The NEW APOSTOLIC REFORMATION and LAWLESSNESS

When Lawlessness Enters the Church

In our previous discussion on Matthew 24:12, we explored how lawlessness leads to a world where the love of many grows cold. But what happens when this very lawlessness infiltrates the church…? What if its spread is not only external, seen in the moral decline of society, but also internal—corrupting the very institutions meant to uphold biblical truth…?

One of the most problematic movements in modern Christianity, the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), exhibits alarming signs of this spiritual lawlessness. Though it claims to be part of the body of Christ, its teachings and practices often reflect a rejection of biblical authority, a distortion of the true love of God and the love of the truth, and a multiplication of deception—all of which align with this prophecy of Jesus of widespread lawlessness in the last days.

Rejecting Biblical Authority: A Form of Lawlessness

At its core, lawlessness is the rejection of divine authority. Instead of submitting to God’s established truth, lawless individuals or movements replace it with personal revelations, subjective experiences, and self-appointed leaders. The NAR falls into this category, as it shifts the focus from Scripture to man-made doctrines and fake/unbiblical “supernatural” experiences.

• The NAR movement claims that modern-day “apostles” and “prophets” receive fresh revelations that equal or even supersede Scripture. This results in a constantly shifting theology, where what God supposedly ‘speaks’ today can supersede the truths He has established in His Word for millennia.

This shift away from Scripture breeds spiritual lawlessness, as God’s commandments are no longer the foundation of faith—personal desires and emotions are. Isaiah 8:20 warns

“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”

The rejection of biblical authority is a defining mark of deception, drawing countless individuals away from sound doctrine—and ultimately, from the faith once for all delivered to the saints—plunging them into eternal destruction. (Jude 1:4)

A False Definition of Love: Love Growing Cold

Jesus warned that as lawlessness increases, love will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). In biblical terms, love (agape) is rooted in truth, obedience, and self-sacrifice (John 14:15). However, the NAR distorts the meaning of love in dangerous ways.

Love Without Correction

In the NAR movement, correction is often seen as “religious,” “legalistic,” or “hindering the Spirit.” Many within these circles reject biblical reproof and sound doctrine, arguing that focusing on sin or judgment contradicts love. Therefore, in NAR circles, the reality of sin, God’s wrath, eternal judgment, and hell are rarely—if ever—taught or preached.

However, true love involves correction (Hebrews 12:6). A church that refuses to rebuke sin will allow lawlessness to flourish, leading to a cold and counterfeit love—one that tolerates deception rather than calls people to righteousness.

The Generational Multiplication of Lawlessness

One of the most devastating aspects of lawlessness is its ability to multiply through generations. When spiritual deception is embraced, it is passed down to the next generation, creating an even more radicalized version of the original error.

• In NAR churches, young people are trained to seek supernatural encounters rather than study Scripture. Their faith is built on emotional highs and “prophetic words”, rather than sound theology.

With each generation, lawlessness (and the deception that undergirds it) becomes more deeply entrenched, as parents (those who have now been trained and brainwashed by the NAR deceptive teachings) pass their distortions to their children, who in turn amplify these errors further. The Bible gives a stark warning about this cycle:

Judges 2:10 – “Another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel.”

When one generation drifts from biblical truth, the next strays even further, leading to a culture—and in this case, a ‘church movement’—where absolute truth and the reverent fear of the LORD are abandoned. With each passing generation, lawlessness spreads, causing love for God to fade, replaced by self-centered spirituality and self-indulgence disguised as ‘biblical Christianity.’ The inevitable result is an utterly apostate ‘church,’ plunging ever deeper into wickedness.

The Rise of False Prophets: A Sign of Lawlessness

In Matthew 24:11, Jesus warns, “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” This is precisely what we see within the NAR, which is filled with self-proclaimed apostles and prophets making unbiblical (deceptive) claims.

False Prophecies in NAR

Many NAR prophets predict events that never happen, violating Deuteronomy 18:20-22, which condemns false prophecy. Despite failed predictions, these figures retain their influence, proving that their followers value spiritual excitement over biblical truth.

By spreading these deceptions, false teachers, apostles, and prophets fuel the very lawlessness Jesus warned about. They lead people away from the true Gospel, conditioning NAR followers to accept (brush over) lies and false prophecies as normal.

2 Peter 2:1 – “There will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies.”

The Lawless Foundation: A Breeding Ground for Sexual Immorality​

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement’s departure from biblical authority and its embrace of subjective experiences create an environment susceptible to moral failings, including sexual immorality. Over the past two years, several scandals involving NAR leaders have come to light, underscoring this troubling trend.​

For instance, Mike Bickle, founder of the International House of Prayer (IHOP) and a prominent NAR figure, has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple individuals. These allegations have prompted an internal investigation and have raised concerns about accountability within the movement.

Similarly, the case of Todd Bentley, an evangelist associated with NAR, highlights issues of sexual misconduct. Bentley faced accusations of inappropriate behavior, leading to public scrutiny and discussions about the movement’s oversight mechanisms. ​Sadly, countless others have also fallen into the same trap of the enemy – the daily news is filled with many of these cases…

The prevalence of such incidents suggests that the NAR’s framework, which often prioritizes personal revelation over established Scripture, can inadvertently foster environments where moral boundaries are blurred. This lack of adherence to biblical standards can (and usually does) lead to justifications of sinful behavior, as discussed in this previous article “The Silent Crisis: Justification of Sexual Sin in the Church.”

Scripture warns against such deviations. Jude 1:4 cautions about individuals who “pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality.” Additionally, 2 Peter 2:2-3 speaks of false teachers who “will exploit you with fabricated stories,” leading many to follow their depraved conduct.​

Furthermore, the trend of worship leaders and speakers sometimes dressing provocatively during services reflects a departure from the biblical call to modesty and holiness. This shift not only distracts congregants but also undermines the sanctity of worship, aligning with the broader pattern of lawlessness within the movement.​

Thus, the NAR’s departure from scriptural authority and its tolerance for subjective interpretations have paved the way for moral compromises. Recognizing and addressing these issues is crucial for the health and integrity of the church.

Persecution of FAITHFUL Believers

As lawlessness spreads, those who stand for biblical truth will be ridiculed, opposed, and even persecuted. Many who follow NAR teachings view biblically grounded Christians as “religious,” “lacking revelation,” or “hindering the Spirit.” However, those who boldly expose the movement’s falsehoods and immorality often face severe consequences from the leaders of this movement.

Those who challenge NAR leaders on their unbiblical practices are often shunned, expelled from their congregations, or subjected to such hostility that they have little choice but to leave. These whistleblowers are often slandered, labeled as “divisive” or “operating under a religious spirit,” and publicly discredited by influential figures in the movement. Some even face personal attacks, threats, and social isolation as a result of their unwavering stance for biblical truth.

Jesus warned about this in Matthew 24:9, saying:

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.”

Similarly, Paul cautioned Timothy:

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

The rejection and mistreatment of those who expose falsehood is not a new phenomenon; it mirrors how the prophets of old were treated when they confronted Israel’s spiritual corruption (Matthew 5:11-12). True believers must be prepared to stand firm in the face of opposition, knowing that their faithfulness to God’s Word will be met with hostility from those who prefer deception over truth.

Holding Fast to Truth in a Lawless Age

The rise of lawlessness in the NAR is not accidental—it is a fulfillment of Jesus’ end-time prophecy. By rejecting biblical authority, distorting the Gospel, and leading people into experience-based deception, this movement contributes to the cooling of love and the spread of falsehood and lawlessness.

Yet, we are not without hope. Jesus calls His followers to endure to the end (Matthew 24:13). This means staying anchored in Scripture, resisting deception, and keeping our love for God alive.

Jude 1:3 – “Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”

Now is the time to stand firm, reject lawlessness, and uphold the unchanging truth of God’s Word.