To Arnold Murray and the Followers of Shepherd’s Chapel

Grace and peace to you

in the name of our Lord Jesus, who gave Himself for our sins, ascended to the right hand of the Father, and will come again to reign in glory. In this open-ended letter, I aim to address key doctrines concerning the atoning sacrifice of Christ, His ascension into heaven, and His return, with particular focus on what happens during the millennial reign of Christ. These foundational truths must be presented clearly, free from speculative interpretations that risk leading believers astray.

The Atoning Sacrifice of Jesus Christ

The Scriptures proclaim that Lord Jesus Christ’s atoning death on Calvary was for the sins of the entire world, encompassing all who believe in Him. Romans 5:11 declares, “We also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Similarly, 1 John 2:2 affirms, “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

Christ’s Sacrifice for All Believers

While your teachings affirm the atonement, they sometimes introduce speculative ideas that elevate a select group to a higher status within God’s redemptive plan. This perspective risks distorting the scope of Christ’s sacrifice, which is sufficient for all. Paul teaches in Romans 3:22-24, “For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Christ’s atonement is final and complete. Any suggestion that His sacrifice is limited or requires additional qualifications contradicts Scripture. Hebrews 10:10 assures us, “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Lord Jesus Christ once for all.” His sacrifice is universally available to all who call upon His name.

The Ascension of Jesus Christ

The ascension of Lord Jesus is a cornerstone of our faith. Mark 16:19 records, “So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” This event signifies His exaltation and supreme authority over all creation, as well as His ongoing intercession for believers, as stated in Hebrews 7:25.

The Significance of Christ’s Ascension

While your teachings acknowledge the ascension, they sometimes fail to fully emphasize its profound implications. Christ’s ascension is a declaration of His ultimate victory over sin and death, and of His authority over all things. As Paul writes in Ephesians 1:22, “He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church.”

To suggest that believers must assume unique spiritual roles in combating Satan during this time undermines the completeness of Christ’s triumph. His victory through His death, resurrection, and ascension fully disarmed the powers of darkness. Colossians 2:15 declares, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him.” The glory of Lord Jesus’ ascension lies in His total supremacy, leaving no room for human mediators or additional roles in His finished work.

What Happens During the Millennial Reign of Christ

The Bible promises the literal return of Lord Jesus Christ and speaks of His millennial reign. As John 14:3 says, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” At His return, “His feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives” (Zechariah 14:4), and He will rule the nations with justice and truth (Revelation 19:15).

Christ’s Authority in the Millennium

Your teachings on the millennial reign often stray into speculative and dramatized ideas. For instance, the suggestion that some will receive a second chance during this period contradicts the urgency of salvation in the present age. Scripture clearly teaches that “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2), not during an imagined future period.

Additionally, focusing on human roles during the millennium diminishes Christ’s ultimate authority and triumph. Revelation makes it clear that Lord Jesus alone will cast Satan into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:10 declares, “The devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur.” This act is the fulfillment of His redemptive work, achieved solely by His power. Any teaching that shifts focus from Christ’s central role to human involvement distorts the biblical narrative.

The millennial reign of Lord Jesus Christ is mentioned explicitly in Revelation 20:4-6. However, interpreting the millennium requires careful consideration of the apocalyptic and symbolic nature of the book. Revelation was written to encourage the persecuted church of the first century, not to serve as a blueprint for modern-day events. Fixating on literal interpretations without understanding the text’s symbolism can lead to fanciful conclusions that stray from Scripture’s intent.

40 Days After the Resurrection

The 40 days following Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection hold significant theological importance. Acts 1:3 recounts that Jesus “presented Himself alive to them after His suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” This period was marked by Christ’s physical resurrection and His preparation of the disciples for their mission.

Key Events in the 40 Days After the Resurrection

During these 40 days, Lord Jesus provided final instructions, including the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), and promised the coming of the Holy Spirit. His ascension, witnessed by His disciples, marked the beginning of His intercessory ministry and the assurance of His return.

These 40 days emphasize the unity of God’s redemptive plan and the certainty of Christ’s return. As Acts 1:9-11 recounts, the angels proclaimed to the disciples, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.” These events underscore the urgency of spreading the Gospel and living in anticipation of His return.

A Call to Faithful Teaching

The doctrines of the atoning sacrifice, ascension, and what happens during the millennial reign of Lord Jesus are profound truths that glorify Jesus and reveal His ultimate authority. As teachers of the Word, we have a responsibility to communicate these doctrines clearly and faithfully. Speculative interpretations risk distorting the truth and leading believers into error.

Paul’s Instruction for Teachers

Paul’s exhortation in 2 Timothy 2:15 serves as a guiding principle: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” Similarly, he warns in 2 Timothy 2:16, “Avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.”

I urge you and your followers to embrace the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement, the supremacy of His ascension, and the certainty of His return. Let these truths point us to the glory of Lord Jesus and not to human speculation.

In Christ’s Service,
“Chief of the Nobody”, Solomon Trueman