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The Teachings of
Zane
Hodges,
Joseph Dillow,
Robert Wilkin and the extreme teachings of J. D. Faust |
Surprises in Heaven?
In an article in the Grace Evangelical Society News (July-August 1994), Zane Hodges insists that King Saul was a saved regenerate man: "One of the best examples of God’s grace in the OT salvation is found in the story of Saul. Saul’s regeneration is recorded in 1 Samuel 10:1-10." This is consistent with the doctrine espoused by Hodges/Dillow which insists that a saved person can persist in the works of the flesh and be dominated by them throughout his life, as was certainly true with the case of Saul.
They also teach that Simon the sorcerer was a saved man (Acts 8), in spite of Peter’s strong words: "But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity" (Acts 8:20-23). See Dillow, p.327. If these were Peter’s words to a saved man, what would he say to a wicked unbeliever?
Hodges also teaches that wicked, self-centered Diotrephes was a saved man (3 John 9-11). See his commentary on 3 John in the Bible Knowledge Commentary, p. 914. Thus a true believer may do evil and may be described as one who "hath not seen God"! Also to be found among the saints in heaven are Hymenaeus and Philetus (Dillow, p.336) and Demas (Dillow, p.339). The apostates described in 2 Peter 2:20-22 will also be in heaven (Dillow, p.467)!
Hodges seems also to imply that Esau was a saved man (Heb. 12:16-17), and that his life is a warning to true believers lest they forfeit their inheritance (Bible Knowledge Commentary, p. 807).
Dillow makes the amazing statement that the majority of the Israelites [in the wilderness] were born again (p.213)! "The majority of the exodus generation was regenerate" (Dillow, p. 448). He also believes that all of the sons of Jacob were born again (p.318).
A shocking article was published in Grace in Focus (published by G.E.S.) In the Sept/Oct 1007 issue. The lead article was written by Bob Wilkin and entitled, "Are Esau and Cain in Heaven or Hell?" Wilkins argues that these men are probably in heaven, along with King Saul, Simon Magus (Acts 8) and King Agrippa. The conclusion regarding Cain is both puzzling and troubling. In the context of distinguishing between the children of God and the children of the devil (1 John 3:10), John tells us that Cain "was of that wicked one." If Cain was of the devil, then by what kind of eisegesis do we have him among the redeemed in heaven? Wilkin’s weak argument is as follows: "Surely Adam and Eve, who met with the pre-incarnate Jesus in the garden, would have evangelized both Cain and Abel. If Abel believed, would it not be likely that his brother Cain would as well?" Evangelism is one thing; believing the message of good news is another matter. His argument for Esau being saved is just as weak: "Would not Isaac and Rebecca have evangelized both of their sons? If Jacob believe in the coming Messiah for eternal life, wouldn’t it be likely that his brother, Esau, would have as well?" And on what basis do we include King Agrippa among the redeemed? Agrippa was almost persuaded to be a Christian (Acts 26:27-29). By what reasoning can we make "almost persuaded" to be equivalent to becoming a Christian? And what signs of eternal life are found in the life of murderous King Saul who consistently manifested the works of the flesh? Similar things could be said of Esau. Wilkin’s conclusions are unbiblical, but they are consistent with his antinomian theology.
God only knows the hearts of men, and some of the above examples could be debated by students of God's Word, but these examples illustrate the main thrust of the teaching of Hodges and Dillow, namely that a truly saved person can depart from the faith, live wickedly, persist in wicked living, live a life characterized by the works of the flesh and end up being in the kingdom, though not an heir of it.
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