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.