In Andy Stanley’s latest sermon, he makes several claims that are either outright heretical or lead to heresy when taken to its logical conclusion. I would like to break these claims down and address them point by point.
“When the New Testament authors began writing, they didn’t know they were writing the New Testament.”
While it’s true that the New Testament authors may not have initially recognized their writings as what we now call the New Testament canon, this statement downplays the doctrine of divine inspiration. Scripture is clear that the authors of both the Old and New Testaments wrote under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16). To suggest they were merely “documenting what they experienced” risks reducing their writings to human reflections rather than divinely inspired revelation.
“God does not need us to make excuses for him. He doesn’t expect us to explain or explain away his Old Testament behavior.”
This statement deceptively implies that God’s actions in the Old Testament need justification or might be viewed as morally questionable. This creates a false dichotomy between the Old and New Testaments, suggesting that the God of the Old Testament is less palatable or needs rebranding. It disregards the unity and immutability of God’s nature (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).
“In the Old Testament, we find God playing by the rules of the kingdoms of this world to prepare for a time when he would introduce a kingdom, not of this world.”
This assertion implies that God’s actions in the Old Testament were somehow constrained or dictated by worldly systems. This diminishes God’s sovereignty and omnipotence, suggesting He needed to “play by the rules” of human kingdoms. Scripture, however, consistently presents God as sovereign over all nations and kingdoms, operating according to His perfect will and plan (Daniel 4:35; Psalm 115:3).
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As is typical with his sermons, the overarching theme of Stanley’s rhetoric suggests a discontinuity between the Old and New Testaments, framing them as two contrasting revelations. This is a foundational error that ignores the progressive revelation of Scripture, where the Old Testament lays the groundwork for the New Testament (Luke 24:27; Matthew 5:17). To portray the Old Testament as merely preparatory or as a foil to the New undermines its authority and significance.
By focusing on God “preparing for a time” and “playing by the rules,” Stanley fails to recognize that Christ and the gospel are central throughout the Old Testament (John 5:39; Hebrews 10:1). The sacrificial system, the law, and the prophecies all point to the coming Messiah. God’s “behavior” in the Old Testament is not arbitrary or dictated by worldly norms—it is a revelation of His nature and character. It’s a revelation of His holiness, justice, and mercy.
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