To Arnold Murray and the Followers of Shepherd’s Chapel Church
Concerning the Name Christian, Spiritual Battle, and the Resurrection
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, the risen Lord, who has conquered death and whose victory ensures eternal life for all who believe. In this section, I address your statements about the new name for God’s people, the reality of spiritual battle, the victory of Christ over Satan, and the resurrection of the dead.
On the New Name for God’s People
(Isaiah 62:2; Hosea 2:17; Acts 11:26)
You, Arnold Murray, and the teachings of Shepherd’s Chapel Church, claim that after Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, Israel was to be called by a new name: “Christian.” This interpretation misrepresents the Scriptures. Isaiah 62:2 speaks of the nations seeing God’s righteousness and being called by a new name, and Acts 11:26 tells us that “in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” However, your claim that this “renames” Israel and replaces their identity misunderstands God’s Word.
The name “Christian” does not replace Israel’s name but signifies the new covenant community united in Christ. Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Isaiah 62:2 points to the universal scope of God’s redemptive plan, not just a renaming of Israel.
It’s essential to recognize that “the kingdom of God is about bearing good fruit,” but the fruit of your teaching fails this test. By distorting the inclusiveness of the new name “Christian,” you lead your followers away from the unity and truth found in Christ.
On the Need to Be Born of Water and Spirit
(John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23)
You affirm that every individual, whether of Israel or not, must be born of water and Spirit to be a Christian. This is a biblical truth, for Jesus Himself said, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). However, your teachings conflate spiritual rebirth with external signs or human effort.
Being “born again” is not something achieved through human effort. As Peter writes, “You have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). It is a work of the Spirit, a gift of grace, and not tied to human merit or lineage.
Shepherd’s Chapel Church, under the leadership of Arnold Murray, often overemphasizes external works and signs, diminishing the power of God’s grace. True spiritual rebirth bears good fruit, but your teachings seem more concerned with appearances than with cultivating the transformative fruit of the Spirit.
On Satan, Spiritual Warfare, and Christ’s Victory
(Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9; Ephesians 6:11-19)
You rightly acknowledge the existence of Satan, who is described as the serpent (Genesis 3:1) and the deceiver of the whole world (Revelation 12:9). You also affirm that Christians are engaged in spiritual warfare, as Paul exhorts: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).
However, your teachings exaggerate humanity’s role in spiritual warfare, implying that believers are responsible for engaging Satan on behalf of God. Scripture teaches the opposite: the battle belongs to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47). Christ has already triumphed over the powers of darkness through His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:15).
To suggest that Christians must “fight for God” undermines Christ’s complete victory over Satan. Believers are called to stand firm in faith, relying on God’s strength, not their own (Ephesians 6:10). The teachings of Shepherd’s Chapel Church fail to equip followers with the true gospel, instead burdening them with a misguided sense of responsibility. This is not the fruit of God’s kingdom but a distraction from His power and sufficiency.
On the Resurrection of the Dead and Eternal Reign
(Job 19:25-27; Revelation 22:1-5)
You affirm belief in the resurrection of the dead and the eternal reign of Christ, which are central to the Christian faith. Scripture proclaims, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). Christ’s resurrection is both a historical fact and a promise for all who believe: “The perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:53).
Yet, your teachings at Shepherd’s Chapel Church often diminish the focus on Christ’s role in the resurrection by emphasizing human participation in reigning with Him. While Scripture states, “If we endure, we will also reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2:12), this reign is not dependent on human merit or effort. It is a gift of grace, secured entirely by Christ’s work.
To focus excessively on human involvement in the resurrection is to misunderstand God’s eternal plan. The kingdom of God is not about human striving but about bearing the fruit of faith and trust in Christ’s power. Arnold Murray’s teachings shift this focus, failing to produce the kind of fruit that aligns with the gospel message.
Conclusion
Arnold Murray and the teachings of Shepherd’s Chapel Church contain some truths about the name “Christian,” spiritual rebirth, spiritual warfare, and the resurrection of the dead. However, the fruit of your doctrine fails to align with the gospel.
The kingdom of God is about bearing good fruit, but your teachings elevate human effort, distort the sufficiency of Christ’s work, and lead others into speculative interpretations. The name “Christian” signifies unity in Christ, not a replacement for Israel. Spiritual rebirth is an act of God’s Spirit, not human effort. The victory over Satan has already been won by Christ, and the resurrection is a promise secured by His power alone.
I urge you to abandon teachings that distort God’s truth and to embrace the simplicity and sufficiency of the gospel. May the Lord open your eyes to the fullness of His truth and guide you toward bearing good fruit for His kingdom.