BY DR. JOHN SULLIVAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-TREASURER
FLORIDA BAPTIST CONVENTION

Charismatic practices remove focus from God

Some religious groups dwell on the revealing of the Holy Spirit through proclaimed manifestations, such as speaking in tongues and dancing in the spirit, which we have covered in past weeks. In this issue, we will examine three other proclaimed manifestations: healing, restoration and clapping.

Perhaps the fastest-growing segment of the charismatic movement is healing, which is related to the concept known as “Prosperity Gospel.” Healing has always been a part of the charismatic movement, but the addition of the prosperity teaching is a relatively new wrinkle in the charismatic theology of healing. For long-practicing charismatics wealth was not a part of their doctrine. But now, prosperity is viewed by some as a divine right.

Another element tied to the prosperity gospel is positive confession, which proposes that words determine reality. This teaches that if something is named with words, it can be claimed by faith.

I do believe that God meets our needs. God gives us the ability to acquire cars, houses and boats. And if you give, God will bless you. But placing one’s sole focus on material prosperity or health obscures the central point of the gospel. The great promise of the gospel is eternal life and spiritual well being. Other than that, there is no guarantee of freedom from trouble in this life. Prosperity teaching places you in charge instead of God, making God’s will dependent upon your will. Man, not God, becomes the center of all things.

Hopefully, sirens should sound in your ear when you start telling God what to do. Several aspects of the prosperity teaching are serious. One of these aspects is that positive confession teaches a denial of reality. The prosperity gospel also teaches a futile view of faith. It is actually exercising faith in faith. Faith becomes a kind of magic lever. An even greater concern with prosperity teaching is the problem of claiming new revelation.

Another claimed manifestation is restoration. William Branham was considered the founder of the “latter rain” movement. Among other things, he taught there would be a great end-time revival preparing for the second coming of Christ. A series of restorations would be part of this: a restoration of signs and wonders; a restoration of Davidic worship; and a restoration of the offices of apostles and prophets. The most questionable aspect of the entire charismatic movement is the restoration of the offices of apostles and prophets, who will speak new revelation.

To teach that God is still giving new revelation is to undermine the authority of the Bible. The oral and written witness of the apostles and prophets to the work of Christ is the foundation of the church. The Bible says more about the prevalence of false prophets in the end-time than at any other time. Anyone can claim to have a message from God.

The idea of prophecy and revelations being given today is really a formula for chaos in the church. One person in a group claiming to speak for God can exercise tremendous control. Virtually every cult and false religion started when a leader claimed some new revelation. Great extremes in doctrine usually start with slight deviations.
Clapping is another aspect of charismatic worship. In its simplest form, clapping is an expression of pleasure at some musical presentation or agreement with the preacher’s message. People do not necessarily worship the Lord by clapping.

There is also rhythmic clapping to music which had its origin in early churches. Before churches had orchestras, especially in rural areas, people would clap the rhythm to the music. Orchestras have rendered this activity unnecessary, though some worshippers still do it.

I think we should discourage manipulation in worship. If worship is genuinely of the Spirit, no one will have to “whip it up.” Christians should be very respectful and sensitive to others and not be obnoxious. They should never distract from the preaching of the Word. I don’t believe Christians should put pressure or impose their ways of worship on others. The pastor is the worship leader of his congregation. He is responsible to God to see that the worship is done decently and in order, and that it follows the spiritual/scriptural pattern Jesus established. Other forms and methods of worship are secondary.

Charismatics often feel that united praise is the central part of the worship service. I believe that the preaching of the gospel is the central part. The pastor, therefore, is the worship leader and is responsible for monitoring the music.

You may contact Dr. John Sullivan at
1-800-226-8584, ext. 3015, or by email.