False Teacher

Bill Johnson

Bethel pastor who teaches Jesus laid aside His divinity

Biography

Bill Johnson is the senior leader of Bethel Church in Redding, California, one of the most influential charismatic megachurches in America. He teaches a version of kenosis heresy — that Jesus 'laid aside His divinity' and performed miracles as a mere man empowered by the Spirit, making His supernatural works attainable for all believers. His church is known for bizarre practices including 'grave soaking' (lying on dead Christians' graves to absorb their anointing), 'glory clouds,' gold dust manifestations, and prophetic practices that lack biblical foundation. Bethel's influence through its music and school of ministry has spread these teachings globally.

Biblical Assessment

Every preacher is tested against our 5-point biblical framework. Here's how Bill Johnson measures up:

Title & Authority

VERDICT: FAIL

Claims apostolic authority as part of the NAR movement. Bethel withdrew from the Assemblies of God in 2005 to operate without denominational accountability.

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Hebrews 13:17, Titus 1:9

Gospel Message

VERDICT: FAIL

Teaches that Jesus 'laid aside His divinity' and performed miracles only as a Spirit-empowered man. This kenosis heresy denies Christ's full deity during His incarnation and was condemned by church councils. If Jesus wasn't fully God, His atonement is insufficient.

Scripture:

Colossians 2:9, John 1:1-14, Hebrews 1:3

Fruit & Lifestyle

VERDICT: FAIL

His wife Beni practiced 'grave soaking' at C.S. Lewis's grave. Bethel promotes bizarre manifestations (gold dust, feathers, glory clouds) as evidence of God's presence. The fruit is experience-seeking rather than Christ-knowing.

Scripture:

Matthew 7:16-20, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Colossians 2:18

Revelation vs. Scripture

VERDICT: FAIL

Claims ongoing apostolic revelation. His book 'The Physics of Heaven' suggests believers can 'recover realms of anointing' from the dead. Elevates experience and new revelation above Scripture.

Scripture:

Jude 1:3, Revelation 22:18-19, Deuteronomy 18:10-12

Finances & Transparency

VERDICT: CONCERN

Bethel operates a large ministry empire including Bethel Music and School of Supernatural Ministry. Financial transparency is limited as a non-denominational church.

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 8:21, 1 Peter 5:2, 1 Timothy 6:10

Key Quotes

These statements from Bill Johnson reveal doctrinal error.

"He laid His divinity aside as He sought to fulfill the assignment given to Him by the Father... Jesus performed miracles, wonders, and signs as a man in right relationship to God, not as God."

— Bill Johnson

Violates: Colossians 2:9, John 1:1, Hebrews 1:3

Source: When Heaven Invades Earth, Bill Johnson

"There are anointings, mantles, revelations and mysteries that have lain unclaimed, literally where they were left, because the generation that walked in them never passed them on."

— Bill Johnson

Violates: Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Isaiah 8:19, Hebrews 9:27

Source: The Physics of Heaven, Bill Johnson

Sources & References

All assessments are based on verifiable, publicly available sources:

•When Heaven Invades Earth (book)
•The Physics of Heaven (book)
•Bethel Church teachings and practices
•Beni Johnson grave soaking social media posts

See an error? We strive for complete accuracy. If you believe we've misrepresented Bill Johnson's teaching, contact us with evidence and we'll review.