Chuck Swindoll: Reconstructing John Wesley

Chuck Swindoll, the world renowned Christian author, is known for his writing and teaching on the evangelical doctrine of grace. The Grace Awakening is Dr. Swindoll's magnum opus in this regard. Though Swindoll's teaching is popular most Christians do not know that he titled this book after the famous revival known as "The Great Awakening." Early in the introduction of The Grace Awakening Chuck Swindoll wrote:

When the eighteenth-and early nineteenth-century revival spread across Great Britain and into America, preached fervently by John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and a handful of other risk-taking spokesmen for God, it was again grace that led the way. And again there was strong resistance from those who frowned upon their message of freedom in Christ. Interestingly, that sweeping movement came to be known as "The Great Awakening." What I am sensing these days is yet another awakening in the genre of those history-making movements. Perhaps it is best defined as "The Grace Awakening," a message whose time has come (The Grace Awakening, p. xiv, xv).

By claiming foundational similarities between The Grace Awakening and John Wesley's message during The Great Awakening Dr. Swindoll surely fortifies the theme of his book. While some theologians might consider Swindoll's comparison exaggerated such doctrinal harmony is significant if it is true, BUT is it true?

Though John Wesley has written volumes Chuck Swindoll offers not a single quote to substantiate his supposed harmony with Wesley. Why? Because John Wesley never taught the biblical themes of grace or freedom in Christ as Chuck Swindoll does.

Chuck Swindoll says that The Grace Awakening is a book emphasizing the "full extent of grace" (The Grace Awakening p. xv). According to Chuck Swindoll, however, "grace" means that no human "work" (good or bad) ever has any bearing on whether or not a professing Christian finally enters the eternal kingdom of God. The following are a mere fraction of what is readily available from Dr. Swindoll on grace and saving faith:

In other words, salvation is not by faith alone... [ellipsis in original] it requires works. Human achievement must accompany sincere faith before you can be certain of your salvation. We continue to hear that "different gospel" to this day and it is a lie. It is heresy (The Grace Awakening).

There is no external proof of salvation or spirituality the reality of our faith is internal. It can be seen - and judged - only by God (The Grace Awakening Bible Study Guide).

Saying that John Wesley never even hinted at such statements being representative of sound grace doctrine would be restrained. Still, Chuck Swindoll props-up his Grace Awakening notions by dropping Mr. Wesley's good name. Chuck Swindoll is free to teach whatever he likes, but attaching John Wesley to his fancies is pure fiction. Here is a small sample from Wesley, the "risk-taking spokesman for God," regarding the link between works and saving faith:

I testify unto you, that if you still continue in sin, Christ shall profit you nothing; that Christ is no saviour to you, unless he saves you from your sins; and that unless it purify your heart, faith shall profit you nothing. O when will ye understand, that to oppose either inward or outward holiness, under colour of exalting Christ, is directly to act the part of Judas (A Blow At The Root p.4).

The nature of the covenant of grace gives you no ground, no encouragement at all, to set aside any instance or degree of obedience; any part or measure of holiness (Sermon: The Law Established Through Faith).

Chuck Swindoll teaches that it is heresy and a lie to teach that works or fruit must accompany sincere faith. Yet, John Wesley, a man Swindoll presents as agreeing with him on these foundational doctrines, boldly preaches this heresy and lie. Still, Chuck Swindoll aligns himself with Wesley leaving the uninformed reader with the mistaken idea that The Grace Awakening and The Great Awakening are synonymous. If Swindoll wants to teach that "grace" means that a Christian's behavior has no bearing on his eternal home he should not do it in the good name of John Wesley or The Great Awakening.

About the Author

Daniel LaLond Jr's book, The Lying Promise, examines in detail the popular doctrine of Chuck Swindoll. The Lying Promise also completely deflates avante gaurd, errant teachings on grace, once saved always saved, imputed righteousness and saving faith.

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