John MacArthur — Quotes Affirmed

"The Bible is the only source of divine revelation. It is complete, sufficient, and authoritative for all matters of faith and practice."

MacArthur's statement affirms the historic Protestant doctrine of Sola Scriptura — that the Bible alone is the final authority for faith and practice. In an age of claimed 'new revelations,' prophetic words, and extra-biblical authority, this declaration draws a line that separates biblical Christianity from every form of mysticism and false prophecy.

"The church's mission is not to reform society, but to preach the gospel."

MacArthur distinguishes between the church's primary calling (gospel proclamation) and secondary social effects. While Christians should be salt and light, the Great Commission is to make disciples — not to legislate morality or reform political systems. Societies are changed one converted heart at a time, not through institutional reform without regeneration.

"The true gospel is a call to self-denial. It is not a call to self-fulfillment."

MacArthur cuts through the modern prosperity gospel's promise of self-fulfillment and restoration of 'your best life now.' The true gospel calls us to die — to self, to sin, to worldly ambition. Jesus never promised ease, wealth, or personal actualization. He promised a cross. This statement exposes the fundamental inversion that prosperity preachers make: turning the gospel from a call to surrender into a promise of gain.