perspective

W e ' r e m o r e t h a n j u s t a C h u r c h . . . W e ' r e a F A M I L Y !

Pastor Carter addresses Questions on

DOCTRINE OF INCLUSION

Have you heard of the "Doctrine of Inclusion?" What are your thoughts on that doctrine?

This is an old doctrine of devils that has resurfaced recently, through formerly-prominent ministers in the charismatic-pentecostal community. The "Doctrine of Inclusion," or Universalism, is a farce that I believe will eventually gain wider acceptance before our very eyes. It's a doctrine that says all of humanity, people of all faiths (Christian or otherwise) are on the pathway to heaven whether they know it or not! It's a lie that says there is no need for conversion in Christ... that there is no need for the shed blood of Christ to be applied to a sin-infested heart... that there is no need to believe in your heart and confess Christ with your mouth in order to make it to heaven.

This blasphemy is already being spewed and accepted by some 'within' the 'Christian community' and it's receiving national recognition already. Now, we understand they are not representing the truth of Christianity, but as long as their voices are being heard and advanced in the public media, it is viewed by most as a viable teaching within Christianity. Oh yes, they may be 'within,' but they are truly 'without' in the realm of faith and truth. These are wolves in sheep's clothing giving a false representation of our Lord to the world we are commissioned to reach!

'Bishop' Carlton Pearson is a prominent figure in the Christian community who has turned to embrace this doctrine. I once met and spoke with him, and had a great admiration for him and his ministry. He is well known for his popular "Azusa Conferences" in which he gave honor to traditional pentecostal faith and forms of worship. His Azusa Conference music CD's were powerful! He used to be a wonderful orator and teacher of the Word. Unfortunately, I have no choice but to label him a heretic. He is currently the foremost propagator of this damnable doctrine of inclusion.

I recently heard him on FOX-News talking about how much he respected Pope John Paul II for his doctrinal statement that said, "conversion is not necessary for salvation." (I have to mention that the unnecessary conversion the Pope was referring to was a 'conversion to Catholicism,' not a 'conversion to Christianity').

Pearson still refers to himself as a classical-traditional Pentecostal, yet he throws this doctrine out like it's the latest craze in Christianity. He is sadly mistaken. He has made statements such as:

Everyone is going to heaven, whether they know it or not...

Conversion to Christianity is not necessary for salvation...

Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Buddhists are all on the same path to the same God, and will all wind up in the same place...

Homosexuals and lesbians should work their way into leadership positions within 'non-progressive,' non-gay-affirming congregations in order to help them understand that God loves, uses, and anoints gays just like He does heterosexuals.

I wouldn't be a good Shepherd if I failed to correct these erring doctrinal statements...

Yes, everyone is going to heaven. But that doesn't mean everyone gets to stay. The Great White Throne Judgement will be a final point of separation in which some will be rewarded and some will be excused to a not-so-happy place.

Conversion most certainly IS necessary for salvation! If reconciliation to God weren't necessary, Christ would've never came in the first place.

Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Buddhists DO NOT serve the same God! Allah, and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are not the same being. Do not compare these false gods with my True and Living God!

All roads do not lead to heaven as a permanent housing edition.

Yes, homosexuals should work their way into our churches... but not as leadership. They should work their ways into the pews and altars to be delivered and set free from their perverse spirit of demonic possession so that they too can find the forgiveness in Christ you say they do not need!

This doctrine of man and of devils is being presented to the world as a new face of Christianity. We simply must withstand it. We must be strong... We must be vocal... Let us stand up strong in holiness and integrity against every false doctrine and let the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ shine through us!

But in standing against false doctrine, let us not fail to show love and compassion for all men. Those who embrace the doctrine of inclusion do so, predominantly, because they have such compassion and desire to reach all men that they fail to maintain a consistent biblical boundary and interpretation of the application of grace.

I recently heard a very long, around an hour, interview with him on NPR in which he explained his view. His sincerity is genuine. His compassion is genuine. His conviction is genuine. May I remind you, however, that you can be sincere, compassionate and have conviction that what you believe is right, and be nothing but wrong.

Carlton Pearson's desire to include all men in the Gospel message is wonderful, and I certainly share in his desire to reach all people, regardless of their history. I agree with him that there needs to be more love and compassion. I agree with him that we need to find meaningful, productive ways to share the Gospel that make others feel welcomed and a part of us. I concur that there has been a serious lack of love and outreach on the part of the Church. But at the same time, as we come to the realization that we need to be more loving and gracious to a dying world around us, we cannot let our standard lower in regards to biblical Christianity.

Jesus is the Great Shepherd and the Door of the sheepfold. You are only a sheep of His pasture if you enter in through Him. Mohammad won't save you, Buddha won't save you, no religion or religious figurehead will save you. Only grace by faith in Jesus Christ will save you from your sins and guarantee you a home in heaven.

I love Carlton Pearson and my heart is heavy and broken over the whole issue involving him. Please keep him, and the others who have chosen to believe the deceptive doctrine of inclusion, in your prayers. God loves all men, absolutely. God wants all men to make it into heaven, absolutely, God wants all men to come to repentance and faith in His Son, absolutely. ...But they have to do it according to the plan He set in place, not the plan they think should be in place. Let us pray that God will again show Himself to these precious people who have chosen to believe a lie.

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FAMILY HARVEST CHURCH

PASTOR CHAD CARTER

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Salem, IN 47167

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