Is the NAR Part of End Times Apostasy?
The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is not a revival movement—it is a deception that fits precisely into the pattern of End Times apostasy warned about in Scripture.
⸻
1. Core Beliefs Are Unbiblical
The NAR claims that a new generation of apostles and prophets must govern the Church to bring about the return of Christ. It promotes Dominion Theology, teaching that Christians must take over the “Seven Mountains” of culture—government, education, media, entertainment, religion, family, and business.
But Jesus said:
“My kingdom is not of this world.”
— John 18:36
“In the last days… men will not endure sound doctrine…”
— 2 Timothy 4:3
“Let no one deceive you… for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first.”
— 2 Thessalonians 2:3
⸻
2. Scripture Warns of Growing Deception
The Bible repeatedly warns that deception would increase as the return of Christ draws near:
“Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” — 2 Timothy 3:13
“False prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”
— Matthew 24:24
“The Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith…”
— 1 Timothy 4:1
NAR teachings elevate experience over Scripture, dreams over doctrine, and man-centered revival over God’s Word.
⸻
3. Their Eschatology Reverses the Biblical Timeline
The NAR claims the Church must establish God’s kingdom on earth before Jesus returns. But Scripture teaches the opposite: that the world grows worse, the Church is removed, and Jesus returns to establish His kingdom Himself.
“But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse…”
— 2 Timothy 3:13
“When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” — Luke 18:8
“The Lord Himself will descend from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first.”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:16
⸻
4. False Signs, False Authority
Gold dust, angel feathers, uncontrollable laughter, and prophetic trances are common in NAR circles. These spectacles are used to validate leadership, but they often contradict both the character of God and the Word of God.
“A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign…” — Matthew 12:39
“If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”
— Isaiah 8:20
⸻
5. It Mirrors the Great Falling Away
The NAR’s global network, ecumenical openness, and mystical experiences reflect the coming false religious system described in Revelation 17.
“They will have a form of godliness but deny its power. From such turn away.”
— 2 Timothy 3:5
“All who dwell on the earth will worship the beast…”
— Revelation 13:8
This isn’t just misguided—it’s a precursor to the One World Religion.
⸻
6. A Timeline of Apostasy
Biblical history shows a progression of deception:
•1st Century: Apostolic warnings (Acts 20:29)
•4th–5th Centuries: Allegory replaces literal interpretation
•Middle Ages: Traditions elevate above Scripture
•19th–20th Century: Liberalism, prosperity gospel, mysticism
•Today: NAR rises with global unity and spiritual lawlessness
“The mystery of lawlessness is already at work…”
— 2 Thessalonians 2:7
⸻
7. Old Testament Parallels Confirm the Pattern
God warned of false prophets who lead His people astray:
“Do not listen to the words of the prophets… they speak a vision of their own heart.”
— Jeremiah 23:16
“You have encouraged the wicked… although I did not send them.”
— Ezekiel 13:22
“Speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions.”
— Isaiah 30:10
Today’s “prophetic movement” mirrors these same errors.
⸻
8. Direct Quotes Reveal a Different Christ
Bill Johnson (Bethel Redding):
“Jesus performed miracles, signs, and wonders as a man in right relationship with God—not as God.”
But Scripture declares:
“In Him all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily.”
— Colossians 2:9
“The Word was God… and the Word became flesh.”
— John 1:1,14
This is not a small mistake—it is a denial of Jesus’ divine identity.
⸻
9. Part of the Pre-Rapture Delusion
Paul describes a massive deception that must come before the Antichrist is revealed:
“Let no one deceive you… that Day will not come unless the apostasy comes first…”
— 2 Thessalonians 2:3
“Because they did not receive the love of the truth… God will send them a strong delusion…” — 2 Thessalonians 2:10–11
The NAR is not preparing the Church for Christ—it is preparing the world for Antichrist.
⸻
10. We Are Called to Discern
The Bible gives clear instruction for times like these:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
— 1 John 4:1
“Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”
— Jude 3
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls…”
— 1 Peter 5:8
Truth matters. Discernment is not optional—it’s commanded.
⸻
11. There Can Be No New Foundation
The NAR teaches that we still need apostles and prophets to lead the Church. But God’s Word is clear—the foundation has already been laid, and it cannot be replaced.
“Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.”
— Ephesians 2:19–20
“For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:11
To claim modern apostles are still foundational is to undermine the sufficiency of Scripture and the finality of Christ’s work.
⸻
Trusted Teachers
•John MacArthur: Called the NAR a “false movement with demonic influence.”
•Justin Peters: Describes it as “one of the most dangerous deceptions facing the Church today.”
•Holly Pivec & R. Douglas Geivett: Documented the NAR’s unbiblical theology and harmful practices in A New Apostolic Reformation?
⸻