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.
Below, I outline four key areas where Shepherd’s Chapel promotes false doctrines, supported by biblical refutations:
1. Works-Based Salvation
Shepherd’s Chapel teaches that individuals earned their election and justification in a previous age through their actions. This contradicts Ephesians 2:8-9, which states salvation is by grace through faith, not works. Paul’s teachings in Galatians 1 and Romans further condemn any works-based gospel as a distortion of the truth.
2. Modalism Instead of the Trinity
While Shepherd’s Chapel may use the term “Trinity,” their teachings align with modalism, which denies the distinct, co-existent, co-eternal persons of the Godhead. Scripture affirms the Trinity—three distinct persons in one God (e.g., Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-14). A false understanding of God leads to a false gospel.
3. Second-Chance Salvation in the Millennium
Shepherd’s Chapel promotes a form of premillennialism that claims those deceived in this age will have a second chance to accept Christ during the millennium. This is refuted by 2 Corinthians 5:10, which states, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” Hebrews 9:27 reinforces that judgment follows death, with no second chance. While I also question pre-tribulation rapture and dispensational theology, Scripture assures that true believers will not be deceived into following Satan (Revelation 13:8, Matthew 24:22, John 10:28-29). Shepherd’s Chapel’s errors here are more severe than those of dispensationalism.
4. The Serpent Seed Doctrine
Shepherd’s Chapel teaches the “serpent seed” doctrine, claiming some people are literal descendants of Satan. This is unbiblical. Genesis 4:1 clearly states that Cain was Adam’s physical son. In John 8:44, Jesus calls certain Jews “children of the devil” spiritually, not literally, as He acknowledges their physical descent from Abraham in John 8:37 and 8:56. Scripture consistently uses “children of Satan” as a metaphor for those who reject Christ (1 John 3:10), not as a literal genealogy.
Conclusion
Discerning and addressing false teachings within the church is a biblical responsibility. Shepherd’s Chapel’s doctrines deviate significantly from Scripture, promoting a false gospel that misleads believers. My aim is not to condemn but to uphold truth and protect the church, to the glory of God alone.
Soli Deo Gloria!