The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed by Kathy Shortridge of Billings, Montana from the tape, GC 1301-P, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 18."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE. ©1981. All Rights Reserved.

Question

My brother and sister-in-law have just started attending a church where the pastor is an Amillenialist and he also believes that you can loose your salvation. Should they feel comfortable and stay there or move on to a dispensational teaching church just a little bit further away?

Answer

Well Yes! You know, sure, I'd say go where the truth is taught. You see we are responsible for what we know. We're responsible to make the most out of our life. I don't hesitate to tell people, you don't have any obligation to sit in a church where you’re not learning the truth or you’re being confused. You have a responsibility before God to expose yourself to the truth, and so you better find the place where that's being taught.

Naturally, I think that position is not a biblical position--that you can lose your salvation, and there's no kingdom coming. We’ve talked about that on other question and answer nights, so yes, its like some guy was saying to me today, "Well, this guy said, 'Well I know our pastor doesn't really teach the word , but I've been in this church for 35 years and I’ll outlast him'”. But that isn't the way you look at the church. You know, you're not trying to outlast pastors, your trying to get somewhere where you can get built up in the faith. So I don't hesitate to encourage people to make that kind of a transition.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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