Elizabeth Prata of The End Times examines the ministry of beloved apologist Ravi Zacharias. The things she reveals about Ravi will not sit well with many Christians, some may even choose to go on the attack. Now, I’m the fist to admit that I don’t like it when someone is critical of a Christian leader I hold in high esteem. My tendency is to hit the denial button and place my head in the sand. “Noooooo, this can’t be true!” But in these troubling times in which we live, more often than not we discover that the charges are true for the reason that information, both negative and positive, is easily gleaned from the Internet.
In Ravi’s case, Prata offers plenty of hard facts and includes links. As the old saying goes, facts are stubborn things.
Before I move on, I must remind my brothers and sisters in Christ that we are not called to be popular; we are called to contend and defend (Jude 1:3), which means that those who do so will often be criticized, sneered at, even hated. No doubt Elizabeth Prata will receive a lot of flak for daring to “judge” one of our idols — Christians love our idols. So please keep this noble Berean in prayer.
The Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11)
Now to Elizabeth’s piece:
Ravi Zacharias is an Indian born, Canadian-American Christian whose ministry is apologetics. Zacharias speaks at large gatherings, conferences, and events on the topics of Christianity and defending the faith. He also has a radio program, “Let My People Think.” He is well known for being intelligent, philosophical, and an excellent speaker in his command of the English language.
Even though there are some towering men of the faith, we must continue to do our duty and test all things against scripture. No one is immune from potential apostasy, error, or sin. Let us examine Mr Zacharias.
The link below brings you to an essay written in 2008. Since that time Ravi has descended further into questionable associations. At one point he praised Catholic Mystic Henry Nouwen, in addition to compromising on Mormon theology as you will read in the link below of that and other compromises
Though Ravi later retracted his endorsement of Nouwen and Merton here
But let’s take a look at his activity and statements over time, and compare to scripture.
2009: Ravi signed the ecumenical document called the Manhattan Declaration which calls for Catholics and Protestants to partner on moral issues (source). This is a violation of 2 Corinthians 6:14 and Ephesians 5:11.
2012: Ravi appears on Joyce Meyer Today, and says to Meyer, “God has used you” and calls her a ‘great bible teacher’ (youtube clip). This is a violation of one of the qualifications of elders, that they protect the sheep and remain in sound doctrine according to the biblical qualifications of teaching elders as per 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. His endorsement of Meyer was also a violation of the advice on Proverbs which says leaders use their wisdom to guide and lead. (Prov. 11:14; 24:6).
Ravi Zacharias calls false teacher Joyce Meyer a great teacher?
2014: Ravi waffles on age of earth, Ken Ham has response. This denies the clear and straightforward text of Genesis and is a setting aside of Romans 15:4.
2015: Credible allegations were made that Ravi has allegedly inflated/exaggerated/misrepresented his scholarly credentials. (NOTE: Patheos is not a site we would ever recommend.)
Proverbs 19:9 says he who breathes out lies will perish. When the allegations surfaced, certain information was immediately removed from the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) website. The allegations claimed,
-He was not a visiting scholar at Cambridge.
-He refers to himself as Dr Zacharias yet has no earned doctoral degree, they are all conferred.
-He claims to have lectured at the world’s most prestigious universities.
-He claims to be a scholar yet has published nothing in scholarly journals and does not have peer reviewed research. Continue reading
Related:
Does the Bible really say we’re not to judge? By Marsha West
To warn is to love By Bill Muehlenberg
He is a motivational speaker – Purpose Driven
He is also Influenced by Occult books from C.S. Lewis
Yup.
Do not jugde others because they sin differently than you.
Instead of making ill speaking against him, it will be more useful if you can share directly to others the truth about Christ as Ravi did positively. No human can be 100% perfect in his or her endeavours but still then God has been using them in some way or the other. Ravi has never denied the truth about the living God, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. He is a strong Christian believer. He has accepted Christ through his own encounter with Christ and experienced him who he is. While he was a hindu many Christians would have been wished him to accept christianity. But now when he has accepted, some christians started becoming jealous of him and the way and talent that God uses him.
Ravi Zaccharias is a blessed man of God. May God continue to use him mightily in the days to come.
And you are ……..
Agreed… We are soooo devoted in finding errors in others… And destroy God ‘s ministry….. Which I don’t think God will approve
Right. Haters going to hate. I am always so surprised when a fellow believer treats me like I am their enemy. This life is hard and we should be looking for ways to lift each other up not tear down. I have been blessed by Ravi’s teachings.
I don’t think God approves of people who lack the HOLY SPIRIT which clearly ravi did because he completely lacks discernment. If you lack the HS, you are not TRULY saved. period.
Well said.
God requires undying, believing loyalty. There are no Bael worshipers in God’s Kingdom.
I think people should understand that Mr. Zacharias is speaking mostly to the unbelievers; not the Bereans.
His material is paramount into making the thinkers believe and the believers think.
However, I do appreciate the the work done in this article and hope the energy can be redirected into finding common ground.
Chuck warned against exclusionary doctrines.
He also taught that doctrinal statements aren’t the means by which God measures righteousness.
I’ve been fortunate to realize the disconnection between believers, but it’s something a person needs to discover themselves. [Drs]- Chuck Missler, Ravi Zacharias, John Lennox and Mike Heiser are great teachers and men of faith.
I want to say God bless you for thoughtful, non-reactionary response.
Thank you for pointing out the important information of our own shortcomings in finding fault in others and the need for us to support ministers who uphold God’s truth in fields many of us will never sow, or reap in.
I suspect Ravi is a secret free mason. He tells people the way to get saved is to say the sinners prayer. This is the same lie Billy Graham told people. This is what God’s Word says in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
sniff, sniff….smells like a Calvinist. Nothing worse in religion right now than the cult that is New Calvinism. Slocum and Piper avoid Biblical truths to follow the theologies of man.
There is a similar example going on, now, in politics. Pointing out the shortcomings in our own brothers and sisters shows the world our dissention in our family. Time would be better spent, revealing the real ‘enemy’ and talking about them.(The world, the flesh and the devil, come to mind) But more importantly, speaking about the necessity and urgency of Salvation, while you’re still on this earth, while there’s still time. God will use most all things to draw and bring people to Himself. He has always used, sinful, imperfect, human beings to deliver the message about Himself and Jesus, crucified, to save His people from their sin. Are they perfect, no, does God use them, yes. I have received encouragement from Ravi and joyce at certain times in my life. Do I follow them, no. Believe and connect with Him JESUS, and the Holy Spirit, not man, and you will be satisfied. ‘believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.’ Call HIS name.
1. We are to point out false doctrine and the false teachers they come from.
If they truly are a ‘brother,’ then they should know better, but regardless that has priority; pointing out the false teaching. We do not protect the wolf at the expense of the sheep, but rather vice versa. I get so sick of these tired old excuses from the apostate emergent church. We don’t set up a good example by embracing false teaching and false teachers.
2. We are to divide. Guess why! The truth divides. It divides from error. It divides those who follow truth from those who follow false teachings. Jesus said His Word will divide households. That includes those claiming to be the ‘family of faith.’ In the end, the division lines show where the true family is from the false one.
3. False teaching IS the real enemy. Satan infiltrates the true target, the CHURCH, and wants nothing better than to go undetected. His target is the church. The world is already in sin and judged. We must judge within the church. The devil is in the church raping it and you want us to worry about the unsaved? We must protect the sheep first! The devil is bringing the world and the flesh into the church, that is the whole problem. The gospel has always been there for you to take to the world. There is great deception going on and we can’t play the role of the ostrich.
4. God does not use ‘most all things’ to draw people to Himself. Most all things are fallen and in sin.
5. We are to repent from our sin and he uses those to be a true witness for Him. His power is not demonstrated in those who compromise with sin and false teaching. No one is ‘perfect’ but we are to be holy and that is also in the bible.
6. That is SO not even the point of any of this though.
7. It does not matter if they said anything that is sometimes true. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
“But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler– not even to eat with such a one. 12For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.”
1 Cor. 5; 11-13
Can’t you just hear those deceived by satan saying “but… but…. that is just dividing the body! What sort of example does that set to the outside world?” Answer:
The right one! God’s Word is Truth. Stick with it, not them.
Well said, Faith!
amen faith, well said!
Amen Faith! It takes courage to say what God’s Word says especially when it goes against the ‘popular/well liked’ teachers of our day.
Exactly, you hit the nail on the head the apostate emergent pastors/teachers spreading a seeker- friendly,social- gospel, preaching a twisted Biblical message.
they are on the preachers circuit running from church to church, meeting to meeting honorariums and love offerings ( Raising money) is the motive.
Answering divisive “discerners”
In what has come to be called Jesus’ high priestly prayer, offered in the hours leading up to His crucifixion, He prayed, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
John 17:20-21
We cannot claim to love Jesus Christ if we do not share His heart for unity. Are we truly one with others in the Body of Christ or do we cause the world to sneer at our disunity, disagreements, bickering, and sniping at one another?
God forgive me for the times I have been divisive under the guise of “discernment”!
But, wait — doesn’t God require us to disassociate from brethren who teach what I am convinced are wrong things?
“But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler – not even to eat with such a one.” 1 Corinthians 5:11
Notice what’s missing on the list: teaching or believing theological error or false doctrine.
“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”
Titus 3:9-11 ESV
We are also to avoid those who stir up division with controversies and quarreling over the Word of God, especially the law — because it is warped and sinful to do such a thing! Again, may God forgive me for the times when I was guilty of such terrible behavior, and so far from the mind of Christ that I actually thought I was protecting His Body, rather than attacking it.
“The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
1 Corinthians 12:21-26 ESV
Lest you think this applies only to local churches, please be aware that Christ has one Body — one Bride — and not multiple ones.
Although I disagree with a number of things I’ve read so far on this blog, it is not for me to judge the salvation of the authors and thus I cannot say, “I have no need of them.” Instead, I must honor them as Christ would have me do — even in the face of disagreements that are probably irreconcilable this side of Heaven.
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call — one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Ephesians 4:1-6 ESV
May the Holy Spirit bring forth more fruit in our lives, especially that we might grow in love for one another.
ESV New- Age Bible
God says heresy is a fruit of Satan. His instructions are to earn a heretic twice. If he doesn’t repent then treat him as a publican. Gods word is true. Gods word is simple. It’s not for private interpretation. Heresy comes from a lying spirit. Not from God. Anyone from God would seek the word and find he is in err and repent. Why we warn them twice before rejecting.
The issue is people don’t listen to God anymore. They come up with their own theology and doctrines. Whereas Paul said let him be accursed if anyone teaches different than what he and the apostles taught.
We have fallen. But Jesus said it would be this way. The great falling away.
Well said.
I believe Paul sums it up in Philemon:. Imagine Christ speakingVof Ravi:, “If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. BUT IF HE HAS WRONGED YOU OR OWES YOU ANYTHING, PUT THAT ON MY ACCOUNT”.
The previous reply was to Rebecca.
They will not hear whose ears or eyes God has not opened. The religious community crucified Christ. How much more do we in this age.
Keep growing, keep praying. Keep studying.
Faith – AMEN ! ~ and AMEN ! ~ and AMEN ! to your Biblically sound comment ! ! !
Oh that more people will remember – or that they will learn and actually believe that
– ‘We do not protect the wolf at the expense of the sheep, but rather vice versa.’
It should be remembered what “the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” personally said about “HIRELINGS” – the ‘FAL$E TEACHER$ and FAL$E TEACHER$’:
“I am the good shepherd:
the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth:
and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
The hireling fleeth,
because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.”
(John 10:11-13 ~ AV)
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Absolutely! Well said!
The apostle Paul addressed publicly calling out those who are in error…more than once.
1 Timothy 5:19-22, Galatians 2:11-14
Indeed well said Faith!
I believe you are to go the brother in these matters, aren’t we? Then if he doesn’t repent, tell it to the Church.
I do not know the man. I cannot go. Can you?
We are to contend for the faith. Jesus had to tell point out His works to the Pharisees in order to convince them He was God. I believe He said, if you do not believe me, believe my works. Show me your faith and show me your works. (Of course, these are separate Scriptures.
Finally, when Jesus and two disciples left the town where people did not receive Him, the disciples wanted to call down fire and destroy the town. Jesus rebuked them, “You do not know what Spirit you are of.”
The division you speak of does not come from where we think, but from ourselves: He has told us what to do. He did not come to judge but left that to the Word. My question is: what is the end of this? When we stand before God will what another does or not do, save us?
Are you judging because the Holy Spirit has convicted your heart and spoken to you about this man? Then I suggest “Stand down”. Gird up your loins and see if you can go to God with these accusations with out grace or mercy, for I heard that it is Satan that is the Accuser of the brethren.
We have yet to learn or understand God. He wants more from us then this.
Exactly! Jesus told us very clearly how we ought to regard false teachers who say but do not do–Matthew 7.
Those who disagree in showing the disloyalty, sin, and danger of Zacharias, I believe this explains why it is necessary (besides Rom.16:17-19; Matt. 7, etc) to do so:
There is one, Christian gospel and together with it, one unified apostolic corpus of sound doctrine. It is all foundational, fundamental and primary. There is not the gospel, and tertiary issues stemming from it, whereby we may foster a superficial unity according to our own tastes. The biblical doctrines are explanations of God’s perfections. God weds Himself to His doctrine, and the Spirit of God convicts and sanctifies according to the unified corpus of truth. Since there is one corpus of sound doctrine, one cannot reduce the truth to being ‘right on the Gospel’ while unfaithful to other matters of sound doctrine and practice. How must you live rightly before God (1 John 1:1-4; Jude 1:3). First, by the merits of His blessed Son, you must have faith in Jesus Christ alone for the remission of sins, turning from wickedness and serving Him. This is a work of God wrought in those whom He has elected unto salvation. He thus grants to such undeserving sinners grace through faith and the gift of repentance. He also imputes to them the righteouesness of God, while imputing their sins to the perfect spotless Lamb, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ satisfied the wrath of God against sinners, by His substitutionary atonement on Calvary’s cross. One must be born again, or else spiritual realities will be rejected by the carnal mind. Second, one must live as if all doctrines are vitally important and true, and thus true fellowship with Jesus Christ and His apostles is on this basis. The unity of the Christian church, the biblical church, stands not on our boasting in our disagreements and fraternities in spite of them, but in pursuing unity in being found in Jesus Christ as expressed in the unified corpus of sound doctrine. Christian maturation is such because for the Christian to mature, he/she must grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and receive all of His unified teachings, living according to them. Because error reduces or peverts the unified truth in Scripture, the believer must fight for every strand of doctrinal purity, because doctrinal purity is the sanctifying means through which one can live a godly life in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ commanded His disciples to ‘teach all that I command you to teach.” Therefore, all matters of Christian theology and sound doctrine are vital to the life of the Christian.
~ Doron Gladden, BCRI https://bcri.wordpress.com/
Isaiah 2:22 . 2 Timothy 4:3-4 . 2 Peter 3:15-16 . 2 Timothy was Paul’s only letter written after 2 Peter. 2 Timothy 1:15 . John 3:8 . God is not limited to work only through man! Elizabeth Prata will be the first one to agree with this!
RZ is one of the more sophisticated ‘angel of light’ types. For a man to have no definite statement concerning the questions of our day and still claim to be an “apologist” is nothing short of fraudulent. His answer to the question: “Do Christians and muslims worship the same God” bounces back and forth and ends up with the conclusion that the answer is “complex” while SEEMING to give a straight forward answer this “complex” conclusion leaves the door open for one to draw his own conclusion-apart from the Word of God and guided by wishful thinking (in other words, yes they do). He routinely avoids answering pointed questions which is taboo for all “apologists” even the fake ones like himself. All of his “answers” seen thus far are nothing but his own idea of how things ought to be, he cites little to no Scripture (even his fellow frauds make use of the Bible) and his “gospel” is based on something crudely resembling man’s philosophy of life. RZ opts for today’s “contextualization” of the Gospel rather than the Holy Spirit’s power to convict men of their sins, in fact finding the word “sin” in his vocabulary may be a futile search along with “repentance”. Apologetics to RZ is nothing more than a huge, almost eternal DEBATE rather than a clear unambiguous message from God to man: “Repent and believe the Gospel.” If there is any encouragement be found in his speech it is fully and only based in the flesh, there is no spiritual food that will nourish, rather you will find only poison. In his pod cast of 1-7-16 we find a short list of his heroes: Billy Graham, Joni-Erickson-Tada, James Dobson, Anne Graham Lotz. Ecumenical heretics all. Yes, there is guilt by association. Listen further to his 12 minute speech of nonsense and you will find him changing the Word to suit his whim and promote his latest endeavor (today is seems to be “world missions”, tomorrow, who knows).
For the redeemed to listen to such a man as this is beyond dangerous, it’s lethal to your spiritual life. If there are not huge red flags and alarms going off constantly you may want to determine whether you are saved or not. The Holy Spirit will not leave a child of God in such a cesspool and do nothing to extract him (remember Lot?) so if you enjoy his lies then continue with them at your own peril.
Darel – I totally concur with your Biblically sound comments about Mr. Zacharias – which also apply to the constantly increasing numbers of Biblically WARNED about ‘FAL$E TEACHER$ and FAL$E PROPHET$’ – not only here in ‘Amerika’ – but all around the world
– BUT – How very-very few people that call themselves ‘Christians’ pay any attention whatsoever to the Very Strong ‘END-TIMES’ Biblical WARNING:
“This know also,
that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,
unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce,
despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
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.
Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth:
men of corrupt minds,
reprobate concerning the faith.
But they shall proceed no further:
for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
~
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse,
DECEIVING, AND BEING DECEIVED.”
(2 Timothy 3:1-9 & 13 ~ AV)
– CAPITALization for emphasis of “the words of the Lord” ~ as they are Divinely preserved in the Holy Bible [AV] are mine – Bro. Nick
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Bravo! Well said, nothing else can be added to your statement! Would that the church were less accepting of those who preach and teach falsehood, and more discerning. I fear for the body of Christ. They put up with falsehoods, but when true watchmen warn, they are the ones made to feel the lash of their whip. You who stand up for the truth and are jealous of Gods word; your in good company. Paul wasn’t wildly accepted by his own,
And consider the prophets, and the rejection and sorrow from those they were raised to warn. Oh and need I bring up Moses who had quite a time of it in the desert with Israel?
Keep marching onward, I know I will.
Sandria, isn’t amazing how those who speak what the Word says are the ones who are most likely to be threatened with stoning or it’s modern-day equivalents? :/
Sandria and Larry – All of us who truly are Biblically “born again” believers and followers of “our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” need to remember the WARNING that He gave us – which may begin to happen frequently here in the post-Christian and neo-pagan country of ‘Amerika’:
“These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
They shall put you out of the synagogues:
yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.”
(John 16:1-3 ~ AV)
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This is so! I am well aware, and have been acquainted (unfortunately) with such. It hurts greatly when you are cast out of their lives. What else can we do, but pray that the Lord who gives sight to the blind would open their eyes, and heal their ways. Until then, we continue to love, and warn them in the spirit of gentleness and meekness. Sandria
P.S. to comment above:
Has anyone ever noticed that every excuse that comes from the ‘new’ way of ‘doing’ church (the emergent apostate church) is one that allows heresy and sin into the church undeterred? Each one is a LIE of satan! Wake up church!
The church is supposed to be a PURE bride of Christ, not a harlot flirting with the enemy and soiled in sin.
A few more excuses include (irony all theirs):
Becoming ‘like’ the world to be an example to the world of what Christ wants you to be. Huh?! You can’t pull someone out of the water by drowning in it yourself. By the way, Jesus remained 100 % perfect, holy, pure, and sinless when He reached for us. Yes, we are human only, but given the power to live a holy life in Christ. Therein lies the power, the victory, and the witness to the world of all of it. We are to be separate from sin and the world.
Doing and saying whatever to ‘reach’ more people. Okay, but ‘reach’ them with WHAT?! It surely isn’t the gospel, and if it isn’t the gospel, I don’t care how many people it is reaching, it is only a clanging cymbal or incessant drum beat. Actually worse… it’s the FALSE gospel, the less people that reaches… the better!
There are hundreds of these, see if you can spot some more for yourself.
God bless!
Great truth guys. It’s the poison that is sweet that do the most damage. sweet lies still will kill you.the emergent apostate church is a group of wolves that tell sweet lies. Faith I love your work-AMEN!
Right on! Knowing God’s word and obeying it will give us discernment against false teachers and false doctrine.
Again, well said Faith!
Well….regardless of his shortcomings, I think God still loves him.
Heh, it’s kinda funny, because it brings to mind a quote from him “Let’s pit ideas against each other, not people.”
If he’s teaching anything wrong, he’ll answer to God for it. I think people are right about pointing out false doctrine, but let’s just not get ourselves caught up in mud slinging. We’re all such imperfect people, do we really have the right to judge another? I’m guessing that some of you are going to say “Yes, absolutely, we should keep each other accountable.” True. But what is the point of doing that if you can’t love the person? I, for one, think he seems like a very sweet man. I gather that all of you will say that that is immaterial, but I’m not so sure. Anyways God knows his heart. If God wants to put a stop to his ministry, God will do that. Be discerning, not hateful. Don’t take ANY teaching without a grain of salt, and keep your eyes on the Bible most of all.
Passerby – I have not read anything in the article, or in the comments that questions whether “the LORD God” still loves Mr. Zacharias
– For “it is written”:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved.”
(John 3:16-17 ~ AV) + 1 Timothy 2:4 + 2 Peter 3:9 [AV]
– But the salvation of Mr. Zacharias IS NOT the point of this article – or of the comments.
It would be beneficial if everyone would remember that the Apostle Paul said some very harsh ‘judgmental’ personal things about the men whom he personally named – for they were the enemies of “the certainty of the words of truth”:
“This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy,
according to the prophecies which went before on thee,
that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
Holding faith, and a good conscience;
which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander;
whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme”
(1 Timothy 1:18-20 ~ AV)
– AND those of us who truly are Biblically “born again” believers and followers of “our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” must remember that we are engaged in ‘spiritual warfare’ – 24/7/365:
“Finally, my brethren,
be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities,
against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore,
having your loins girt about with truth,
and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
And for me,
that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds:
that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
(Ephesians 6:10-20 ~ AV) + 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 + James 4:7-8 [AV]
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It looks like this has, in fact, happened! We do not need to be sentimental about false doctrine. We don’t give it the benefit of the doubt. We need to start getting our beliefs from God’s Word instead of from our culture!
//Well….regardless of his shortcomings, I think God still loves him.//
Agreed. God does indeed still love him.
Heh, it’s kinda funny, because it brings to mind a quote from him “Let’s pit ideas against each other, not people.”
If he’s teaching anything wrong, he’ll answer to God for it. I think people are right about pointing out false doctrine, //but let’s just not get ourselves caught up in mud slinging.//
Also agreed. However, those who are being scrutinized often have a VERY broad definition of “mud slinging” and often cite that if the scrutiny starts to hit a bit too close for home. With that said, I do believe that personal attacks would be crossing the line and are uncalled for.
//We’re all such imperfect people, do we really have the right to judge another? I’m guessing that some of you are going to say “Yes, absolutely, we should keep each other accountable.” True. But what is the point of doing that if you can’t love the person?//
First of all, ‘judging’ and ‘keeping someone accountable’ are NOT the same thing. Unless, of course, the accountability process brings up uncomfortable inconsistencies. In which case arguments for the two being the same become more prevalent. Also, we need to keep in mind that the most loving thing we can do for someone could possibly involve telling them something they may not WANT to hear and may make them (as well as us) uncomfortable.
//I, for one, think he seems like a very sweet man. I gather that all of you will say that that is **immaterial**, but I’m not so sure.//
It s indeed immaterial as far as it being used as a condition for exempting someone from scrutiny.
//Anyways God knows his heart. If God wants to put a stop to his ministry, God will do that. Be discerning, not hateful. Don’t take ANY teaching without a grain of salt, and keep your eyes on the Bible most of all.//
Absolutely agree on the importance of being focused on the Bible as it is the ONLY standard for showing us what acting should look like, even when it makes us unpopular…and it will.
This is sad. Ravi is one of the greatest apologists and devoted men of our time.
I agree Matt, The above “Christians” are what is wrong with Christianity. I’m not sure they know Christ at all. I will pray for them.
Are we calling good evil and evil good?
So with all the evidence, recordings books ect ect that you have on Ravi the last couple of decades this is the best you can come up with? These so called allegations are so subjective that if you believe that these indicate he is a “false” prophet, it would be futile to have level headed conversation. Let me remind you what Jesus said in Luke 9:50. I have listen to a couple of his teaching, and he has never compromised on Jesus and his teachings.
I agree with Matt, Paula and you. No wonder people turn away from Christianity. I wanna tell people ‘ we all aren’t like that.’ What I see is people taking scripture out of context to tear others down and suit themselves.
I watch his videos regularly and have yet to hear him compromise the Word in any way, shape or form. What Elizabeth forgets is that NO MAN IS PERFECT only the MESSIAH was. The old testament is full of great men who failed but nevertheless continued to be utilized by our creator. The great I AM does not need women to meddle in his business. He exposes who he will on his time and no other. Elizabeth herself could very well be a tool of Satan. I will search for these so called accusations and decide then. Until then Elizabeth should be quiet as the bible instructs women to be. 1 CORINTHIANS 14:34.
One thing Jesus doesn’t compromise on above all others is forgiveness. I don’t even think Ravi did anything wrong, but even if he did, he should be forgiven as a Christian brother — not maligned. Plus you didn’t even mention his side but only the accusations and from atheist sites, none the less? Then the most important commandment in all of the Word of God is to love one another as God has loved us.
Forgiving someone and holding them accountable are two TOTALLY DIFFERENT things. Jesus showed grace to the woman caught in adultery, but He also called what she did ‘sin’. Justsaying.
It isn’t love to have abused scores of women the way Ravi has.
Please children in Christ, simply stop following liars and false Teachers. Is that really to much for God to ask of you.
Came across your article after hearing Jacob Prasch say that Ravi has spoken in Mormon churches and agreed not mention the differences in the thier Jesus and ours. What pains me is that Christians do not know how to discern truth from error, and are partial in their judgments. If any preach another gospel let him be anathema! The truth of Gods word must be more important to the Christian than any man or women on this earth. I love the line in the old hymn, ‘I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly trust in Jesus name.’ The final word is the word. Thanks for the courage to speak out. There are 7,000 who have not bowed the knee to Baal! Thank God for that.
Sandy – To your Oh so Biblically sound comment I say
AMEN ! ~ and AMEN ! ~ and AMEN !
As “the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” personally said:
“If ye continue in my word,
then are ye my disciples indeed;
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
(John 8:31-32 ~ AV)
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R. Zacharias does indeed have soteriological problems along with many many others it being true that only a few ever find the gate.
So then what is your collective answer to the following type of soteriological issue? A religious teacher comes into your religious community and teaches that it is necessary to obey a law or not escape God’s judgement. Is it your judgement that the teacher’s soteriological proposition is in error?
I was a regular listener of Mr. Zacharias on his radio program ‘Let My People Think’ for a number of years – until I was ‘led’ to question some of his comments and teachings.
So I did some personal research (iaw Acts 17:11 ~ AV) to find out ‘why’, and I found out several areas of Biblical ‘false teaching’ by him
– First and foremost for me – was his that he would not ‘stand firm’ for who “the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” truly is
– for Mr. Zacharias made the willing choice to compromise with the leadership of Mormonism – for the ‘Jesus’ of the Mormon Religion is the half-brother of Satan
– BUT “the Lord Jesus Christ” of ‘Biblical CHRISTianity’ is “the only begotten Son of God”
So – in the name of ‘Ecumenism’ – Mr. Zacharias was unwilling to stand firm upon “the certainty of the words of truth” ~ as they are written in “the word of the Lord” – for the Apostle Paul wrote:
“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.
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:
as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
(Romans 1:16-17 ~ AV)
My personal choice is that I will no longer read/listen/watch/recommend anything that Mr. Zacharias says/speaks/or writes – for there is Strong Biblical WARNING to those very few who will actually believe “the certainty of the words of truth”:
“For such are false apostles,
deceitful workers,
transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel;
for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness;
whose end shall be according to their works.”
(1 Corinthians 11:13-15 ~ AV)
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The interesting thing about fruit inspecting is that everyone can do it; in response to the above fruit inspection of Ravi I will share my own fruit inspection: As a Calvinist I find this article fails to meet a burden of proof that I find convincing; I have been a profitable listener of Ravi Zacharias for ~15 years; while he’s not reformed, I’m more than convinced that he’s a fellow gospel minister; his ministry is (in my view) legitimate and he is personally welcome in my home at any time.
I saw that 2 atheists were criticizing Ravi. Give me a break. All I have to do is listen to Ravi speak and I know he is a man of God, and i’ve been listening for years. Perfect, no …… no one is. I read Nowen and love his teachings even though I am not a Catholic and may disagree with some of it. Ken Ham? Let’s be a able to disagree on whether the earth is 10,000 years old or a billion! Much of this stuff is not a matter of salvation and I think most christians agree on the salvation issues!
This isn’t about perfection—-this is about compromise. Ravi has sung the praises of heretic Joyce Meyer – http://apprising.org/2012/12/18/ravi-zacharias-praises-word-faith-preacher-joyce-meyer/
As for Nouwen, he is a Catholic mystic rooted in Eastern mysticism and pagan practices. No true follower of Christ would dare get involved with such evil. If you love his teachings, then I urge you to examine yourself and see if you are truly born again by God, elected unto life. You love what God hates – phony, dangerous, dead pagan religious teachings.
I hope you will take time to read this – http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=16369
Did Nouwen believe Jesus was the only way to God?
“Today I personally believe that while Jesus came to open the door to God’s house, all human beings can walk through that door, whether they know about Jesus or not. Today I see it as my call to help every person claim his or her own way to God.”
—From Sabbatical Journey, Henri Nouwen’s last book
page 51, 1998 Hardcover Edition
If that quote does not raise huge red flags, please cry out to God for grace and mercy.
If Christians would have kept Ravi accountable, an atheist wouldn’t have to!
Man, I’m glad nobody looks through the lens of doctrine over my life.
I bet Marsha West wouldn’t like it either….just sayin…
I can sum up in one Socratic sentence that would help everyone from having to do months of topical studies and comprehensive commentaries.
If the enemy strategic devises are to split the body of Christ, could he use an exclusionary truth or doctrine to do it?
I believe by scrutinizing other Christians, we are debilitating Christ’s church.
Jeff,
One fatal flaw in the visible “Church” today is that everyone who claims to be a ‘believer’ is one just because they have made the claim. Not so! Matt. 7:21-23 and a few dozen other verses dispel this foolishness handily. To continue to think like this will bring you to the flood of ecumenism and universalism, neither of these lies glorifies the Lord Jesus. It is a Jesuit ploy to bring everyone under the control of the antichrist pope.
Amen and amen! The road to Rome is paved with compromise, worldly “love,” pride and a non-judgemental spirit that has blinded the lost. As for Zacharias, he has no excuse for rubbing elbows with the enemies of the cross, unless he himself is blind to the heresy that sorrounds his “friends.”
What is the will of His father?
To be autonomous beings flawlessly following every doctrine to the T, yot or tittle?
Is this how we get Grace or into Heaven?
I’m sorry Jeff I lost you here, are you saying following doctrine is erroneous? Pharasaic? Judgemental?
Grace is a gift, faith is a gift, you get to heaven through the work of Jesus Christ, He is the narrow gate. If a person does not understand doctrine, he cannot understand the simplicity of salvation through grace by faith in the Son of God. According to many popular “christian” leaders today, to say there’s just one way to God is unloving and there are many ways to God. Surely they discarded doctrine long ago, hence the condition of churchianity.
Doctrine is important tool for measuring theoretical belief, but not the unit of measure God uses.
Everyone’s shortcomings from following doctrines has the potential to thread into the “deception of the Catholic Church, bringing forth the antichrist. ”
It’s tiresome to continually watch brothers and sisters of Christ complain about church doctrine. The Word of God doesn’t return void, to me, this is a powerful truth of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.
One of the clear signs of end times is that people will not endure sound doctrine. Much of what is said in these posts is antinomianism.
“I believe by scrutinizing other Christians, we are debilitating Christ’s church”
I’m afraid that’s not the problem, on the contrary years of neglect by the sheep has allowed false teachers to thoroughly corrupt the church. Now mind you this was foretold to happen, a great Apostasy will reign in the last days. God is “debilitating” His Church, actually there’s a separation happening, the Bride is the true church and Her Master is making her come out of Churchianity. Those that stay within churchianity will be those that reject scripture and will eventually follow Rome into antichrist worship. The Bereans were commended for being scrutineers, they held all up the lens of scripture and doctrine.
Jude 1:3-5
3Beloved, although I made every effort to write you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints. 4For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed — ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. 5Although you are fully aware of this, I want to remind you that after Jesus had delivered His people out of the land of Egypt, He destroyed those who did not believe.…
Acts 17:11-12
11Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true. 12As a result, many of them believed, along with quite a few prominent Greek women and men.…
Please allow me to disagree respectfully. It is this kind of sentimental emotion that the church has been propagating for the last two decades or more. If we do not call out false teaching we will receive all manner of dribble in the name of “love, peace, fellowship.” What would you say of Paul who withstood Peter for not eating with gentiles to please the
Circumcision? What about the warnings from the apostles to stay away from Hyrenaeus, Alexander, Philetus, Diatrophes, Elymas? The New Testament has countless warnings concerning false doctrines and teachings. The warnings from our Lord, the Old Testament as well. Too much to write. We must not allow our souls to allow these teachings to filter in no matter how eloquent or learned the teacher may appear. I love the verse from an old hymn which I’m sure you are familiar with (on Christ the solid rock). “I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly trust in Jesus name.” I trust you understand where I’m coming from? I have been a Christian for over 30 years now. Had someone told me 20 years ago that this terrible wave of falsehoods would be rank in the church I would not have believed them. I know based on the evidence that we are in the days the Bible foretells were to happen. Apostasy, and perhaps ‘the great falling away.” May the Lord keep, preserve and enable us to stand until His appearing!
Well said Sandria! I have often said that if the apostle Paul were alive today that many of his actions would be quickly labeled ‘un-Christlike.” In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the things Christ Himself did would be labeled as such. How many times would Paul be invited to preach a second time, or even at all?
“For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” Rom. 2:13
Exactly! God’s Word should always be the last word!
I just went back for the first time in quite awhile and re-read this article about the false teacher Ravi Zacharian – and then each of the ‘comments’
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Those of us who truly are Biblically “saved” and “born again” “believeth” followers of “the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” – ‘Biblical CHRISTians’ – must remember that it is ONLY we who truly are the Biblical “little flock”
– And that it is we who are also Biblically known as “a peculiar people, zealous of good works”
– And it is ONLY we who “hath” been given by “the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost” the desire to be given “an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day” what is Biblically “the truth”
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Does this sound ‘prideful’ to the ‘Religious Unbeliever’ – YES
– However it is “the Lord Jesus Christ” Who Personally Spoke “the words of truth” written in Matthew 7:13-14 [AV]~[KJV] :
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.
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So we who truly are ‘Biblical CHRISTians’ must realize that it is also Biblically Prophesied that we shall be rejected and marginalized more and ever-more by the majority of people – INCLUDING the ‘Religious Christian People’ – { aka ‘The Religious Crowd’ }
– For the Prophetic WARNING is written about “the Lord Jesus” in Luke 3:16-17 [AV] :
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water;
but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose:
he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor,
and will gather the wheat into his garner;
but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
*** See also : Matthew 3:11-12 [AV]
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– And just ONE (1) of the many other Biblical WARNINGS about ‘These Last-Times’ that we are living in right now
– “the words of truth” were Personally Spoken by “the Lord Jesus” in Matthew 15:7-9 [AV] about those who make the Personal Religious Choice to reject “the truth” :
Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth,
and honoureth me with their lips ;
but their heart is far from me.
But in vain they do worship me,
teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
*** Read also : Isaiah 29:13
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Please correct my ‘typo’ Zacharian – should be Zacharias
Thank you for this! Exactly!
I was searching for a message of Ravi when I stumble upon this enemy-inspired blog. Pretending to be like the Bereans and quoting bible verses but what really stand out is a very legalistic spirit. The spirit that was on the Pharisees that Jesus rebuked and a lot of christians are being swayed by this biased blog.
The author don’t want Ravi to be called Dr because according to her, they were conferred by universities to Ravi, he did not work for it. What are the reasons why universities conferred a degree to someone? They don’t confer without accessing the experiences and works of the person. Who made the rule that if the degree was conferred, it cannot be used? So, degrees conferred to non-christians can be used by them and not by christians? Who made that rule? The author of this blog?
When he was invited to speak to the mormon church he accepted the opportunity. But he was immediately maligned and labeled as false teacher by legalistic “christians”, like what the author of this blog did and encouraging others to do the same. I heard him talked about this episode in his life. He got a lot of angry emails and phone calls and text messages, accusing him of being heretic and a false teachers. He was uninvited to many speaking engagements and some christian radio shows bad-mouthed him because of this (thanks to people like this author). But he said, he proceeded with his speaking engagement with the mormons, because they also need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. When he went to asia or middle east to speak about his faith and Jesus Christ, christians and christian leaders don’t get angry, but when he did the same for others with different beliefs in US, the christians (like the author of this pretend-berean but actually Pharisee-tic blog) were very angry. They want him to tell the mormons that they were wrong, but he did not go that way. He preached the truth of Jesus Christ instead. What is the good of giving someone a rose to smell, when you already cut their nose? He just put the seed of the gospel to them, and let the spirit of Christ nurtur that seed. They were so interested with his message, that was why, he got invited again the following year. May Jesus continually stir them and call out from them those who belong to him.
This response is now getting very long, but may Jesus Christ rebuke you, for what you did and continue doing, just like how he rebuked the Pharisees of the days when he visited earth.
The man is dead, have some respect, whether he is saved or not is between him n God, not you n God. I hope your doctrine is perfect , if not you place yourself in Judgement…if not righteous, God will judge you the measure you have judged Ravi. Btw preaching at heretic church means He is preaching the gospel to those who are in error. Hope you are as well…not just being a mouth piece to hear your own voice. I pray the Lord holds you accountable in all your errors in Jesus name …you will reap what you sow.
Hope – RZIM is STILL using the same materials that their late founder taught and trained their speakers – who are still being heard all around the world
— RZIM ALL Events Callender –
https://www.trumba.com/events-calendar/ravi/zacharias/events/rzim-all
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How very-very thankful I am unto “the LORD JEHOVAH” for the Biblical “small flock” of “the Lord Jesus” who have chosen “through faith” to believe in “the words of truth” that are written ONLY in the 66 Books of “the word of the Lord”
– And we choose to listen to the Biblical WARNINGS about “false teachers”
– For “it is written unto us in Ephesians 5:11-12 [AV]~[KJV] :
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And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
but rather reprove them.
For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
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*** Read also : 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 [AV]
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How bout you have some respect for the many women he raped !! Blind blind sheep and still howls in the night keeping a ravenous wolf alive !!
There is no reason to conjecture. Scripture is crystal clear that those who work iniquity will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Unfortunately, Ravi didn’t present the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Mormons because he spoke as if they, too, were brothers, regardless of their lack of faith in Christ alone for salvation. This is not the gospel.
To the owners of berean, I will never read anything you post, your cowards cause you waited till after he has passed, your a hypocrite n found wanting of the love of Christ, I pray God puts you in your place, n the scales are lifted from your eyes. Pharisees were of your ilk. God forgive them they think sound doctrine is to judge his heart, you are as satan . So much deceit n hate. You dishonor the Father. God bless you with understanding of your error..in Jesus name
For those who are truly interested about the late ‘Dr.’ Ravi Zacharias
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— ‘Heartbroken’ RZIM Board Reports Investigation Finds Ravi Zacharias Engaged in Sexual Misconduct —
Christian News Network – By Heather Clark on December 24, 2020
https://christiannews.net/2020/12/24/investigation-finds-significant-credible-evidence-apologist-ravi-zacharias-engaged-in-sexual-misconduct/
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I would like to reply to Riley. I tried but couldn’t. Bro Riley well said!!
Oh wow !!
Now that it’s 2021 and Ravi is dead what are the deceived saying now on this thread !! So many
And woe to the sheep who support the ravenous wolves!! As Shepherd or as wolf in sheep’s clothing , so go the sheep the blind leading the blind!
Repent deceived blind sheep for you have promoted a ravenous wolf! You have not heard the voice of God for His sheep know His voice !
But instead you have forsaken the truth and followed a blind mind to a grave that leads to hell eternal !!
Let the Holy Spirit convict you of the errors and the support of a ravenous wolf destroying the flock and ship wrecking the faith of many as Peter and Paul warned this would happen in the last days!!
Progressive Christianity accounts for so many responses that bear little to no resemblance to the Word of God. Jesus said to the Pharisees, “You do err because you do not know the Scriptures, or the power of God.” This is our problem today.