Reinhard Bonnke has passed into eternity, and with his death comes both acclaim and criticism. No doubt his ministry will continue as his protégé Daniel Kolenda takes over leadership of Christ For All Nations – however the fruit of that ‘legacy’ must continue to be biblically scrutinised.
From South Africa’s ‘Famine In The Land’ addressing the recent death of Reinhard Bonnke on their FITL Facebook wall:
“The passing away of Reinhard Bonnke has stirred many emotions, with some celebrating 75 millions “decisions” for Christ under his ministry, some skeptical, and some condemning him. What we are instructed to do, is test his doctrine, God alone will test his works and salvation. What we do know:”
75 million decision cards do not amount to 75 million conversions (God in his mercy and grace may have saved some under Bonnke’s ministry)
His emphasis on certain teachings deceived many, one example being that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is marked by speaking in tongues.
His endorsement of false teachers such as Benny Hinn, Todd Bentley, Bill Johnson and Kenneth Copeland once again will have caused millions to be led down the wrong path.
CFAN is now a ministry to be marked and avoided, and is part of the New Apostolic Reformation. (Link)
Bonnke made some confusing, and even heretical statements, whether due to ignorance or lack of proficiency in English, the message is dangerous, example below:
“Reinhard Bonnke passed away today, sadly he was caught up in the NAR and endorsed many false teachers such as Todd Bentley, Bill Johnson, Benny Hinn etc. It was just a matter of hours until the word “double portion” popped up, expect to see claims of his mantle being passed on, although his protégé Daniel Kolenda might claim sole mandate on Bonnke’s non-existent mantle.” (Link)
Source: Rick Becker, ‘Famine In The Land’ Facebook post, https://www.facebook.com/679286202242353/photos/a.692331907604449/1377407515763548/?type=3&theater. Published December 9, 2019. (Accessed December 10, 2019.)
The legacy of Reinhard Bonnke.
As has been rightly stated by many discerning Christians over the years, many Charismatic/Pentecostal believers are ‘technically biblically illiterate’ – and this is a world-wide problem. Many ex-Charismatics can sadly attest to their own biblical illiteracy once they have been exposed to sound doctrine and teaching.
What is the legacy of Reinhard Bonnke’s many evangelistic crusades over the years, from 1967 until his retirement in 2017?
Reinhard Bonnke oversaw almost 79 million conversions to Christianity, his organisation claims. Where are those approximate ’79 millions conversions’ today? Are they truly saved and flourishing under sound teaching or were they just ‘decision makers’ – false converts, numbers added to a boastful list? Is the impact of this ‘charismatic christianity’ continuing to deceive many in Africa today?
Reinhard Bonnke crusade.
Testing the legacy.
Pastor Conrad Mbewe – the African ‘Spurgeon’.
There is one highly respected pastor, Conrad Mbewe (also known as Africa’s Charles Spurgeon), who addresses the topic clearly in the following articles and podcast:
Strange Fire – The African Import of Charismatic Chaos.
“My concern is this: that when a lot of people look at the full-to-overflowing churches in Africa, the apparent excitement in the churches, they cross back to the U. S. and say, “There’s revival there!” The churches are packed, multiple services, churches multiplying, but I do want to say to you tonight that it is not Good News. It’s bad news.” (Link)
Why Is The Charismatic Movement Thriving In Africa.
“I think that one reason why the Charismatic movement in Africa has been like a wild bushfire is because it has not challenged the African religious worldview but has instead adopted it. It has simply baptised it with Bible verses and Christian words that previously meant something totally different.” (Link)
Conrad Mbewe also speaks of Bonnke’s early evangelistic crusades, held in the 80’s where a gospel message of repentance was preached and some of Ps. Mbewe’s own associates were converted to Christ and remain so to this day. Fast forward to 11min 30sec mark on this podcast:
Strange Fire & Crusade Evangelism – click here to listen.
With an acknowledgement of a gospel message being preached in his early years, and despite his later extremely troubling association and ongoing endorsement of false teachers, Todd Bentley among others, it is our hope that Reinhard Bonnke did indeed have penitent faith at the time of his passing and is resting with his Saviour, having not trusted in his ‘works’ and man’s acclaim. No one is privy to his final destination, for God alone ‘will test his works and salvation’.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Once again we remind our readers that the right way to address his passing is to test his doctrine, as we are commanded to do by scripture.
CWC research articles on Reinhard Bonnke’s association with the New Apostolic Reformation and endorsement of false teachers (note: in the first article, the question asked ‘was he really a brother in Christ?’ A reasonable question given his later associations and endorsements):
Reinhard Bonnke: A New Apostolic Reformation Apostle?
This second article addresses Bonnke’s promotion of the kenotic Christ:
Reinhard Bonnke demonstrates how a false baptism leads people to confess a false Christ.
Email all comments and questions to c3churchwatch@hotmail.com
“Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” Galatians 4:16
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