Pastor John MacArthur, a renowned Bible teacher and pastor, passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 86. With a ministry spanning over five decades, MacArthur left an indelible mark on the world of Christianity.
# Early Life and Ministry
Born on June 19, 1939, in Los Angeles, California, MacArthur was called to pastor Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, in 1969. He would go on to serve the church for 56 years, preaching verse-by-verse sermons that influenced generations of pastors and church leaders.
# Key Aspects of His Ministry
- *Expository Preaching*: MacArthur was known for his commitment to expository preaching, teaching the Bible verse-by-verse.
- *Theological Rigor*: He was a proponent of Dispensational Calvinism and was relentless in his pursuit of theological truth.
- *Faithfulness to Scripture*: MacArthur believed in the inerrancy of the Bible and was an original signer of the Chicago Statement on Bible Inerrancy.
- *Institution Building*: He founded The Master's University and Seminary, and his radio ministry, "Grace to You," reached global audiences ³ ².
# Controversies and Criticisms
MacArthur was not afraid to wade into controversy, and his views on certain topics sparked debate. Some notable examples include:
- *Criticism of Charismatic Movement*: MacArthur was critical of the Charismatic movement, which he believed had strayed from biblical orthodoxy.
- *Opposition to Women in Ministry*: He believed that women should not be preachers, citing biblical grounds for his position.
- *COVID-19 Lockdowns*: MacArthur and his church resisted COVID-19 lockdowns, arguing that the government had no authority to restrict worship services.
# Legacy
Despite controversies, MacArthur's legacy is one of faithfulness to Scripture and dedication to spreading the Gospel. His influence extends far beyond his church, with his study Bible and commentaries being widely used resources among evangelical Christians.
# Tributes and Reactions
Many have paid tribute to MacArthur's life and ministry, including ⁴:
- *Greg Laurie*: "He was a true man of God... John leaves behind a powerful legacy."
- *Clint Pressley*: "Thankful for this man's legacy and his leading so many back to expository preaching."
- *Ed Stetzer*: "MacArthur's passion for inerrancy... helped shape preaching around the world for a generation."
As the Christian community mourns the loss of this influential pastor, his teachings and legacy will continue to impact generations to come.
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