Paul Washer the Fruit Inspector
(See part 1 – Paul Washer accuser of the brethren)
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1 John 5:13
Paul Washer is a preacher who preaches against the ‘Idolatry of Decisionism’. Like all false teachers, he uses some truth in his sermons, but not many seem to want to address the error of what he says that twists God’s Word. Some very grave error.
Why does he preach against a decision? He is clever in his manner, as he adds that we ‘judge the sincerity of our decision’. We’ve either believed or we have not. Lordship doctrine teachers qualify and quantify people’s faith and sincerity. But the Bible simply says believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.
Let me ask you…Do you know if you have believed? Do you believe the simple gospel? Do you KNOW that you are saved by your belief alone? Or is it based on your belief and your works? If you base it on anything but belief, you will never know for sure if you are saved. And actually the Word tells you if you base your salvation on works you are not saved, it is not grace but debt…
Paul Washer teaches you are regenerated BEFORE you are able to believe. That means the Holy Spirit has entered you without any belief on your part and chosen salvation for you. You had no choice in the matter. Regardless of whether the Calvinist admits it, that also means many were chosen to go to hell before they were ever born through no choice of their own. Is this what you see in Scripture? Is this the loving and longsuffering, merciful character of God?
The way they justify their teaching is to say salvation is all of the Lord (meaning making you believe). Of course salvation (deliverance from hell) is of the Lord. Believing isn’t part of the act of Christ delivering me. When someone Holy, perfect and always truthful tells me they will save me if I will but believe, and I believe them, I haven’t saved myself, or had any part in the saving. Based on the truth, I believed what they told me and was saved by the power of the gospel (1 Cor 1:17-18; Rom 1:16-17). I have a responsibility to believe what God tells me in the gospel, or I can reject the truth of the good news of salvation. We can receive Him by believing or reject Him as many of His own did. They would not come to Him that they might have life (John 5:40).
Does Mr. Washer REALLY believe the gospel? Or the power thereof? Jesus offers salvation as a FREE GIFT. We have to believe, we receive the Word as the truth. Look how many times we see ‘free’ or ‘gift’.
But not as the offence, so also is the FREE GIFT. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the GIFT by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the GIFT: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the FREE GIFT is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the GIFT of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the FREE GIFT came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Rom 5:15-19
See also Romans 6:23; Eph 2:8-9; Luke 11:13; John 4:10; Acts 2:38; Acts 10:45; Acts 11:17; Rom 3:24; Rom 11:29; 2 Cor 9:15
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 1 Thess 2:13
PAUL WASHER
“Brother” Paul (as he says he prefers to be called) is a Calvinist, Puritan, Southern Baptist, who wrongly uses Matt. 7:21-23 to judge Christians on whether or not there are ‘truly’ saved (rather than rightly applying it to the doctrine of false teachers in its proper context). He wrongly teaches that the Bible says that what we are to do is judge other Christians fruit to see if they are saved. I’ll touch on Matthew 7:15-22 here and you decide if what he says is so.
Are we to judge other people’s salvation? I believe Matthew 7:15-22 is about judging the doctrine of false prophets and has nothing at all to do with judging a believer’s salvation.
Notice also in the quote above by Washer, he misinterprets a conveniently excised portion of 2 Cor 13:5. As many Lordship teachers do, he quotes only ‘examine yourself‘ or the ESV version, ‘test yourself‘…
But do they rightly teach that passage in context? Where is the rest of even that particular verse? Where is context. If believers are able to KNOW we are saved (1 Jn 5:13), was this the actual purpose of this Scripture to TEST YOURSELF to see if you are ‘really saved’ as Washer again falsely claims?
The context of that passage has to do with the carnal Corinthians questioning Paul’s apostleship.
He says: (vs. 3) “since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.”
Paul knows that the proof of his apostleship is the fact that they are in the faith. The proof of Paul’s authority is that Jesus Christ IS in them(rest of verse 5). Obviously also shown throughout both epistles, Paul has addressed them as brethren, brothers, beloved, etc. throughout.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Cor 13:5
So who is twisting Scripture ‘brother Paul’?
Washer also seems to get blown about quite easily by many winds of doctrine. Holiness teachings seem to permeate his sermons. Sowing doubt in people’s minds over eternal security. Also stirring up doubt over what you must REALLY DO in order to be TRULY saved. His own wife eventually doubted her salvation after living under his confusing condemnation. Maybe his confusion comes from some of his ‘favorite’ teachers that he recommends.
Here are the some of the details of those teachers:2
- Spurgeon – Lordship Salvationist, Calvinist and a “turn-from-sin for salvation” preacher.
- Whitefield – Calvinist.
- Ravenhill – Arminian, (no eternal security),
- Martin Lloyd-Jones – Calvinist and Presbyterian,
- Tozer, Deeper Life teacher – Mystic and Lordship “Salvationist” before it was called that.
- Wesley -Arminian — lose your “salvation” or a “no eternal security” preacher — founder of Methodism.
“You might be a Lordship Salvationist if…”
In this tongue-in-cheek post, my friend John from expreacherman.com states;
You believe the ”straight and narrow” refers to your behavior1.
That is exactly what Paul Washer preaches. He is not preaching Christ and Him Crucified. He is teaching a Narrow Way of WORKS, which is not the narrow way, but is in fact the BROAD WAY.
The continual mishandling of this Scripture is what I’d like to discuss in this post today.
The second most important book to Washer is the works based path of Lordship Salvation/Perseverance of the saints defined in “Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan3. It might be another reason why he preaches the narrow path or the narrow way as our works vs. JESUS’ WORK. Bunyan’s character in his book, leaves his wife and child behind to take the narrow path.
Note that in the book, the narrow path is a long walk before entering the gate. The gatekeeper sends him on a narrow road of works. Isn’t Jesus the ‘gatekeeper’? Would he send someone on a path of works first? Or is this just a
JESUS IS THE WAY THAT LEADETH UNTO LIFE
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 10:9
Later in this ‘important book‘ (‘right behind the Bible’, Washer says — frightening there is no trembling), we see that there was a man who was “once a pilgrim like Christian, but turned aside from his quest to sin, enjoying “the Lusts, Pleasures, and Profits of this World”; as a result, he has “crucified [Jesus] afresh” and must now be shut out from all the promises of grace and salvation.” (Otherwise known as Perseverance of the Saints, the “P” in the T.U.L.I.P. of Calvinism). This is another perversion and twisting of Scripture (Heb 10:29).
Is what Paul Washer says what the Bible teaches?
Paul Washer evidently does not know WHO the Narrow way is. The Narrow way is not what you do (works).
WHO IS THE NARROW WAY?
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
This passage in Matthew 7:13-22 is a classic for these Lordship (load-shippers) who falsely judge salvation by people’s behavior. These people in Matthew 7 were justifying themselves by their good works also. Just like Paul Washer.
Jack Weaver on Paul Washer:
Washer, like all Lordship “salvationists”, sets himself up as the behavioral judge of how much and for how long “fruit” is sufficient or necessary to prove to him (Washer), your pastor or yourself, that you really are a believer in Christ. Fruit may be an evidence that a person is a believer but absolutely does not determine or prove to anyone whether or not one is a believer in Jesus Christ. Catholics, Buddhists, Mormons and many other false religions may demand and produce “good works” (which some call “fruit”) but these folks, by their teachings, are not believers in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior.2
Why doesn’t Paul Washer know Jesus is the narrow way? Is Paul Washer truly concerned you may not have believed the gospel, or is he teaching a gospel of works? Ask yourself, in this quote, does the Christian make his way by rough and difficult works that you fight your way to the celestial city in order to be able to even enter the gate?
When he accuses people of bad fruit (and therefore not being saved), does he turn around and share the true gospel with them?
PAUL WASHER IS WRONG IN RE-DEFINING THE NARROW WAY AS WORKS
But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. 2 Pet 2:1-3
Does good works = good fruit?
Let’s look at the passage he likes to use. He picks and chooses certain verses out of context always. He is not rightly dividing God’s Word as he should.
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Jesus is the only way that leads unto life. These same people were told, “and you will not come to me, that you might have life” (Jn 5:40).
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Outward good works does not = good fruit
Didn’t these false prophets claim to speak God’s Word & do good works? Didn’t they prophesy in His name? Cast out demons? Didn’t they do MANY wonderful works in His name? Didn’t they look like sheep?
As one of the administrators (John) from expreacherman says, “The misuse of Matthew 7 glosses right over the fact that Jesus never challenges these peoples’ claims of good works.”
Inwardly they are ravening wolves (you cannot see to judge inwardly. We are not to judge by the appearance anyways, but by a righteous judgment (have they placed their faith in Him?)
Outwardly they look like sheep and do many wonderful works (sounds like it would appear like good fruit to everyone else).
So what ‘fruit’ is Washer really judging?
What fruit are believers supposed to be looking for in false prophets?
(Hint: their doctrine that they justify themselves by).
Please consider answering these questions regarding the passage in Matthew 7:15-21.
Remember the context who is being spoken of; False Prophets a.k.a. ravening wolves.
1. What do you see to be the work God tells us to do vs. the ones they justified themselves by?
Is there a work we can do for salvation? (John 6:28-29; Titus 3:4-7; Eph 2:8-9; Romans 4:5; Romans 11:6)
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. John 6:28-29
2. What do you see to be the will of the Father spoken of in Matt. 7?
And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:39-40
3. Note that He NEVER KNEW them. (Look up John 10:14, he knows His sheep) — They were never His in the first place.
4. Sadly, they call Him Lord, Lord… (Lordship teachers certainly do that. These same teachers accuse the sheep falsely, saying we don’t want to submit to His Lordship. Not true, we just do not submit to their false definition of what it means)
5. Ask yourself, who did these false prophets in Matt 7 glory in? Is it about what God is doing in their life? Or about how radical a disciple they are? What their wonderful works are? They do not glory in the Lord. 1 Cor 1:30-31
6. What to these workers of iniquity boast about?
All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves. Psalm 94:4b
What makes one righteous? Who are the unrighteous? Or workers of iniquity?
Who is our righteousness? Doesn’t it seem these false prophets are seeking to establish their own righteousness? Rom 10:3-4
Do you call Him Lord? Plenty of Lordship teachers, pastors and church goers say they submit to His Lordship. Have they really? Have they done His work, or followed His will? Or do they boast right up until the end about their own wonderful works? We were ungodly when he justified us. We were yet sinners without strength.
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness. Rom 4:2, 5
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. Gal 2:16
For as by one man’s disobedience (Adam) many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one (Jesus) shall many be made righteous. Romans 5:19
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. 2 Cor 10:12-13
THESE MEN DENY THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Rom 1:16
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor 1:17-18
LASTLY, WHAT HAVE THESE FALSE PROPHETS BUILT THEIR HOUSE UPON?
Is it founded solely upon the Rock who is Christ?
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. vs. 24-29
Read more about Paul Washer’s gospel at STAND FOR THE FAITH
CITATIONS: (I only recommend expreacherman, I do not recommend challies.com, I am only citing Paul Washer from an interview with Tim Challies.)
1 http://expreacherman.com/2012/08/14/you-might-be-a-lordship-salvationist-if/
2 http://expreacherman.com/2012/09/21/paul-washer-again-lordship-salvation-message-and-worse/
3 http://www.challies.com/interviews/an-interview-with-paul-washer
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Holly, thank you for this article. We continue to contend with devotees of Paul Washer, who claim to trust in Christ alone for salvation, yet continue to insist that good works prove whether or not someone is saved.
The link of “Pilgrim’s Progress” to Paul Washer is very interesting. “Pilgrim’s Progress” was also purported to have been Charles Spurgeon’s favorite book besides the Bible. Spurgeon claimed that he had read “Pilgrim’s Progress” more than a hundred times.
I remember that now John (about Spurgeon), I think the first time he read it he was 6?
I saw this interview with Challies, not that it is not very obvious by the way they do not understand the way that leadeth to life, and they make that way in fact a broad way of works. Their gospel is accursed, it is false, and it will cost so many their lives. I can only pray Paul Washer’s wife was saved by the time he messed her up….
Thank you, Holly, for this good assessment of Washer’s “works.” He has long been on my “Ugh” list. I watched a video last week where he gave his “testimony” of how he got saved. He is a strange bird. I’ve watched many videos of him – he is sorely deceived, that is for sure. You know, for all of these false teachers, we need to pray that God would deal with them and get them truly saved. Amy
Yes Amy, that would truly be wonderful. I have been praying more for the people he deceives, for this man is a teacher and more is required of him. But I do know and fully believe the Lord desires all will come to a knowledge of the truth. So we pray… 1 Tim 2:1-6
Hi Holly, I have an off-topic question: I see that my website address is wrong, and leads to nowhere. I have tried to fix it in Gravatar, but maybe it is because I entered it wrong on here? Any ideas? I’m new to all of the many facets of website stuff, so blunder-y at times. 🙂
Regarding teachers, I agree that more is required of them, but they are people, too, and if we can pray that they come out from under deception, then those they teach will hopefully be able to as well. (*Especially if the teacher openly turns from his deceptive teachings, and seeks forgiveness for teaching false doctrine.)
I often write directly to teachers who have a web presence. One poor man insisted that he had never been saved, even though he preached the (true) Gospel for 30 years. He has bought into this lordship/must-have-good-fruit-at-all-times salvation. So awful. I don’t know what will happen to him, but look what the Enemy did…got a man to preach “another gospel.”
I am enjoying your blog very much, Holly. And, I also enjoy the comments from other believers. Breath of fresh air to me, and gives me hope that there are still more than a few true bible believers out there!
Amy
ps. I see my website URL looks OK before I’m posting now. Maybe the fix worked. *I had missed the ( : ) in it previously. 🙂
Amy, I am not very competent regarding the website 🙂 I hope it works out for you. I’ve tried to change themes, then the pictures get big and the print gets small, drives me nutty…
I have met and have some good fellowship with some on FB. I do a Bible study on Thurs., we are going through John. It’s a conference call 1 pm Pacific time if you ever would like to join, let me know, I’lll email you the info. May the Lord keep us all desiring the truth over tradition, or things we have learned. I’ve had some unlearning to do in some areas, as the country is filled with Lordship churches, so sticking with the Word, and continuing to ask Him to guide us, and applying our heart to His knowledge (Pr 22:17-21), He will teach us. In Him, Holly
Doesn’t the Holy Scripture says “we MUST grow in holiness and righteousness of Christ? Doesn’t the Holy Scripture says “we believers in Christ are prepared UNTO EVERY GOODWORKS? Doesn’t the Holy Scripture says we being “DEAD TO SIN and ALIVE IN CHRIST”? JESUS CHRIST WAS CRUCIFIED, BURIED AND IN THIRD DAY ROSE AGAIN FOR OUR SALVATION, FOR OUR JUSTIFICATION,FOR OUR REGENERATION, FOR OUR SANCTIFICATION. The Holy Scripture is our guide and we have God’s Spirit who tell us all truth.
(Romans 6) “Shall we continue IN sin, that grace may abound?God forbid”. False teachers and prophets “will turn the grace of God unto lasciviousness”(immorality). Whenever I heard Washer’s sermon and search the Scriptures, he’s actually preaching sound doctrines “which tickling ears cannot endure”. We must trust the Holy Scripture and the truth of the Holy Spirit that convict one’s sinful and blinded heart. However, Paul Washer as fallible man, just as we, could be wrong at times but this does not mean he is a “false prophet”, because he is not. Only Christ be exalted! Churches have grown APOSTATE, that “even church roads are leading to Rome”. Lastly and truthfully, only the Lord Jesus Christ saves.
Thank you again Japeth for commenting. Washer rarely uses sound doctrine however, and even though it appears it is about not tickling ears, it literally does appease man, to look to himself, his own accomplishments, his works to keep their eyes off of Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
The Word sanctifies us, if we will take heed to it…
How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word. Ps 119:9
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. John 17:17
But we must prove all things by God’s Word and be noble Bereans, and not just blindly accept what someone has said.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 1 Thess 5:21
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11
You have to ask yourself, is this man a preacher who has been given a gift by God? Or are people being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine? I believe it is the latter.
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Eph 4:10-16
Let’s not be bewitched by one who is suggesting someone finish in the flesh that was begun in the Spirit (Galatians 3). Also, let’s not give those who preach a works based gospel another minute (Gal 1:6-9, Gal 2:4-5).
No one is espousing that we sin so that grace may abound, that is generally a misnomer of those who may not agree with us on lawkeepers like Washer who are in bondage, and try to bring people under the law.
In Christ.
Japeth, let me try to help to explain, and I hope you might read all I provided. What makes Paul Washer a false teacher, is his addition of works to the gospel of Grace. To the free gift of salvation. Free means free, without works… (Galatians 1:6-9)
In His sight, believers are Holy and beloved positionally (Col 3:12), but we need to remember who we are in Him.
Because our bodies are the temple that houses the Holy Spirit, we need to remind ourselves, we are not our own… (1 Cor 6). Sometimes hard in our flesh, but hiding His Word in our heart helps us not to sin against Him (Psalm 119:11).
Furthermore in 2 Cor, chapter 7, we are told to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Titus 3:8 tells us, and says we should “affirm constantly”, that BELIEVERS might be careful to maintain good works because these are good and profitable unto men.
Why are we exhorted to ‘put on the new man’ when we are already a new creature? Our mind serves the law of God (Rom 7:25), but our flesh the law of sin, yet we need to renew our minds. We are told in Ephesians 4 and Romans 12:2 which says, SO that we can prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. We need daily sanctifying, cleansing, washing, instruction, counsel, guidance from His Word.
We need to abide in the Vine, and in His Word and we should because apart from Him, we can do nothing and we will not be good students/disciples (John 15), instead we might be workers that will be ashamed because we have not rightly divided His Word (2 Tim 2:15). His Word is crucial to our growing in Him.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:34
So, we need to cooperate. The Bible says that those of who believed, we should ‘yield’ our members servants to righteousness, unto holiness (in the same chapter you mentioned–Rom 6).
We should absolutely do good works. This is what the verse says it sounds might have been speaking of:
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Eph 2:10
We should… obviously, sadly, many don’t, which is why, if we love Him, we will feed and tend His sheep. We won’t point our finger, use our own words of condemnation, to beat and flog the sheep. We will point them to Christ and His Word.
We believers have already been reconciled, and Jesus Christ, will present us holy and unblameable, and unreproveable in His sight (Col 1:22; 1 Thess 3:13).
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 24-25
Thank you Holly! Your message here is consistent with the gospel of grace and therefore a stumbling block to those who insist on earning or proving their salvation.
Brady, thank you, I always want to keep my own words aligned with His truth and am happily open to all who will search the Scriptures and see if these things are so.
With due respect ma’am, do you believed on the “heresy of FREEWILL”?
Japeth, thank you for your question, will all due respect as well, God believed on Free will OR He was lying, which do you think it is?
Do you think He told Adam the one thing He must NOT do, yet made Adam sin?
Do you believe He asked the Israelites for FREE WILL offerings, yet was making that up because it was not really free will?
Ps 119:30 says, I have chosen the way of truth…
I hope you have chosen the way of truth. In Jesus Christ eternally 🙂
Thanks, Holly. 🙂
You are so welcome, hope you have a wonderful week in Him…
This is so amazing reading the comments and seeing the gossip and slander happening among you. I have listened to Paul Washer preach on many occasions and I would like to know exactly what it is that you can refute about what he preaches. All I have read so far is a bunch of accusations with absolutely no biblical basis whatsoever and no proper exegetical research. Even if I might disagree about some things that he says at least I have the ability to give proper biblical foundation to my arguments rather than a bunch of women running around gossiping and slandering a man of God whether you agree with him or not. And for you to make reference to somebody who is an ex preacher man I never knew there was such a thing as an ex preacher anything. Does that mean that he left the faith or does that mean that he no longer preaches when scripture clearly teaches that we were always to present the gospel. Its funny I’ve never heard of an ex anything when it concerns ministry except for someone who left the faith. I would like someone to answer that question and please use some kind of biblical basis behind your arguments rather than your opinions because your opinions don’t matter God’s Word says what it says and I’d like you to back it up in context
Tony, we are not a ‘bunch of women’ here, I am one woman among four gentlemen. I would appreciate one example of where I have slandered. Just one. And let’s discuss whether what you say of me is slander, or is it in what I shared? It is not slander, nor is it gossip, but it comes from his own words and teachings. My expreacherman friend is with the Lord, so maybe you might want to not be so quick to speak (James 1:19 by the way).
You are right, my opinions do not matter, nor yours. I saw no Biblical foundation in your accusations, rather false accusations with no witness. You should always point out the error alongside of the Word. You are in the wrong here friend, both for calling this gossip and slander. So I’ll rebuke you in front of all witnesses here, as we are to do for those two things. I’ll also call into account that there is ‘absolutely no biblical basis’ or ‘proper exegetical research’. First of all, we could drop the 10 cent theological terms. My way of interpreting Scripture is to take it literally wherein it is spoken so. And not to read into Scripture anything that is not there, nor to interpret through the lens of a load-ship mindset as when we are in bondage to Hagar, our minds have been bewitched (see Gal 3-4).
If you actually had given me an example ‘to back up in context’, I’d have been happy to comply. I see however, you are just here to argue, falsely accuse and make broad brushed statements that mean nothing. In future, please be specific, leave out the name calling and innuendo, especially about my friend and brother who is with the Lord. I know that wasn’t my Shepherd’s voice speaking.
Holly, I thought Tony (and others) might like to read about the life and times of the late Jack Weaver (aka the “Ex Preacherman”).
Please see the link, below:
http://expreacherman.com/2015/01/20/jack-weaver-now-in-the-presence-of-our-lord-jesus-christ/
Thank you John for that, I hope they will read about Jack and his continual work for the Lord and the truth of His Word until the end.
Holly,
IF Tony comes back, i will be happy to go a “few rounds” with Him.
Tony said – Does that mean that he left the faith or does that mean that he no longer preaches when scripture clearly teaches that we were always to present the gospel
ME – Paul Washer does NOT preach the gospel. He preaches what Galatians calls “another gospel”. The day Paul Washer actually presents the correct gospel, will be a GREAT day; that means all of his followers might actually go to heaven when they die.
Paul Washer – “the gospel is repent of your sins and believe the gospel”
That’s like saying…..
This pen is that pencil and this pen
This fork is that spoon and this fork
This mailbox is that sidewalk and this mailbox.
IF on can believe these things then i guess one can believe Paul Washer.
Holly, I had a Jezebel joke, but showed restraint! 🙂
Preston, thank you. It is another gospel. And his gospel is impossible, however people might try to convince themselves that they are ‘towing the loadship line’.
God bless you. (Thank you for the laugh regarding Jezebel).
Thank you so much for posting this. I know someone who was recently caught up in the Paul Washer movement, while I just used a series of statements by Paul washer in youtube sermons, I notice you really dig in and catch many things I missed. It is astonishing to see the need for people to try to earn their way to heaven. What a rejection that is to the complete work of Christ. Thanks again for your blog!!!
You are welcome Ben. There is so much to Paul Washer and his many different ways he says things, that I couldn’t even begin to catch them all. I hope it helped. 🙂 God bless you and yours, and I appreciate your visiting the blog always.
I have heard many Paul Washer messages and find them encouraging and helpful for me to reflect and repent. I don’t believe all his messages would be appropriate for a non-believer but many of his messages posted on YouTube are given at churches for existing believers or mostly in an academic context to theology students who will become future pastors or missionaries.
If a Christian gets offended, defensive or feel guilty from his messages, then is there maybe an area the Holy Spirit wants to nudge you about? All humans are fallible – none are perfect. If you feel his messages are “false” or teaching wrong, maybe praying for him rather than publicly denouncing him as a false prophet would be a better approach than judging somebody else’s relationship with God. For example, I found his sermon on the holiness of God very helpful and even comments like remembering to point people to Christ rather than to me has helped me in repentance and asking God for his help in this.
Satan wants to divide, distract and deceive the body of Christ. There are so many cults out there that are very, very active. How much impact we could have if we all united our efforts in the gospel! I know for example Church of God (where they claim a Korean old lady is God), Shincheonji and other cults have invested humungous amounts of time and money to brainwash so many out there including friends and acquaintances who can’t get out of them.
Rebecca, I apologize, you were in the ‘spam’ folder, and I do not know how long.
I don’t feel guilty or defensive on my behalf. But on the behalf of the gospel, his teaching is false. It’s not about perfection, you are right, nobody is perfect.
Time and time again, I’ve heard and noted in my articles, that Paul Washer teaches a false gospel, and the Bible is really clear on this. We can only ‘unite’ it truth, we cannot have fellowship with the unfruitful deeds of darkness, and false gospels are just that. A wolf or false prophet is dressed in sheep’s clothing. The apostle Paul called out other believers publicly for false gospels (Gal 2:11-18). It is also said in verses 3-4, we are not to give them subjection for even an hour. In Romans 16:17, the entire church is beseeched to mark and avoid those who bring a doctrine that is contrary to the one we learned. In Jude 3, we are to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered.
Paul warned day and night in tears for three years about these types. How could they draw about believers or even elders after themselves if they were not clever and looked like sheep? Paul said they would come from among us (Acts 20:30-32). Here are just two of the verses (30-31_:
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse (not straight, not true) things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
If we love His truth, we will warn others when they are danger. Believers can be deceived and even bear with those who are corrupting the simplicity that is in Christ. Paul Washer is one of them (2 Cor 11:3-4).
I hope you will examine what you believe yourself. For if you think you have repented from enough sin, that you are still repenting enough, that you have surrendered enough (all Paul Washer’s teachings), then you are deceiving yourself. For not even one lie will enter into heaven (Rev 21:27).
Said with much love. In Christ, Holly
I have learned so much on this site. Thanks Holly!
Thank you for commenting and reading, I apologize for taking so long to moderate, my site has been up and down, we are switching servers right now.
Ms. Garcia,
I read this and your previous article on Paul Washer. I would be curious to hear how you think we should identify false Christians? I would assume that you believe there are false Christians as that seems self-evident to anyone who has read the Bible and then talked to people who claim to be Christians. If you do not identify them by the trend of their behavior, how would you recognize them? This is an honest question, not an attempt at condescension or rudeness.
Matt, thank you, I didn’t at all take your question to be rude or unkind.
A few things come to mind off the top of my head, (although I hesitate to identify anyone as a false Christian since I am not Jesus, or one of the authors of Scripture who were inspired by the Holy Spirit).
First is Matthew 7:13-25, and “knowing ‘them’ by their fruits.” But in that passage that lordshippers often use to accuse others, the ‘fruits’ they displayed (as far as I understand it), is self-justification. They tried to justify their entry by their ‘many wonderful works’. He said they didn’t do the will of the Father (Jn 3:39-40). He didn’t say He once knew them, but He never knew them. So, since they looked like sheep and did wonderful works, and were still identified as false prophets, I figure we won’t know them by the appearance. Jesus said judge with a righteous judgment, so I believe we can know by the profession of their mouths (self justification – or as Ps 94:4, workers of iniquity love to boast in themselves).
I also think of Galatians, Paul said they were accursed (1:6-10), yet somehow made a differential between ‘they’ and those who had become bewitched (3:1-5) and were trying to finish in the flesh. He made a differential between those he identified as ‘false brethren’ by not giving them subjection for even an hour (2:4-5), yet he called out the ones he knew to be believers for not being straightforward about the truth of the gospel (Gal 2:11-ff). So, Paul knew under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, yet I don’t see him doing that anywhere else. He talked about those who were led astray or led others astray who he gave over to Satan for that false teaching (1 Tim 1:20) so they might learn not to blaspheme.
Some also use 1 John 2:19 stand alone (they went out from among us because they were not of us), but I believe immediate context shows those were antichrists, and John identified WHO an antichrist was in verse 22.
So it is tricky, I think on the verse that says, who are you to judge another’s servant? By His own Master he stands or falls (Rom 14).
So, here is how I approach it. If I think someone is not saved, my feelings would be based on the gospel they say they have believed. That’s the only way I can know, and I’m not going to accuse them, because I know the remedy is to share the gospel with them, since the gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
If I think they maybe have been bewitched and are trying to finish in the flesh vs. finishing what was begun in the Spirit, by the Spirit, I try to remember John 21:15-17. If I love Him, I will feed and tend His sheep. So I try to point them to His Word so they can grow up into the head which is Christ.
I hope that clarifies a little more, an honest answer back (it’s how I tend to think as I look at the multitude of counsel from His Word).
I’ve heard the wrong gospel for years. I can’t believe I missed it all these years. Bible verses I’d read since I was a kid, tonight, suddenly leapt off the page.
I actually wept for joy for the first time ever in 53 years about what Jesus has done for us. The simplicity. And my blindness.
It’s like I’m reading a whole new bible.
The Lord Jesus Christ just saved me tonight.
Matt, praise God. I had a similar experience. It was like He kept showing me phrases from His Word, ‘don’t let your minds be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ’. Why they have all these ‘steps’ to salvation, and improper definitions of certain words, it is such a blessing to be delivered from that load. That’s why Jesus told the new believers in John 8:31-32 to continue in His Word then they would become disciples indeed, and they would know the truth and the truth would set them free.
That’s why Jesus asked Peter to tend/feed His sheep (John 21:15-17). That’s why Paul wept day and night for 3 years warning the elders because he knew these ravenous wolves were coming (Acts 20:25-32). The Word of God settles in the manner seen in Isaiah 55:10-11 and it doesn’t beat us or condemn us (we will not come under condemnation – Jn 5:24). It should settle like snow or rain from the heavens and it will bring forth bud in our lives, either food to eat or seed to sow. His Word being our necessary food. Lk 10:38-42 and Prov 3:5-6 as well as 22:17-21 were special verses to me showing if I just chose the good part, it would never be taken from me. He would teach even me. I started acknowledging Him in more of my ways (with His help) and I get up each day trying to do the same.
God bless you, so excited to have you comment! He knows who is seeking Him vs. following after the tradition we may have learned, or the bondage we got caught back up in (Gal 2-4). Have a blessed celebration of a remembrance of the joy that He came for us in great love.
P.S., there are some Bible studies on here for new believers, ‘I’m saved, now what’? Kind of is to help get out of legalism (I hope) and I pray to continue more.
Nice article Holly! Paul Washer is a dangerous false teacher who definitely needs to be avoided.
Your comments about “Pilgrim’s Progress” were also interesting. I always thought that book contained a very confusing message even though it has been hailed as a “Christian classic.” I suppose it could be helpful if one took it as a book about discipleship after one is saved; however, it seems to portray conversion itself as a journey that requires hard work and life-long perseverance on our part. At any rate, it is confusing at best and heretical at worst. I guess it’s merely an accurate reflection of Bunyan’s puritan theology.
Thanks for always keeping the gospel clear!
Doug, thank you. I mentioned Paul recently along with Voddie Baucham, and one of the reformed ministries went a little overboard in her anger. She likened me to Satan, said I was a liar, and wasn’t a truth teller. When I stood my ground on their false gospel, she then came back to lecture me about ‘non-essentials’ and how the ‘Arminian and Calvinist’ argument was an ‘in-house’ one 🙂 They come up with some clever things, reminds me of our politicians of today.
The Pilgrim’s pride was not even helpful to me as a discipleship model, although it’s been many years now since I picked it up. The Message of the cross is not about leaving your family to earn eternity in your walk. And as far as I recall, the simplicity of His Gospel was corrupted in it. People need to be pointed to either Christ or His Word depending on whether they are a believer or nonbeliever, and then we need to lovingly wash their feet (I believe John 13 is a picture of feeding/tending His sheep if we love Him). We need the fellowship of others and the washing in the water by the Word. Jesus prayed for us to be sanctified by His Word. These books aren’t truth, they are twisted truth and so many love to eat it up sadly.
Sadly, I think you miss the point of what Washer is trying to say. “You will know them by their fruits” is not in reference to works, but the Fruits of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are all inward traits that should be evident on the outside. And what is love? Love is patient and kind. It does not envy or boast. It is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way. It is not irritable or resentful. It does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Jesus tells us to do that only the one who does the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of heaven. He says that if we love Him, keep His commandments. And Jesus tells us that there are only two commandments; love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. It’s one overarching theme… That if you are truly a believer in Christ Jesus that you will become a new creation in Him. Yes, it is only by grace that you are saved, but if you are really saved, there’s going to be a change in your life. People are going to notice the difference.
I know so many people who claim to be Christians, who know all of the right things to say and outwardly look the part, but when you are behind closed doors, they gossip and slander. They treat the people closest to them cruelly and with disdain. They are jealous of the vacations that their neighbors took or the kitchen that their relatives had installed or the house that their friends bought. All the while they use the Bible to justify their actions. These are the people who I believe will say, “Lord Lord”. The ones who openly say, “You will have to stand before the Lord for this!” while failing to recognize that they will have to stand before the Lord someday too. The ones who want to pick that speck out of your eye without removing the plank from theirs.
So no… I don’t believe that Washer was talking about works. I think he was talking about being made new. Asking God to create in us a clean heart and to renew a right spirit within us.
Sandy, thanks for dropping in to comment.
I’ve listened to too much of Washer, and combed through too many manuscripts to believe I’ve missed the point.
“You will know them by their fruits” is not the Fruits of the Spirit. We are referencing Matthew 7 here which speaks to the false prophets who looked like sheep outwardly but inwardly were ravening wolves. So what ‘fruit’ did Jesus show?
The profession of their mouth was all about what they did. They were justifying themselves, boasting in their many wonderful works done in His name. What is the will of the Father?
And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:39-40
The Father’s will is that all who believe will be risen again to eternal life with Him, not one lost.
Matthew 7:13-25 has nothing to do with Fruit of the Spirit, but knowing false prophets by their fruit (doctrine in this case).
They are doing exactly what Psalm 94:4 says, How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
I agree with you on the greatest commandments, but they were not the only two Jesus gave. There was never a ‘if you are really saved’ example in the Scripture, except when Paul Washer misuses 2 Cor 13:5 and doesn’t address context. People SHOULD see a difference, that is the whole point of believers being careful to maintain good works (Titus 3:8), or add to their faith (2 Pet 1:5-9) so they won’t be barren and unfruitful.
Yes, believers can be barren and unfruitful. Believers who ARE Christians can sadly gossip and slander. They can be cruel or covetous. And you may be right, some of them may not know the Lord. Just as the ones who were doing all these ‘wonderful works’, He did not know them. But if you know the Bible well, you can see far too many examples of believers who murdered, who were adulterous, incestuous, disrespecting the Lord’s supper, finishing in the flesh, going back under the law, maliciously slandering each other, etc.
Those who do as you say have forgotten we will all stand before Him (if they knew that). The most important thing we can do is what all the apostles did with carnal believers. Each church had issues and very carnal and wicked believers. But they were believers, brethren, beloved, who were not demonstrating their faith well before men.
Being made new and asking God to create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us is a great example of a believer (David), getting back on the right track (as we know many did not, think on Saul till the end).
Anyways, God bless you to always check what teachers say (Acts 17:11; 1 Thess 5:21), because even as we answer to Him that day, I believe we’ll answer for defending someone that may be a wolf who preaches an accursed gospel.
In Christ, Holly