John F. MacArthur, a stalwart defender of biblical inerrancy and “Lordship” salvation, died today. He was 86.
A prominent U.S. evangelical pastor, Chancellor of The Master’s Seminary, and long-time leader of Grace Community Church in California, MacArthur is widely respected for his commitment to biblical exposition and the defence of Reformed theology.
Expository preaching
MacArthur is perhaps best known for his verse-by-verse expositional preaching, most notably at Grace, where he served since 1969. His decades-long sermon series through the New Testament exemplifies his belief that Scripture must be preached in context, with clarity and doctrinal precision.
His approach to preaching influenced thousands of pastors to return to text-driven preaching rather than topical messages. He was a vocal opponent of “seeker-sensitive” and “seeker-driven” preaching and liturgy.
MacArthur has also written extensively on core Christian doctrines—justification, sanctification, the nature of saving faith, and on the person and work of Christ. His theological precision has clarified debates around “cheap grace” and “easy-believeism.”
I first encountered MacArthur through his book on “Lordship salvation,” the view that a decision to turn from sin and submit to Jesus must be accompanied by saving faith, leading to a lifetime of spiritual fruit.
I found his argument compelling but his tone combative, and deferred to John Stott’s more pastorally sensitive approach. Later, I came to understand the dispensationalist infighting that prompted MacArthur’s stance.
Biblical authority and inerrancy
MacArthur championed the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture. His contributions to the “Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy” in 1978, and his many writings on related topics, uphold a high view of Scripture as the final authority for faith and practice.
Moreover, his MacArthur Study Bible and biblical commentaries have encouraged millions of Bible students to engage with the Biblical text through scholarly yet accessible notes. MacArthur wrote more than half of the 20,000 entries himself in longhand, and reworked many others written by Master’s Seminary faculty.
MacArthur was known for strict adherence to theological positions, particularly those of Reformed and cessationist traditions. Critics argue that he presented his interpretations as the only faithful biblical option, leaving little room for reasonable disagreement.
His strong stance against charismatic gifts, notably in his 2013 “Strange Fire” conference and book, sparked backlash even among evangelicals. Many felt he unfairly lumped all charismatic Christians together with fringe extremists, exacerbating division.
Church leadership and discipline
Pastorally, MacArthur emphasised elder-led church governance, a distinctive approach to church discipline, and a high view of church membership. His Shepherds’ Conference has trained thousands of pastors in Reformed doctrine, expository preaching, and pastoral care, reinforcing the importance of faithfulness and doctrinal integrity.
MacArthur held a complementarian view of gender roles, asserting that leadership in the church and home was biblically restricted to men. He was especially outspoken against women preachers, famously telling Bible teacher Beth Moore to “go home” during a 2019 panel discussion. This comment was widely condemned as dismissive and disrespectful.
He drew criticism focused on his doctrinal rigidity, advocacy of complementarianism, and poor handling of hot issues. His tone often lacked pastoral sensitivity. His repressive views on the leadership of women will be seen as culturally tone-deaf, especially in light of growing conversations around abuse and lack of equality in the church.
Handling of abuse allegations and COVID
MacArthur faced criticism for the handling of several cases of church discipline. A high-profile controversy arose in 2022 when reports alleged that Grace Community Church excommunicated a woman for refusing to reconcile with an abusive husband, while supporting the husband.
Such cases suggest a pattern of protecting institutional reputation over vulnerable individuals, and raise questions about MacArthur’s approach to pastoral care, accountability, and how church discipline is applied.
MacArthur made headlines for his political views during the COVID-19 pandemic. His refusal to close his church during lockdowns, citing religious freedom and distrust of government authority, led to legal battles and polarisation.
While many praised his boldness, others saw it as reckless and lacking concern for public health. As with many of his strengths, his anti-science stance during the pandemic was a model others were happy to emulate.
His critiques of Christian leaders who emphasised biblical mandates for social justice, and his opposition to Christian social justice movements, led to accusations that he was blind to systemic injustice and failed to constructively engage with pressing cultural issues.
For a more critical reflection on MacArthur’s legacy of social injustice, see Rick Pidcock’s July 14, 2025 article in Baptist News Global.
Applause and criticism
John MacArthur will be admired by many and criticised by others for his spiritual convictions, uncompromising defence of “biblical” truth, and shepherding of the church. He fought valiantly for what he believed in, and leaves an enormous legacy of writing, influence, and institutions.
His critics argue that his approach to theology and ministry often lacked pastoral sensitivity, fostered division, and dismissed legitimate ethical concerns. These criticisms will become more apparent as the dust settles, and as fresh appreciations and analyses of MacArthur’s life and ministry appear.
Rev Dr Rod Benson is General Secretary of the NSW Ecumenical Council and minister of North Rocks Community Church in Sydney.
Image source: Screengrab from John MacArthur speaking at 2021 Ligonier conference, julieroys.com
iDigress 
Well said Rod – a very fair assessment on many levels. I also was helped a great deal by his sermons etc- especially in the early days … but stepped back a lot from his ministry in this century. It always saddened me he was so `combative` in his tone and words when it was unnecessary.Nevertheless we thank God for all the positive good he did!