship with Eve in the Garden of Eden, resulting in the birth of Cain, whose descendants are the Kenites, a group portrayed as inherently evil and often linked to modern Jewish people or other groups. Below is a concise refutation of these doctrines based on biblical texts, theological reasoning, and critical analysis.
Refuting the False Teachings of Shepherd’s Chapel
Shepherd’s Chapel, based in Gravette, Arkansas, and led by the late Arnold Murray, has gained a significant following through its television broadcasts and online presence. While the ministry claims to teach the Bible verse-by-verse, many of its doctrines deviate significantly from orthodox Christian teachings. This article examines key false teachings of Shepherd’s Chapel, including the Serpent Seed doctrine, denial of the Trinity, and British Israelism, providing biblical refutations for each. The aim is to clarify these errors and guide readers toward sound biblical understanding.
Summary of Partial Preterism
Partial Preterism is a Christian eschatological view that interprets many biblical prophecies, particularly those in the New Testament, as having been fulfilled in the first century, especially around the events of A.D. 70 when Jerusalem and the Second Temple were destroyed by the Romans. Unlike full preterism, which holds that all prophecies, including the Second Coming and final judgment, have already occurred, Partial Preterism maintains that some prophecies remain unfulfilled and await a future consummation.
Understanding New Covenant Theology
NCT emphasizes the centrality of the New Covenant, as described in passages like Jeremiah 31:31–34 and Hebrews 8:8–13, where God promises a new relationship with His people through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Unlike other theological systems, such as Covenant Theology or Dispensationalism, NCT views the New Covenant as the lens through which all Scripture should be understood, prioritizing the teachings of Christ and the apostles.
Jeremiah Chapter 4 and the Myth of the "World That Was"
Shepherd’s Chapel teaches a doctrine known as the Katabole, or the "Three Earth Ages," which includes the concept of a "world that was" before the current age. According to this teaching, Satan fell in this prior world, leading one-third of the angels (whom they claim were humans in a previous form) to follow him, one-third to align with God (earning the status of "elect" in this age), and one-third to remain undecided. However, a close examination of Scripture reveals no evidence to support this narrative. Shepherd’s Chapel points to Jeremiah 4:19–31 as describing the Katabole—the alleged destruction of this earlier world. A verse-by-verse analysis of this chapter, in its proper context, demonstrates that it refers solely to God’s judgment on Judah and Jerusalem, not a prehistoric earth age.
Refuting Shepherd's Chapel - The Elect
In a previous post, I briefly discussed my experience with Shepherd's Chapel and how their doctrine of election initially raised doubts about their teachings. After comparing their claims with Scripture, particularly Romans 8 and Ephesians 1, I found irreconcilable contradictions. This led me to conclude that Shepherd's Chapel's teachings, particularly on election, deviate significantly from biblical truth and align with non-Christian cultic doctrine.
Pastor Arnold Murray, the founder of Shepherd's Chapel, often encouraged his followers to "check him out" by examining his teachings against Scripture. However, a careful study reveals that many of his interpretations are not only unbiblical but, in some cases, heretical. Among these, their doctrine of election stands out as particularly problematic, second only to their denial of the Trinity. This article examines Shepherd's Chapel's view of election and contrasts it with the clear teachings of Scripture.
Refuting the Kenite Doctrine of Shepherd's Chapel
Shepherd's Chapel's Kenite doctrine, as presented in their free introductory CD The Mark of the Beast and studies such as Seed of the Serpent (#30461), Genesis, Chapters 1-6 (#30146), and Kenites (#30436), asserts that Eve had a sexual encounter with Satan, resulting in the birth of Cain, whose biological father is claimed to be Satan. According to this teaching, Cain's descendants are the Kenites mentioned in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, Shepherd's Chapel identifies the scribes and Pharisees as literal descendants of Cain, claiming they secretly control the world through four "hidden dynasties" (political, religious, economic, and educational systems). They further assert that only churches teaching the Kenite doctrine possess the "Key of David" and can avoid deception in the end times.
This article examines the biblical texts used to support this doctrine, demonstrating that it lacks scriptural foundation and relies on a flawed, allegorical interpretation of Genesis 3.
Serpent-Seed Doctrine of Shepherd's Chapel
After some time away from blogging and online discussions, I’ve noticed ongoing issues with the teachings of Shepherd's Chapel, particularly their promotion of the serpent-seed doctrine. Following Arnold Murray's passing in February 2014, Dennis Murray has taken over as the primary teacher, continuing to propagate the same theological errors. Notably, Shepherd's Chapel’s website does not acknowledge Arnold Murray’s death, and many of its followers seem reluctant to discuss it. This article addresses the serpent-seed doctrine, a teaching that misinterprets Scripture to claim that Satan and Eve produced literal offspring, known as the "Kenites," who are falsely identified as Jews today. This doctrine is a heresy, and the following analysis demonstrates its biblical inaccuracies.
Judging, Trinity, Millennium, Kenites, and more.
After a long hiatus, I’m back to address comments left on this blog, many of which criticized my judgment of other Christian teachers. Some argue that judging others is inappropriate, but Scripture provides clear guidance on this matter. In 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 (ESV), Paul writes:
“For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. ‘Purge the evil person from among you.’”
This passage instructs believers to evaluate the teachings of those within the church who claim to follow Christ. Shepherd’s Chapel, led by the late Arnold Murray and now by his son Dennis Murray, claims to be a Christian ministry. Therefore, it is not only appropriate but biblically mandated to examine their teachings and warn others about errors or heresies.
Jesus and the apostles frequently confronted false teachings, often naming specific individuals or groups (e.g., Matthew 23, Galatians 2:11-14). Identifying false teachers by name ensures clarity in warning others, a practice rooted in Scripture. I stand unapologetically by this approach.
Refuting Shepherd's Chapel - Hell (Matthew 10:28)
Shepherd's Chapel, a religious group, teaches annihilationism, the belief that the unsaved cease to exist rather than face eternal punishment in hell. This doctrine, also held by groups like Seventh-day Adventists and Jehovah’s Witnesses, contradicts the traditional biblical understanding of eternal judgment (Matthew 25:46). This article examines the errors in Shepherd's Chapel’s interpretation, focusing on their misuse of key scriptures, and presents a clear, biblically grounded argument for eternal punishment.
Katabole and 3 Earth Ages
Several years ago, I shared YouTube videos and a blog post addressing errors in the teachings of Shepherd's Chapel, particularly those promoted by its founder, Arnold Murray. While my previous content briefly outlined and countered some of their false teachings, such as their views on Hell and the Kenite (serpent seed) doctrine, this article focuses specifically on their doctrine of the Katabole and the Three Earth Ages. This teaching misinterprets key biblical terms and concepts, leading to significant theological errors that require clear refutation.
Whosoever Will?
Who Is the "Whosoever" in John 3:16?
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16 (KJV)
John 3:16 is one of the most well-known verses in Scripture, proclaiming God’s love for the world and the gift of His Son for salvation. But who is the “whosoever” that believes? Some interpret this verse as teaching universal atonement, suggesting that salvation is available to all based on human free will. However, a closer look at Scripture reveals a different perspective.
Understanding the Trinity: One God, Three Persons
The doctrine of the Trinity is a foundational belief in Christianity, describing who God is according to the Bible. It teaches that there is one God who exists eternally as three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal, co-eternal, and each fully God, yet there is only one God, not three.
Shepherd's Chapel - My Story
I’ve publicly shared on my blog and YouTube channel that I was once a student of Shepherd’s Chapel, a claim met with accusations of lying in comments and posts. To set the record straight, here’s my story.
A Call for Scriptural Clarity
Engaging in discussions with individuals deeply committed to certain theological perspectives can be challenging, particularly when those perspectives diverge from mainstream Christian doctrine. I recently shared a video on this topic, inviting followers of Shepherd's Chapel to substantiate their beliefs with clear biblical evidence. My focus was on their teaching that the "elect" were chosen due to actions in a supposed "first earth age," where they were justified by standing with God against Satan. This concept lacks explicit support in Scripture and warrants careful examination.
The Third Heaven: Understanding Its Biblical Significance
The Bible provides profound insights into the nature of God’s creation, including the celestial realms where angels dwell. A key verse that illuminates this topic is Nehemiah 9:6, which declares:
You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you. (Nehemiah 9:6, ESV)
This passage establishes God as the sole creator of the universe, encompassing the "heaven of heavens" and its "host." The "host of heaven" refers to the angels, celestial beings created to serve and worship God. This concept is reinforced in Genesis 2:1, which states:
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. (Genesis 2:1, ESV)
Here, the "host" includes the angels, created alongside the heavens and the earth as described in Genesis 1:1–2. These verses collectively affirm that the angels, as part of the heavenly host, were present from the beginning of creation, worshiping and glorifying God.
With Child from the Holy Spirit
The Bible describes the birth of Jesus Christ as follows:
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18 ESV)
God’s Unfailing Work in Salvation
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3, ESV).
What a glorious truth! Our salvation is not something we earned, deserved, or initiated. It is entirely the work of God, rooted in His great mercy. As Peter declares, God caused us to be born again. This new birth is not a fleeting moment or a fragile state—it is a transformation that ushers us into a living hope, made possible through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The same power that raised Jesus from the grave now works in us, securing our salvation for eternity. Since God is the author of our salvation, we can trust that He will preserve it forever.
The Core of Christian Faith: Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign Savior
From the perspective of Calvinism and New Covenant Theology, we affirm that Jesus Christ is fully God, coeternal and consubstantial with the Father, exercising divine sovereignty over all creation. His eternal existence underscores God’s unchanging decree to redeem His elect through Christ’s perfect work, fulfilled in the New Covenant established by His blood.
The Millennium
The Partial Preterist perspective interprets many eschatological events, such as the judgments described in Revelation, as fulfilled around the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. In this view, the Millennium of Revelation 20:1-6 is understood as either a symbolic representation of the Church age following AD 70 or a literal 1,000-year period after that event. This contrasts with Premillennialism, which expects a future literal 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth. Let’s examine key scriptures to explore this interpretation.
His Will, Not Our Own: Understanding God’s Sovereign Grace
The human heart, as described in Scripture, is deeply flawed and incapable of seeking God on its own. This truth lies at the core of understanding salvation as an act of God’s sovereign will, not human effort. Through key biblical passages, we see that salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace, initiated and completed by His divine will.
Original Sin and Ezekiel 18
Ezekiel 18:20 (NKJV): “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.”
Does Ezekiel 18:20 contradict the doctrine of original sin? To address this, we must first define original sin, examine its biblical basis, and then interpret Ezekiel 18:20 in context to determine whether it challenges this doctrine.