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.
Shepherd's Chapel's Teaching on Second Chance Salvation
Shepherd's Chapel asserts that during the millennium, described in Revelation 20:4 and Zechariah 14:9, individuals who were misled or did not accept Christ in their earthly life will have an opportunity to choose salvation. This view is tied to their broader theology, including the belief in a "first earth age" where souls made choices that influence their current state, and the millennium serves as a period for those not predestined as the "elect" to make a final decision for or against God. They claim this aligns with their interpretation of God's justice, allowing a second opportunity for those deceived by Satan or false teachings.
Biblical Evidence Against Second Chance Salvation
The Bible consistently teaches that the opportunity for salvation is limited to this earthly life, and after death, judgment follows without further chances for redemption. Several key passages refute the idea of a second chance during the millennium:
Hebrews 9:27: "Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." This verse clearly states that judgment follows death, with no indication of an additional period for salvation. The finality of death marks the end of opportunities to accept Christ.
Luke 16:19–31 (The Rich Man and Lazarus): In this parable, Jesus describes a rich man in torment after death, separated from Lazarus in paradise. The rich man does not seek a second chance for himself but asks Abraham to warn his brothers, indicating no change in his heart even in torment. Abraham's response, "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead" (Luke 16:31), underscores that the Scriptures provide sufficient opportunity for salvation during life. A second chance would undermine this teaching.
2 Corinthians 5:10: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." This verse emphasizes that judgment is based on deeds done during one's earthly life, in the body, with no provision for post-mortem opportunities to alter one's fate.
Revelation 20:11–15 (The Great White Throne Judgment): This passage describes the final judgment, where those whose names are not in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire. The judgment is based on deeds done in life, not on decisions made during a millennial period. There is no biblical indication that individuals can alter their eternal fate after death.
2 Corinthians 6:2: "I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation." This verse emphasizes the urgency of accepting salvation in the present, reinforcing that the opportunity is confined to this life.
These passages collectively affirm that salvation must be accepted before death, as judgment follows immediately afterward, leaving no room for a post-mortem opportunity.
Theological Issues with the Second Chance Doctrine
The idea of a second chance during the millennium contradicts several core Christian doctrines:
Finality of Salvation Through Christ: Traditional Christian theology, based on passages like John 3:16 and Romans 10:9–10, teaches that salvation comes through faith in Christ during one’s lifetime. A second chance would diminish the urgency of the gospel message and the necessity of responding to God’s call now.
Nature of Human Heart After Death: The parable of the rich man and Lazarus suggests that the human heart remains unchanged after death. The rich man’s lack of repentance in torment indicates that even a second chance would not lead to genuine faith, as the heart remains at enmity with God.
Sufficiency of Scripture: The Bible is presented as sufficient for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15). Abraham’s response in Luke 16:31 highlights that those who reject the Scriptures during life would not be persuaded by additional opportunities, undermining the claim that a millennial period is necessary for fairness.
Premillennial Misinterpretation: Shepherd's Chapel’s premillennial view, which includes a literal 1,000-year reign where salvation decisions can be made, misinterprets Revelation 20. The passage describes those who reign with Christ as those who were faithful in life, not those receiving a new opportunity. The millennium is a time of Christ’s rule, not a probationary period for the unsaved.
Shepherd's Chapel’s Broader Theological Context
The second chance doctrine is linked to other unorthodox teachings of Shepherd's Chapel, such as their belief in a "first earth age" where souls were judged, and the "elect" were chosen based on their actions then. This view suggests that the current life is a testing ground for those not predestined, culminating in a final chance during the millennium. However, this contradicts Ephesians 2:8–9, which states that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or prior actions in a supposed earlier existence. The idea of a first earth age lacks biblical support and is considered heretical by mainstream Christian scholars.
Additionally, Shepherd's Chapel’s modalistic view of the Trinity further isolates their theology from orthodox Christianity. These teachings, combined with the second chance doctrine, create a framework that deviates significantly from biblical teachings on salvation and eschatology.
Why This Matters
The second chance salvation doctrine is appealing because it suggests a merciful extension of opportunity, but it undermines the biblical call to respond to the gospel now. It risks fostering complacency, as individuals might delay repentance in hopes of a future chance, contrary to the urgency of 2 Corinthians 6:2. Furthermore, it distorts the nature of God’s justice and grace, which provide ample opportunity for salvation during life (John 1:9). The doctrine also aligns with Shepherd's Chapel’s broader pattern of interpreting Scripture in ways that lack contextual support, such as their serpent seed doctrine and British Israelism, both of which have been widely criticized.
Conclusion
Shepherd's Chapel’s teaching that people will have a second chance at salvation during the millennium is not supported by Scripture. Key biblical passages like Hebrews 9:27, Luke 16:19–31, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20:11–15, and 2 Corinthians 6:2 clearly teach that judgment follows death, with no additional opportunities for salvation. The doctrine contradicts the urgency of the gospel, the sufficiency of Scripture, and the finality of Christ’s atoning work. Christians are called to test all teachings against Scripture (1 John 4:1), and the second chance doctrine fails this test. For those seeking truth, the Bible urges faith in Christ today, as "now is the day of salvation."