It is a belief that there is a new reformation, a reformation not of a rejection of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope but the restoration of Apostles and Prophets to bring all of mankind into God's Kingdom.
They believe
- All Christians need to be under the authority of God's Apostles and Prophets.
- Apostles and prophets, but especially prophets, receive their instructions from God directly so. See more here.
- Apostles (generals) are the highest authority and are the governing position.
- Prophets are primarily those who receive new revelation.
- Thus the Apostles and prophets receive revelation, and the Apostles implement and teach these revelations.
- They are clear in what they want to influence. See here, here, and here.
- They believe in five offices of the church apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher.
- They believe in the Seven Mountain mandate. They are to have dominion, not just influence over these areas. These are government, media, family, business/finance, education, church/religion, and arts/entertainment. See here, here, here, and here.
- The Gospel
- Of the Kingdom is that Jesus in His death and resurrection has instructed the church to take dominion over the world.
- Of salvation is repentance and faith in Jesus for salvation.
- Both are necessary.
- They believe in dominion which is taking authority over the world and society in every aspect to prepare it for the return of Jesus. This is done in many ways by primarily by the signs and wonders done by the apostles, prophets, and their followers. Dominionism is not just influencing the world and society but being in charge of society. See here. See also here. Contra: here, here,
- Most believe in Spiritual Warfare, which is to cast out demons, territorial spirits, who control some city, state, or country. See here, and here.
- Many believe at the end there will be a great transfer of money from unbelievers to believers.
- Many believe there will be a great revival at the time of the end. Many, many people will believe in Jesus and be saved.
- The Manifest Sons-of-God. These believe that over the years of many prophecies which they have given will transform them eventually to be a superman being with increased power to overcome sickness and death. They will accomplish God's will on earth.
These are the main distinctives.
A long list of articles at Deception in the Church will help you see their errors Biblically.
This leads me to the main point of my article.
Holly has written on her blog, Spirit of Error, an article about "The Response SC."
She writes,
On Saturday, June 13, thousands of Christians are expected to gather at a coliseum in South Carolina for a prayer rally called "The Response SC." Many seem unaware that this event is about much more than simply praying and fasting on behalf of the nation. It's organized by leaders of the controversial New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement and has–as a pivotal part its agenda–a revolution of church and civil government led by NAR apostles and prophets.
This is preaching the Dominionism theology. How many people there at that rally know this?
She adds,
Read the guide for yourself to see the multiple statements alluding to the necessity of apostolic government, including a statement urging individuals to "Repent and receive God's forgiveness for walking outside of God's established government and leadership both within the church and within society." Pause and think about that last statement. In other words, failure to submit to apostle-led church government is a sin requiring repentance. Some of the statements even seem to suggest that apostolic government should extend its rule beyond the church to civil government.
The approach of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is subtle and dangerous. Avoid it.
An apostle
- The word in Greek has not only the idea of messenger but an official representative.
- The Lord Jesus choose 12 men to be an Apostle. Matthew 10:1-4
- He commissioned them for a job. Matthew 10:5-15, Acts 1:2
- They were witnesses of all did and taught. Acts 1:22-23
- They had been with Jesus from the first. Acts 1:22-23
- They had seen, touched, and heard Jesus throughout His ministry. 1 John 1:1
- There are also Apostles of the Churches (see 2 Corinthians 8:23, some translations have messengers but the word is apostles). Paul was one (Romans 1:1) though some feel that he should have been the replacement for Judas Iscariot. Paul was not chosen by Jesus at the start of His ministry but was chosen by God (Acts 9:15). Paul states that he was the last of the apostles to see Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:8). The Apostles in Jerusalem approved of him (Galatians 2:7-8). Barnabas was called an apostle (Acts 14:14). These were apostles because the living Apostles of Christ were able to examine and approve them. The Apostles of Christ do not live on earth anymore, so there is no one to approve someone who calls himself/herself an apostle today.
- 2 Corinthians 11:13 states another type of apostle—a false apostle. This type is really an apostle of satan who pretend to be Apostles of Christ. Interesting that both are mentioned in this one verse. These false apostles are
- Deceitful
- Pretenders (pretending to be the Apostles of Christ). They talk and act like real apostles but have subtle lies and actions to lead astray from God's truth.
- Compare Revelation 2:2, 2 Corinthians 4:2, 2 Corinthians 2:17, Romans 16:17-18, 2 Peter 2:1, and Mark 13:22.
Concerning the belief that there are apostles and prophets today see here, here, and here.
The safest position is the Bible is the only 100% source of truth. We need to read it, study it, believe it, and live it. There are no apostles today. Those who claim this are leading people astray.
"I know your works, and your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you tested those who say that they are apostles and they are not, and you found them to be false; " (Revelation 2:2, EMTV)
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