Hank Hanegraaff Addresses John MacArthur's Comments about the Eastern Orthodox Church 

you are on the right path...God bless you

Galatians 1:6-11 KJV I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: [7] Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. [9] As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. [10] For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. [11] But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

Hey Fernando..I felt the same way..I tried Orthodox around 30 years ago and I'm still going Welcome!

Hi Fernando - so wonderful to hear your honest testimony. I too have wandered - I have even been a pastor but have had in the last number of years that same 'pulling' toward Orthodoxy. I find the teachings deeply spiritual - something I dont think I can say I have experienced before. May God bless you richly!

Show by your only mission you don’t know Jesus on a personal level why don’t you talk to Jesus about that forget about Hank Hannah graph who cares what he does.

TheChiesa Wow. I didn’t know this.

Thats a myth

@@HerveyShmervy not a myth at all its well documented and lutherans admit it.

Links and proof?

@@ericjustice8303 *note i said luther wanted to remove apocrypha i am not sure that is accurate my understanding now is that he didnt find them equal to holy scripture but still profitable to read. lutheran called epistles of james "epistle of straws" because james said faith without works is dead. Look it up even lutherans admit this. Early church did not teach once saved always saved doctrine. Luther wanted to open the canon of the new testament and remove books. He was not successful with altering New Testament canon it scandalized his followers. Protestants follow tradition of luther. Originally apocryha was included in kjv(again not new testament apocryha) Eventually the apocryha was removed from kjv bible. What adds to confusion is protestants dont distinguish between new testament apocrypya and other writings that catholics call apocrypha and orthodox call deuterocanon, again the church universally rejected new testament apocryha when the books of the bible were canonized and no eastern orthodox and no catholic and dont think any protestant believe in new testament apocrypha. In Eastern orthodox we call certain books deuterocanonical second canon not given as much emphasis as other books, catholics and protestants call these book apocrypha.The deuterocanonical books were rejected by Jews after the time of apostles because it made them look bad. Dont understand the reasoning to look to unbelieving Jews to set the canon 1600 years later, but thats protestant tradition.

I’ve met eastern orthodox people they seem nice to me that’s not the question but what they teach is under biblical and it goes against the whole point of the word God wishes the salvation of mankind is not defending our actions or our works you cannot lose your salvation because it’s given us a free gift Ephesians 289 you need to look at the water God and quit worrying about with the patriarch or Hank and a graph says what you asked Jesus what he has to say about it.

​@@Americanpatriot-zo2tkYes you are correct!

Your walk shows works and is the shining light of your faith. You walk in a life of works which is what makes you separated from the rest. Your not chastised into certain behaviours called works. True works are not a to do list of behaviours that prove your faith they come with focused faith as a natural part of your walk. I also believe unlike Calvin that we have free will to choose our path. Focusing on Calvinism detracts from a focus on our saviour and a deviation of biblical text. Bless you for your carefully measured words. I also love John McArthur. Being wrong is a human frailty and so is passion. We have not been made perfect yet but should be increasing in knowledge from biblical text 2Timothy 3:16-17. Bless you

Bless! It is a delight to see your comment here, Father. I was discouraged by MacArthur's words because of how many people I know he will lead astray. I pray more people come to the faith of the Apostles and see the humility and love in Hank's words. Pray for me and my family.

Pretty easy to see he is reading from a well prepared script! I us3d to love listening to Hank in the 80's. But he lost me when he says there was no immaculate conception. The Bible clearly states in many places we are saved by grace through faith. And this brings about good works which is wonderful. But to deny Christ was born of a virgin and to deny the written word of the bible is heresy and God will judge Hank and his like minded fellows. I pray Hank sees the error of his new beliefs and comes back to Jesus Christs teachings.​@dansysoman3391

I'm so sad to see that Hank has lost his way. I pray God will help him find his way back.

It’s not about becoming what denomination. You must be born again to be able to enter into the kingdom of God.

You can be born again and Orthodox. Orthodoxy is the fullness of the faith.

@@Ninos-j2c thank you for your reply my only question about orthodoxy is praying before images of Mary and the saints aren't we forbidden to do this maybe you could help me

@@Ninos-j2c thank you for your reply it gives me something to think about

@@henrystanley1516 the scripture says we are "surrounded by a cloud of witnesses"....the saints are still alive, they are like friends we ask to pray with us and for us...we do not worship them. We give them honor (venerate them). Look for Fr Stephen Freemans blog Glory to God for All Things....he writes about all of these topics (and is a convert himself).

No hand cannon graph is going against what the Bible teaches and you know it the Greek orthodox even reject eternal security. Another words salvation is dependent upon your own actions. Instead of the sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary.

@@Americanpatriot-zo2tk The Apocalypse of John makes very clear that one’s name can be struck from the Lamb’s Book of Life. Consider how Esau chose to sell his birthright; can we not do the same with our Baptism?

@@Americanpatriot-zo2tk of course you can fall away. He can cut away the dead vines that produce no fruit. We can lose salvation. Hence the “saints need to persevere”People can abuse God’s grace period.

@@Americanpatriot-zo2tk do you think you can call yourself a Christian and still live like the world with its filth?

No. MacArthur is quite correct. It is Hanegraaff who is wrong here. Apostle Paul writing on salvation: 'If by grace, then it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.' (Romans 11:6) '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 handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.' (Ephesians 2:8-10) You *cannot* be saved by BOTH grace and works since they are contrary to each other. The Eastern Orthodox Church’s doctrine is therefore incorrect.

They quote John MacArthur as an authority, and we're all supposed to happily and gladly accept it. It's John MacArthur, after all! He's a preacher of the Word! But the moment you quote John Chrysostom as an authority, they gasp, clutch their pearls, and forever regard you with suspicion. That's man-made tradition, you see! That's not _Sola Scriptura!_ 🤦‍♂️ Hypocrisy and irony are strong within Protestantism. Even as an evangelical Protestant (for now), I readily see it for what it is and no longer hold back from calling it out for what it is.

I've always found him to be a bit pompous. As if he's a calvinist Pius XII.

@@HickoryDickory86 you arent debating McArthur, you are debating GODs word. Don't get confused about who McArthur is quoting. He isnt quoting himself. He is just tge messenger

McArthur is quoting GODs word. I would be careful of mocking someone quoting GOD.

@@williamgullett5911 It's one thing to quote God's word. Teaching from God's word is something else entirely.

My younger brother, his wife and 7 children were also recently Chrismated into the Orthodox Christian Church. The similarities of your comment caught my attention.

Apostle Paul writing on salvation: 'If by grace, then it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.' (Romans 11:6) '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 handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.' (Ephesians 2:8-10) You *cannot* be saved by BOTH grace and works since they are contrary to each other. The Eastern Orthodox Church’s doctrine is therefore incorrect.

​@@salvation4all313 This is my take as a forever-student of the Faith. This is simply my perspective and is more just me relaying what I'm learning. Don't take it as authoritative. Eastern Orthodox do not have that much "dogma" or systematic theology on salvation in the way the west does. Orthodox simply say to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" - as the letter of Philippians says. Point me to the Eastern Orthodox doctrine you are talking about denouncing, because the majority of tightly-held dogma that we have are contained in the Nicene Creed (written by the Orthodox), that 95% of all Christians in the world follow. Everything else is held pretty loosely and not elevated to dogmatic status as you are holding your Romans & Ephesians verses to. Even with our two thousand years of stacks and stacks of canons, Orthodox still have infinitely less actual *dogma* than Catholics and Protestants. Eastern Orthodox simply don't find the need to pit Faith and Works against each other. It's a moot point that is unnecessary and a product of the western need to hyper-analyze and dissect everything. The verse by verse thing that you are doing in the last comment gets complicated, as many Christians understand. The book of James 2nd chapter makes it clear as day for everyone when he says: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.."" In short, according to scripture, "faith without works is dead", "works perfect our faith", a man can be "justified by works", and James says point blank "by works a man is justified, and NOT by faith alone" - sola fide doctrine that many American Christians including myself for most of my life is directly renounced here. This seems crystal clear clear to me and most people who read it. But it does not negate the scripture you posted, it just complements it perfectly. But from a western point of view it is definitely seen as contrary which is why Martin Luther petitioned to have the entire book of James removed from the canon entirely, 1500 years into the history of the Church. Orthodox don't see Faith and Works as being at odds. Why would they need to be? They are holistically one in the same from the Eastern point of view. There is no need to surgically dissect the two and put them against each other. The east never saw the need to have the Faith vs Works debates and simply just weren't part of those debates in history for geographic reasons mostly haha. I see putting 100% weight on belief or 100% weight on works as extremes and the Orthodox Church holds the paradox in balance as they try to do with all of the tricky extremes and heresies the Church has fought for 2000 years. This is also why the Orthodox who canonized the bible believe that Holy Scripture IS a work founded by the Church and not the other way around - the Church is not something founded by Scripture alone. "Sola scriptura" was an impossibility for the church because the Church existed for 300-400 years or so without a "new testament". The new testament and canonized Holy Bible was one of several of the Orthodox capital T Traditions including the Mysteries of Holy Communion, Holy Confession, Holy Marriage, Holy Ordination, Holy Unction - all founded by Christ Himself and passed to the disciples in one "Holy and Apostolic Catholic Church" as we say in the creed. Sorry for the novel. And no need to take anything I say as authoritative. This is just my perspective as just a simple dude who was protestant for 20 years and has only been Orthodox for 2 years (not long at all). Forgive me if I was unclear or heavy handed in any of the above. And please take anything I said with a huge grain of salt.

​​@@salvation4all313You are taking something that Paul said to refute what James said. They didn't contradict one another. You act like we must accept what Paul said, but totally reject what James said. That's not how it works.

@@bobbyadkins6983 Jesus Christ said, *"I am telling you the TRUTH, whoever believes in me HAS eternal life."* (John 6:47) Furthermore, *'For the wages of sin is death; but the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.'* (Romans 6:23) Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES is a gift ever worked for/earned. Both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church are DISOBEDIENT Churches and should be avoided at all costs.

Apostle Paul writing on salvation: 'If by grace, then it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.' (Romans 11:6) '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 handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.' (Ephesians 2:8-10) You *cannot* be saved by BOTH grace and works since they are contrary to each other. Therefore Hanegraaff is wrong and so is the Eastern Orthodox Church.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life." John 5:24 NASB

Faith alone is unbiblical and a shameful doctrine of man. What we do have in Scripture is the exact opposite being taught: James 2:24 "You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only." But why is that Protestants (mainly Reformed) simply ignore this? This is not simply my own interpretation. This is the interpretation which "has been believed everywhere, always, and by all (Christians)". Salvation is not a one time thing. Orthodox speak of salvation as life, it continues, it must be "worked out". We don't simply apprehend a factual event and think that will transform us. We are athletes...training, racing, fighting the good fight. This is in keeping with the words of Apostle James in his epistle (quoted above) and of the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5 among dozens of other places in the NT. It is abundantly evident that works are required for salvation (because salvation is more than a one time event). We are saved (Eph. 2:8). We "are being saved" (1 Cor. 1:18, 15:2, Acts 2:47). We “will be saved” (Matt 24:13). We continue not in works of the OT law, but in faith which itself is "working through love" (Gal. 5:6). I pray for your eyes are opened to the truth that has been clearly taught in the Scriptures and held by the fathers of the Church.

The answer is in Ephesians 2:8,9,an 10

Perfectly said in the first few lines.

@@dimitrispeiraias Thankyou, but there is no need to convert me. I am already orthodox and always have been.

@@dimitrispeiraias You Too!

No. God says only those who obey Gods will go to heaven.

Wow!! One of the "Report" options on RU-vid should be for heresy, lol. Rotten carnal platform.

If this trash is representative then I don't blame you.

Welcome home brother.

Welcome home brother

@Willis Talks 337 ...Amen My Brother!

Αγγελική Κοσκινά this is not a good thing. I urge you to read the Bible and understand that we are saved by Grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone! Traditions of men do not do anything for you but damn you to hell! Let me ask you - what is your faith in? What are you trusting in for salvation?

@@icxcnika2037 they aren't worshipping them. They were literal writings on the wall a memory of the past. There are no statues like in rc church

@Josh I was about to say practical compassion is of no consequence to these Evangelical loud-mouths whose expurgated Bibles have deleted the Sermon on the Mount.

Katie, you're absolutely right.

Only by the works of CHRIST on the CROSS of Calvary

@@jb021006 so you believe that we don't have to do anything once we are saved?

@@theunknownone2189 no, protestants (mostly) and orthodox have almost the same theology with a few differences and we both believe that salvation came from Jesus’s crucifixion and that belief in it brings salvation (John 3:16, faith- belief) and that as Hank says in this video that the book of James affirms that faith through works is needed to justify a believer

Obedience to scripture. Not necessarily tradition. Look at the Jews even in jesus's day, they had oral Torah, and even today Jews will say well the oral traditions were passed on a Moses just wasn't written down for like a thousand years or so and then they finally wrote it down. How can you trust that? Even Jesus reprimanded the Jews because of their obedience to man-made traditions but not the commandments of God

I am from Orthodox Christian family now evangelical. I think Jhon McArthur is right as there is very little difference between Orthodox and Catholics. In contrary to Hanks comment, both share & practice the priesthood celebacy doctrine. Orthodox Pops do not get marry. Both Orthodox & Catholics believe in immaculate conception of Jesus i.e. Marry is sinless as a result of her virgin birth of Jesus. Both also believe salvation as a result of deed & faith. On the surface it looks correct. However, according to Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the esstern Orthodox which I am familiar with deed is not merly defined in James 2 or good deed as Hank tried to explain. It rather include water baptism, holly communion, special intercessory prayer for the dead, generosity to the poor... and faith. The list of their similarity goes on and on..... Hank need to do his home work.

I agree. Just the tone of "a RAG" was placed on his head, was enough for me to see that his comments were way off base. That was uncalled for and I love John MacArthur. HIs commentaries on the Bible I love. I have the full set and many other of his books. And I am Orthodox.

@@sydneyskinner627 I find protestants do that alot, pronunciation and with their tone of a word like he did with 'rag' to imply that it is dumb or stupid.

Calvinism has nothing to do with it

​​@@lake3176as a recent convert to Orthodoxy, there are several inaccuracies in your comment. Responding 4 years late just in case someone sees this and assumes it is fact. Orthodox priests are not celibate, only the Bishops and monks. In fact, marriage is a requirement for both practical purposes (ministering to married couples) and because a life of celibacy is a heavy burden. Orthodox do not believe in the immaculate conception of Mary. They do not believe she was born without sin. Orthodox believe that the sacraments are required for salvation, each of which are performed with a foundation of faith and obedience to Christ. Baptism and crismation, confession of sins, and holy communion. Intercessory prayers are NOT a requirement for salvation, nor is there an endless criteria of good works that must be performed. Rather, a Christian who professes faith in Christ must seek to live a life in which they keep His commandments daily to love the Lord and love their neighbour. The Orthodox view of salvation via faith and works can is best illistrated by Ephesians 2:8-10 It's worth noting too that these beliefs are shared among the oldest (apostolic) branches of the Christian, many of whom have not been in communion with one another for 10-15 centuries

He’s NOT a Biblical born again Christian

Galatians 1:8-9 (NKJV) But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

He cursed the doctrine not the person. Secondly, the matter of whether EO is Christianity is the issue in question. So in Mcarthur’s view he is not talking about another Christian but a heresy adding works to salvation.

This verse clearly says "let him be accursed" in fact it says HIM twice any the word anyone added which means don't give respect to a person. How you can twist it to just the doctrine is beyond me, but it is the false doctrine that curses the person. Paul even includes himself and to drive the point he adds an angel.

Richard Byrnes Although true, we are not talking about the verse, we are talking about what M. said. At 2:38 you can clearly see that he says the belief is to be cursed.

St Vladimir’s Seminary Press have an excellent series of books called Popular Patristics where you will find many many Church Fathers teachings in fairly short books. I have read many. I would start with St Athanasius “On the Incarnation”. The series covers all the pertinent aspects of Orthodoxy. Enjoy the journey. As CS Lewis writes in the introduction to Athanasius writings, stop reading modern books and go back and read the original ancient Church Fathers. They’re much easier to read than you would think. Happy reading :)

Brother, I live in a country where 90% of the people are Orthodox - I was one - and believe me when I say, for them works are not the byproduct of salvation. Is salvation by works. Plus countless other problems. It is an idolater man made religion.

I’ll show you my faith by my works.

@@Nobo35 that is not what they teach. They believe you will be saved if your food works surpass your sins.

Ce Spun Scripturile every group of Christians believe things others don’t. If you give the Bible to ten different people you’ll get ten different doctrines. Dispensationalism is a theology that is not very supported by scripture and is very new which tells us it’s probably not very accurate.

George Ciarrocchi Orthodox teach what the Bible teaches, yes. A living faith leads to fulfilling our calling as image beaters of Christ-people created to do good works and to grow in holiness, to become more like Christ through obedience and all by His grace.

Read your Bible yourself out Loud . The scriptures will do the same thing for you . God bless you.

I feel he is not only very knowledgeable but also very patient and kind hearted,you can see and hear Jesus in his speaking

@@michaelmerck7576 I agree. You truly can ( hear Jesus) in his voice & soul.

Do all Orthodox in Russia know Israel is the revived second earth beast and why does Puttin worship the Image or Idle wailing wall of stone?

Hank he is no friend to you. He is the meanest judging stone throwing hypocrite I have ever heard.

I missed the part where Chrismation is in the Bible. Did Jesus place a cloth on the heads of the diciples? Justification through Faith and the resulting fruits of faith (works) are two separate things. A person who professes faith and yet you see no fruits is a warning about the person standing in front of you. Also noted that the Orthodox love to say they aren't Catholics, and yet they still hold into many Catholic (heretical) traditions and rituals that are not Biblical. The orthodox read their church fathers like they are scripture.

@@Sleightman3D There are many non-Protestants that regard Protestants as heretics. So? We do rely on the Church Fathers, just as today's Protestants rely on Calvin, Darby, Chuck Smith and many others. You believe what you've been taught by those you trust or else your own private interpretation, don't you? I'll take Sts. Athanasius, John Chrysostomos over Darby and Smith, thank you very much. Without Darbys marginal notes in the Schofield Bible, what would your eschatology be? Get a copy of "The Orthodox Church" by Kallistos Ware. Read about the liturgy in Dom Gregory Dix's "The Shape of the Liturgy." A common assumption of Protestants is that the Early Church was just like theirs. This is impossible, given the vast variety of Protestant ways of doing things and interpreting Scripture. You can't all be right, can you? That wouldn't be "biblical," a word that has been abused so much that those who use it can't agree with one another. That's a problem, isn't it? Tonight is Holy Pascha. Find an Orthodox church and attend and stick around afterward and ask questions. You might be surprised.

Why doesn't Hank talk about the Orthodox church teaching that you don't receive the Holy Spirit unless you are baptized in their church. Also you teaching is confusing because you changed the way you taught for years. I do believe that is you are a Christian you do produce works that show your saved but we are saved by grace. You act like you are angry when I question this. Why don't you address this. I've supported you over the years and respect you but you need to address this.

Precisely. Therefore, Hank is misguided.

Do the scriptures have anything else to say?

Bill Sterling yes....if you engage in eisogesis.

Richy Rich a misunderstanding of that verse.

BlazingLove3:16, then if you believe as you say, you clearly haven’t read your bible.

Amen completely. Doesn't matter who is right in the issue - but thank God for the proper communication of his viewpoint. if you communicate improper, you have already lost the debate.

I feel the same. Really hear Christ spirit in his message. I love John MacArthur too! He helped me come out of the Roman Catholic faith. I don't feel our Lord wants us to condemn each other. Thank you Hank! I listened to you for a long time on 101.5 Word FM.

Of course, when there are genuine wolves that have broken in among the flock, are they not to be reviled in the tradition of how Jeremiah did?

I would love to know where I can find that statement. That would be very disturbing to say the least though I have been expecting many pastors to begin to say such things.

Jazzyman where and when did he say that?

whatever9042 I posted the link to it on this thread

He has clarified this several times. Stop spreading silly rumors to dismiss a great man of God.

His doctrine so wrong though

James was already talking to Christians...not telling them "how" to be Christians...James was the Pastor in Jerusalem and was talking about Christian walk and works as a Christian...read the whole book of James...I have taught it several time Context is king. Always ask, "who is speaking; to whom is he speaking; when is he speaking". All the bible is for us...not all the bible is about us. Learn to rightly divide the word of truth! Cody, do your works always match your faith? Exactly...guess you are lost!

True brother, James also says this interestingly enough. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21. James just said that the word, is able to save your souls! Our righteous works are like filthy rags, and cannot gain favor with God. The works James refers to is the natural outflow of true faith. Also James is contrasting about general faith in God, i.e. even demons believe. This is not the same works of the Law that Paul talks about, which is mosaic law sacrifices etc.

Yeah but works are ordained by God for the saved people to do, not for carnal people to do them, thinking they will be saved.

But you can’t exercise “true religion’s” works without faith.

I am from Orthodox Christian family now evangelical. I think Jhon McArthur is right as there is very little difference between Orthodox and Catholics. In contrary to Hanks comment, both share & practice the priesthood celebacy doctrine. Orthodox Pops do not get marry. Both Orthodox & Catholics believe in immaculate conception of Jesus i.e. Marry is sinless as a result of her virgin birth of Jesus. Both also believe salvation as a result of deed & faith. On the surface it looks correct. However, according to Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the esstern Orthodox which I am familiar with deed is not merly defined in James 2 or good deed as Hank tried to explain. It rather include water baptism, holly communion, special intercessory prayer for the dead, generosity to the poor... and faith. In other words if you fail to get baptised or take holly communion you will get lost or go to hell. That is exactly why I left Eastern Orthodox. The list of their similarity goes on and on..... Hank is dancing arrround and need to do his home work.

MrKneeV Decree 13 We believe a man to be not simply justified through faith alone, but through faith which works through love, that is to say, through faith and works. But [the idea] that faith can fulfill the function of a hand that lays hold on the righteousness which is in Christ, and can then apply it unto us for salvation, we know to be far from all Orthodoxy. For faith so understood would be possible in all, and so none could miss salvation, which is obviously false. But on the contrary, we rather believe that it is not the correlative of faith, but the faith which is in us, justifies through works, with Christ. But we regard works not as witnesses certifying our calling, but as being fruits in themselves, through which faith becomes efficacious, and as in themselves meriting, through the Divine promises {cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10} that each of the Faithful may receive what is done through his own body, whether it be good or bad.

MrKneeV the way MacArthur says this in a derogatory and dismissive way, speaks volumes.

Firebird, "Decree 13" from what? There is not simply a book called "Official Orthodox Dogma" which is full of decrees.

I am not trying to say that this isn't from a legitimate Orthodox source. My point is that he didn't cite a source other than "their dogma", and that doesn't mean anything and is not a source.

I know, that just betrays his complete ignorance of Orthodoxy, which is surprising for such an erudite man. "Degree 13 of their Dogma", what a joke. This is from a Greek council in 1672 that directly denounced Calvinism as it sought to encroach into Orthodoxy. Using the language of Protestantism, that's why it's the only one McARthur can understand. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synod_of_Jerusalem_(1672)

what is faith? Is it a noun or a verb? Its rendering is a verb...its an action. How did Abraham believe God? By leaving his father's house when told. The act of leaving(work) was the expression of his faith, as was the act of offering Isaac(work). Thats why James said Faith without works is DEAD(a non-existant thing). Its in your Bible.

@@chrisv.noire.6388 But many times if not recorded more abraham failed to believe God. Yes faith is an action... But that also is a work of God. A gift. It is not our faith OR works that justify alone. Rather its the object of our faith which good works flow out of that we are justified. Christ justifies ALONE. One is justified by having faith in the One who justifies. But that faith is created by God not conjured up by man. God prepared good works before hand so that we would walk in them. For it is God who worls in us to both will and do His good pleasure.

@@chrisv.noire.6388 If our salvation was based on works alone God would require perfect works to be justified. If on faith alone which is a work then we would have to have a perfect faith to be justified. We are justified by the object of our faith/works alone.

@@chrisv.noire.6388 Paul teaching the Gentiles the church the body of Christ Romans the 4th chapter.

If this was true then James inspired by the Holy Ghost wouldn't have written "the faith is not able to save him" (James 2,14) or "we are justified by works and not by faith alone" (James 2,24).

@Robert Shipley .... my thoughts entirely

Robert Shipley down to a tee.

Yeah, I was kind of annoyed by that too.

Ya for someone who is always saying grace and grace alone, he has a hard time showing grace to others.

The ugliness of these minds is beyond depressing.

hank was very sneaky and cherry picking READ what PAUL wrote in Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

I just can’t trust Hank. Something doesn’t sound right. I see a deceiver here- wake up people and read your dusty bible

@@MrMfloor C'mon. The Bible isn't the issue. The interpretation is the issue. If reading the Bible were sufficient, would there be so many different points of view in the Protestant world? Would there be Pentecostals that believe in the Trinity and Pentecostals that don't? Would there be Christians that believe in eternal security and Christians that don't? Would there be so many different eschatologies? Would there be Christians that believe that the Ancient Church teaching of the Eucharist is true and other Christians that say it's just a memorial? See what the Church Fathers have taught since the beginning. Read "The Orthodox Church" by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware and "The Shape of the Liturgy" by Dom Gregory Dix.

well Hank has been persectued as Potestant and GO so he's more holy than most I guess

Since we Orthodox believe the same as the Apostles, how is that false Christianity?

yes, we all believe the same as the apostles, the question is who is right

who has not altered the faith since the time of the apostles?

Not the GO or the RCC. I don't know as much about GO as I do about RCC. But GO does believe in works needed for salvation and confession to a priest for the removal of the guilt of sin? If so, the answer about who changed the faith since the apostles is obvious

Andrew D I think this is an extreme position due to the extreme focus of the Catholic Church on works and indulgences and so on. If you noticed every extreme view the Catholic Church took , was opposed by another extreme view but in the opposite direction by Protestants.

Sam Malek it’s the Eastern Orthodox not the Roman Catholic

Tammy Lazarovitch I know he converted to Eastern Orthodoxy. That’s not what I meant. I meant most current extreme position from our Protestant brethren is not against orthodoxy but mostly against the Catholic Church because of the latter’s extreme positions on many issues.

It WAS. In the Bible though

Maureen Barnes Martin Luther added the word “alone” into the German Bible. He also tried to remove multiple books, like James and Revelation.

I agree

Satan comes as an angel of light and so do his human ministers. HH is Satan's minister.

Jeff Hughes // Nice quality argument you’ve made there. I can also accuse you of looking pretty and being Satan’s minister, and I would have just as good and reasonable of a statement as you made two months ago.

Jeff Hughes Thanks!

4Given Embracd thanks for your affirmation, when I first heard JM years ago, I was impressed with his solid preaching but was put off eventually by his aloof, cold and unloving approach in his presentation! It repels me instead of attracting me, so that’s a criteria that I take to which preacher I can listen to. This is just my personal feelings, I have no animosity towards JM and wish him the best in his ministry , may the Lord leads him to the best way to glory only God Himself!😀🙏✝️

Joseph Lee, I think he seems cold and aloof at times because he is so focused on speaking the truth to the error that’s so rampant in the heretical messages within Christendom, that he gets caught up in correcting it, and doesn’t express the tenderness he does have in his heart. I’ve read and listened to his teachings most of my 50 years on this journey with God, and I’ve seen so much deep, authentic tenderness. It seems to get lost somewhere between his heart and his mouth, though. I can be the same way. For me - I’m not inferring it’s like this for John MacArthur - I get so indignant when I hear someone misrepresenting Jesus, or Christianity in general, or when someone gives a message contrary to biblical truth, touting it as God’s word, that God often has to remind me, “let the love come out.” It’s okay to correct lies, but we need to keep in mind that though Jesus was harsh with the Pharisees, He knew whose hearts would never turn to Him after correction; we don’t. Harshness turns away. His “kindness leads to repentance,” and I think that’s what we’re commissioned to show. But when unbelievers say that Christians aren’t like Jesus because they aren’t nice, or because they call out sin, it proves that they prefer we are sugar, not salt like Jesus called us to be. They forget that Jesus turned over a few tables, made a whip ... and used it. Even He wasn’t always The Nice Guy in the world’s eyes. JM reminds me a lot of Paul, who often sounded harsh in his messages. If you read one of Paul’s epistles in tandem with one of John’s epistles, the dichotomy in tone is palpable, and yet, which one was speaking the truth in love? Both, right? What would we do without each of them? Without both together? Thank God He didn’t use just one person to write all the epistles; we’d surely be idolizing him! 😆

Reformed Theology is self-contradictory in numerous ways. This is one of them.

me myself and I // State plainly that you don’t disagree with Romans 9-11. We want to leave Protestants off-balance and unsure of themselves. What Paul taught is true. God is completely Sovereign (without forcing Himself on people or being the ultimate source of evil, or desiring people to suffer separation from Him.. as He desires that all would repent and live) and man definitely has free will, without conflict and without confusion. The realty of the Eternal Now... It does prove double predestination... but that’s not double predeterminism. God doesn’t destine arbitrarily without purpose... but is good. Complex reality... hard to describe. Congruism is helpful and has the right idea. God relates with all of human history from His eternity. Tomorrow has already happened to Him as yesterday is now, and tomorrow is tomorrow, and tomorrow is today and yesterday. God experiences it all, and is omnipresent in it all. Time is a creature which God is beyond, even as He is imminent in it everywhere. Complex thing... There was never a ‘moment’ when God decided to create besides the ‘eternal moment’ which God in Trinity always exists outside of mutable moments.

me myself and I your comment is spot on

Alexander Duvall what are your thoughts or the Orthodox Church's thoughts on Molinism?

You might be very interested in a book called Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy that details those exact things (as well as covers the differences between Orthodoxy and many other faiths) store.ancientfaith.com/orthodoxy-and-heterodoxy-finding-the-way-to-christ-in-a-complicated-religious-landscape

I will check that out when I get a chance

Pastor Scott Ingram I would also like to suggest a book that I have personally got a lot out of. It is an older book that gives a lot of insight into the Orthodox view. It is FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD by Alexander Schmemann. I think it is valuable for any Christian, orthodox or not. I have found, as I have traveled from an evangelical background to orthodoxy, that my mindset has fundamentaly changed in many ways.

Read the book suggestions. But I can fofer a tldr. 1. Prayer to saints is intercessory. We do not see death as nonexistance, but that the saints live on in Christ. They remain human, but ask that they interceed to God for us. 2. It is a mystery. By blessing the host it becomes the body and blood of Christ, as he said. We do not have a doctrine for it as we do not know how and will not pretend to have an answer. We simply teach and honor it as commanded. If you have any questions i'd be glad to clarify.

I have a question on your first answer. How can anyone pray to anyone other than God when the bible states in 1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" If Jesus is to be the only mediator between us and God, why would we contact anyone us spiritually? Also, the bible forbids attempts to contact others in the spiritual world. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states "There shall not be found among you any one that...(is) a consulter with familiar spirits... For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord" King Saul actually died for the sin of seeking to contact the dead according to 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 "So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the Lord: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse." How does the Orthodox deal with these passages in the Word of God?

If more Christians had Hank's patience, respect for those who differ & kindness .... Man, what might the Lord accomplish thru us! Thank u, Hank

Heard Hank Hanagraaf on the radio over many years. Never really liked listening to him as his answers mostly sounded to be that he was the ‘ Bible Answer Man ‘ and nobody knew more than him so don’t argue with him

You call Protestants arrogant and then arrogantly talk about the "true faith"

You forgot religion of faith. That is a conjuring up of belief.

Exactly. Lovingly & clearly. Many christian leaders need to learn such characteristics from Hank.

Назидательный канал. Very Wise man, great discernment also. I’m a catholic convert myself. Blessings.

Oh. I'm just SO impressed by your incredible depths of understanding and your cool lettering (I mean, if you wrote your name in English it would just be SO shallow) Your such a scholar of heaven! Have you vacationed lately??? I guess Greek is the language spoken in the 3rd and the rest of those in Christ better catch up! Stay home and beat your kids in Scrabble or Risk in order to get a fix of your HUGE ego addiction.Don't slather it around in public!

So you are sending a questionere representing the entire Orthodox community to all other believers (?) I'm not sure if your comment is a comment or a declaration or a satire of a guy with immense hubris (???) If it's a satire you have done well in your role as the ass.

I'd like to call you by your name, but I don't know it. I'll answer one of your questions: Believers like me first appeared in the first century. You read about them in the Bible. Every person who believed in Jesus and followed Him (as opposed to a small minority of same) was called a saint. And every one of those believing-followers was a priest. There was no special priesthood beyond that one--which is why you never see one mentioned in the New Testament. We did not offer prayers to Mary of other departed spirits, but only to God. We did not believe that Mary was a perpetual virgin, but that she did not know Joseph until she had given birth to her Firstborn. We did not view anyone but Jesus as being any kind of a mediator between us and God. All of this is in the New Testament. So the real question is when did believers like YOU appear? And the answer is, "Sometime after the apostles died."

Most of what you asked doesn’t matter. What matters is are we lined up with what the word of God says. A fourth century creed is not the word of God. A so-called church father of the fifth century is not an apostle. Saint Paul wrote that even in his time people were teaching false doctrine. Therefore it is highly likely that subsequent generations were teaching false doctrine. For example I get my understanding of the nature of God from the baptismal formula which says go and baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. And also I look at what is recorded when Mary was told she was going to conceive and here she has understanding of God who she knew as an Israelitess as Father she knew she would birth the anointed the Messiah of Daniel 9, and it was by the Holy Spirit who gave her the information so she had understanding of the three persons the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. It didn’t take until the fourth century for The nature of God to be understood in the sufficiency that God wanted us to understand it it was there in the first century. The Holy Spirit opens the word of God to believers. Many of the so-called church fathers did not write with anything that approaches the clarity of Saint Paul in essential matters.

It’s not false doctrine.

@@justchilling704 Yes friend it is. Read the verses I provided and seek the Lord in Truth

That is because his friends are all sola fide and you are not . You need to read the WORD and stop following the traditions of men. Once again all the pro orthodox comments on this thread put" tradition and history" above the WORD. That is why we will never have agreement. The Roman Catholics do this. Make up your mind-God's word or "history" Stop beating around the bush that is the sole dividing point. His Word or tradition. YOur soul rests on it.

RJ reader Christ is the Word of God, and he said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." A living faith is an active faith. An inactive faith is a dead faith, and a dead faith is no way to eternal life. Sometimes Protestants focus so narrowly on what salvation is "from" that they neglect what salvation is for.

You are wrong. I am from Orthodox Christian family now evangelical for the last 25 years. Jhon McArthur is right as there is very little difference between th Orthodox church that I know and Catholics. In contrary to Hanks comment, both share & practice the priesthood celebacy doctrine. Orthodox Pops do not get marry. Both Orthodox & Catholics believe in immaculate conception of Jesus i.e. Marry is sinless as a result of her virgin birth of Jesus. Both also believe salvation as a result of deed & faith. On the surface it looks correct. However, according to Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the esstern Orthodox which I am familiar with deed is not merly defined in James 2 or good deed as Hank tried to explain. It rather include water baptism, holly communion, special intercessory prayer for the dead, generosity to the poor... and faith. In other words if you fail to get baptised or take holly communion you will get lost or go to hell. That is exactly why I left Eastern Orthodox. The list of their similarity goes on and on..... Hank is dancing arrround and need to do his home work.

@@lake3176 Amen. What MacArthur quoted from this Eastern Orthodox Article 13 is the problem that Hank danced all around. Believers are justified by FAITH ALONE. Faith + Works like it reads in both Eastern Orthodox Article 13 and the RCC Council of Trent ARE heretical doctrine. Works are a natural outgrowth of true faith, but they in no way save or justify men. Faith in CHRIST ALONE saves. You, sir, are absolutely right. God Bless Hank and I pray for his current health struggles. But John MacArthur and you are right about this CRUCIAL doctrine.

I will have to read it.

Terrific! How are you doing now? Are you looking forward to Lent?

Succint and spot on, Brian Beddell

How is MacArthur reckless in his comments here? Do you believe in the 5 solas of the Reformation or not? Faith ALONE saves. Good works are simply a sign of faith, like it says in the book of James. Christ ALONE saves us, lest any man should boast. We have nothing to do with saving ourselves. Salvation is a gift. This eastern orthodox article 13 is the major, vitally important heretical statement that MacArthur rightly points out. I respect both men, too, but the 5 solas are clearly doctrinal truth. Truth is truth. Both eastern orthodox and Roman Catholicism(In their Council of Trent statement) say that works are part of salvation. This IS heresy. Article 13 is the crucial point here. And Hank dances all around it in this video.

Greg LaPrade amen Greg. Well stated. I also find Hank’s response here to be awfully flimsy.

@Dallas Wesley isn't it interesting how you casually and carelessly knock off a true christian minister of distinctive work for the kingdom of God in order for yo to be hailed as "gentle" to! This is the problem of the so called 'all-things-goes' church attenders or Sunday-only christians(?)! All I am hearing is how Hank handled John's observations very 'christianly' but totally devoid of whether the observation is true or not?! It must never be about "I like someone ...." it must always be about whether so and so biblically right! So this is a weak commentary try FAIRLY better next time!

Reformation? It was a deformation!