False Teacher

Kenneth Hagin

Father of the Word of Faith movement and JDS heresy

Biography

Kenneth E. Hagin (1917–2003) was an American charismatic preacher and founder of Rhema Bible Training College in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Often called the 'father of the Word of Faith movement,' he popularized the teachings that believers are 'little gods,' that faith is a force, and that Jesus died spiritually in hell to complete the atonement. His JDS (Jesus Died Spiritually) doctrine teaches that the cross was insufficient and that Jesus had to be tortured in hell by Satan — a heresy that denies the finished work of Christ.

Biblical Assessment

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

Title & Authority

VERDICT: FAIL

Self-appointed apostle and prophet. Claims multiple visions of Jesus that conveniently validate his heretical teachings. Founded his own training college to propagate false doctrine.

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Galatians 1:8, 2 Peter 2:1

Gospel Message

VERDICT: FAIL

Teaches the JDS doctrine — that Jesus died spiritually, went to hell, and was tortured by Satan to complete the atonement. This denies the sufficiency of Christ's death on the cross and His declaration 'It is finished.' Also teaches the 'little gods' doctrine and positive confession.

Scripture:

John 19:30, Luke 23:43, Luke 23:46

Fruit & Lifestyle

VERDICT: FAIL

His teachings have spawned an entire movement of prosperity preachers and heretics. The fruit of his ministry includes Copeland, Dollar, Meyer, and countless others who teach the same heresies.

Scripture:

Matthew 7:16-20, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Jude 1:4

Revelation vs. Scripture

VERDICT: FAIL

Claims eight personal visitations from Jesus, visions of hell, and direct revelations that contradict Scripture. Elevates personal experience and 'rhema' words above the written Word of God.

Scripture:

Revelation 22:18-19, Deuteronomy 13:1-3, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Finances & Transparency

VERDICT: FAIL

Taught prosperity theology and lived lavishly. His Rhema empire generated enormous wealth through conferences, books, and training programs that propagated false doctrine.

Scripture:

1 Timothy 6:5, 2 Peter 2:3, Acts 8:18-23

Key Quotes

These statements from Kenneth Hagin reveal doctrinal error.

"He [Jesus] tasted spiritual death for every man. And His spirit and inner man went to Hell in my place."

— Kenneth Hagin

Violates: John 19:30, Luke 23:43, Luke 23:46

Source: The Name of Jesus, Rhema Bible Church, 1981, p. 31

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"You are as much the incarnation of God as Jesus Christ was."

— Kenneth Hagin

Violates: Isaiah 43:10, Colossians 2:9, John 1:14

Source: Word of Faith magazine, December 1980

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View quotes with full scripture refutation →

Sources & References

All assessments are based on verifiable, publicly available sources:

•The Name of Jesus (Rhema Bible Church, 1981)
•Word of Faith magazine (December 1980)
•Zoe: The God-Kind of Life (1989)
•Rhema Bible Training College publications
•Kenneth Hagin Ministries broadcasts and recordings

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