The Dake’s Bible: Hagin’s and Copeland’s Doctrines
The Dake’s Bible was the foundation of many Kenneth Hagin’s and Kenneth Copeland’s heresies. You cannot call most of his key writings anything less than heresy. He begins his commentary on the New Testament by declaring with an unequivocal statement that Jesus Christ was not the Anointed Son of God until He was baptized by John the Baptist at 30 years of age. His full statement direct from his commentary will be stated below but to set the record as we begin, he stated, “who became the Christ or the “Anointed one” 30 years after he was born of Mary.” That statement leaves no room for doubting what Dake means and it is false and damning to the soul. Jesus Christ said of Himself “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 1:8) He was conceived of the Holy Ghost and born of a virgin. There was no sin nature in Him. John stated, And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us….”(John 1:14a)At twelve years of age he confounded the Learned at the Temple in Jerusalem by allowing the Words of His Divine nature to flow out of Him.
Add to the above fallacy his Mormon idea of the Heavenly Father and his declaration that the Ten Commandments were completely “Abolished” and you have “Modern Christianity” that is totally bankrupt. No wonder a multitude of Pentecostals have lost their way. The Dake’s Bible penetrated the Pentecostal churches 40 – 50 years ago. Benny Hinn declared from his former pulpit in Florida that there were nine (9) persons in the Divine Trinity. When he was corrected for his mis-statement he sighted the Dake’s Bible as his source. Imagine a man so known by the church world saying that there were three persons in the Father, three in the Son and three in the Holy Ghost. You will see this source in Dake’s Commentary futher down in this article.
No biblical solid minister or Bible student would accept this quote from Dake’s Bible. It is rank heresy and must be totally rejected or our view of Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God is compromised. To suggest that Jesus became the Christ or the “Anointed One” thirty years after His birth is to commit heresy. This is an ancient heresy that is called “adoptionism.” Kenneth Scott Latourette stated in his book, History of Christianity, Volume I, the following: “Others, called the Ebionites, maintained that Jesus was merely a man, a prophet, a spokesman for God, as were the great Hebrew prophets of the past. Although some of them accepted the virgin birth of Jesus, others are said to have taught that Jesus was the son of Joseph and Mary, that at His baptism Christ descended upon him in the form of a dove, that he then proclaimed the unknown Father, but that Christ who could not suffer, departed from him at his crucifixion.” (Latourette, page 121-122, Harper Collins).
That’s where the Haginites or Copelanites get the doctrine that Jesus Christ had to go to hell and be born again. In their teaching He became the Christ, or the anointed at baptism but then had to lay it aside at the cross and pick it up at His resurrection. We have Paul Crouch saying on Camera that Jesus Christ’s Divine nature returned when He arose. Here is Dake’s full quote that sets the order of this deception, “Gr. Christos, ‘Anointed.’ – Used in N.T. 577 times. Like the name “Jesus” it has no reference to deity, but to the humanity of the Son of God, who became the Christ or the “Anointed One” 30 years after He was born of Mary. God “made” Him both Lord and Christ. The Heb. Is ‘Messiah’.” (Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible, Finis Jennings Dake, Lawrenceville, Georgia, New Testament, p. 1.)
I have tapes in my library with Crouch and Copeland on a TBN broadcast stating that Jesus never claimed to be God. Those quotes sound almost like a word for word expression right out of the Dake’s Bible. These men and women, from Dake to many key leader of the Charismatic world, talk about Jesus out of both sides of their mouths. One moment they seem to exalt Him properly, but then they say these careless things that are utterly confusing. This gives a perfect fulfillment of Jesus’ very words in St. Matthew. Read these words of the Lord Himself. “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” (Matthew 24:5).
Dake And Mormonism! There is an abundance of confusion in Dake’s Bible and his other writings. None can be worse than the quote we started with this Salty Saints, but other departures from truth certainly paint a picture of utter confusion. His teachings on God, the Father that are found in his notes on the book of St. John are extremely revealing. Read these words carefully. “He is a person with a personal spirit body, a personal soul, and a personal spirit, like that of angels, and like that of man except His body is out of spirit substance instead of flesh and bones. He has a personal spirit body; shape; form; image and likeness of a man. He has bodily parts such as, back parts, heart, hands and fingers, mouth, lips and tongue, feet, eyes, ears, hair, head, face, arms, loins, and other bodily parts. He has bodily presence and goes from place to place in a body like all other persons. “He has a voice; breath; and countenance. He wears clothes; eats; rests; dwells in a mansion and in a city located on a material planet called Heaven; sits on a throne; walks; rides; engages in other activities. (ibid.,P.96-97)
Dake Limits God’s Eternal Omnipotence and Omnipresence! Here is an unbelievable commentary that is given within the story of Abraham and his visit by the pre-incarnate Christ. He suggests that God did not know what was happening in Sodom and Gomorrah and came to find out. Dake’s stated, “Here we have another proof that God receives knowledge of true conditions and becomes acquainted with existing facts. This plainly teaches that God, as well as men and angels, is limited to one place as far as the body is concerned. The doctrine of omnipresence of God can be proved, but not His omnibody. In His body He goes from place to place like other persons. Abraham stood yet before the bodily presence of God, but not before the bodily presence of the 2 angels because they went to Sodom and were no longer bodily present.” (ibid., Old Testament, p. 15.)
The False Concept of “Little Gods”! Dake not only was confused about the omnipotence of God, but he also taught that man was a miniature of God. In conjunction with Dake’s commentary on the Book of Job, he wrote about the idea called anthropomorphism. Under that heading, he said some strange things. Anthropomorphism is the ascription of human bodily parts, attributes, and passions to God, and taking the substantiating statements of Scripture to be literal, and not figurative. In support of such teaching an appropriate question is: If God did not mean all He said about Himself in over 20,000 scriptures then why did He say such things? They certainly do not add to a true understanding of Him if the passages do not mean what they say. Furthermore, why would God, in hundreds of places, refer to Himself as having bodily parts, soul passions, and spirit faculties if He does not have them? Would it be necessary for Him to tell us He has such in order to reveal that He does not have them? Would He not be more likely to say in plain language that He does not have eyes, hands, mouth, ears, and other bodily members?” (ibid.,, Old Testament, p. 547.)
Dake Carries the Idea of Christ Emptying Himself to a Dangerous Extreme! The Son of God did indeed empty Himself to become the Son of man. What is extremely important is that this emptying was not a forsaking of His eternal essence, but an emptying of manifesting that essence. He was never void of His divine essence, but He did limit Himself not to express them while depending wholly on His Father and the Holy Spirit. Dake either did not understand the above or he willingly rejected it. Here are some of his statements on the subject: “Christ emptied Himself of His authority in heaven and in earth, which was given back to Him after the resurrection.” “Christ emptied Himself of His divine attributes and outward powers that He had with the Father from eternity. He had no power to do miracles until He received the Holy Spirit in all fullness. He could do nothing of Himself in all His earthly life. He attributed all His works, doctrines, powers, etc. to the Father through the anointing of the Holy Spirit.” “Isaiah speaks of the Messiah being born without knowledge enough to know to refuse the evil and choose the good.” “Isaiah predicted that the Messiah would be born without the tongue of the learned, without knowing how to speak a word in season to help any soul, and that He would be wakened day by day to increase in knowledge and wisdom.” “He did not claim the attributes of God, but only the anointing of the Spirit to do His works.” (Ibid.,NT.P, 218)
All of this false teaching is dangerous in a local church or among one congregation but when it is expending into a widely read Bible Commentary it become Spiritual suicide. I just discovered his plain teaching that the Ten Commandments were “Abolished”. This added to all the above leaves the people under this dark influence hopelessly lost. The Apostle John said, “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (I John 2:4) There were no Commandments separate between the Old Testament and the New. Jesus clarified this in His great statement in the Olivet Discourse. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil (Complete).” (Matthew 5:17) Here is the dismissal of Christ plain truth by the Dake”s Bible. “The 10 commandments in particular were abolished alone with the whole law of Moses.”(ibid., p, 193)
Conclusion! Finis Dake’s Bible is without question filled with questionable commentaries. It is not the reading material for young, immature Christians or undiscerning ministers. It has just enough truth to make his error seem plausible and convincing. He surely has convinced a host of modern day Pentecostals and Charismatics. No one would suggest that he is singularly responsible for the theological mess that floods these churches, but neither should he be excused for his part. Often when a figure such as Dake is dead, his teaching becomes even more powerful and accepted. Godly men and women must return to the simple Word of God and quit depending on popular figures to do their interpreting of truth. The Bible will interpret itself if you will: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15).
Ed King
thank you for your insight in this an the courage to publish it. May YHVH strengthen you and keep you.
BRIAN WADE BELFAST
EXCELLENT ARTICLE , WE NEED THE TRUE CHURCH TO BE READY TO DEFEND THE TRUTH OF HOLY SCRIPTURE
Travis
The Dakes Bible and all other modern Bibles are nothing but the devils joke. Sticks some truth in them and mixes heresy with it, just shows you how subtle Satan really is. Let God be true and every man a liar. Great Article brother!
Sammy Oxendine
Brother Chambers,
Although I don’t always agree with you, I must say that you are pretty much “on” with this. As a child in Tennessee my pastor was CF McAfee. His wife was the sister of Finis J. Dake. Brother Dake came to our church on occasion and was a dynamic speaker; however, after seeing much of his writings later, I realized that he was misleading in many of his statements. He knew the Bible and could quote it in its entirety; yet, his interpretation was not always accurate.
God Bless you,
Sammy Oxendine
Brother Jim Sowers
Dear Brother,
I believe the doctrines or teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I look at any man written doctrine as incomplete and without wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Why do we have a need in our society to feel the Lord needs our help improving on what He has done. I have read the Dake study Bible, Holman study Bible King James study Bible from Tyndale and have found certain sections in each one that I was not comfortable with, I believe it was the Holy Spirit that made it so. Through Him I receive guidance, because He is the who the good Lord saw fit to give me for teaching and guidance. I choose to concern myself with the great commission and not the doctrine of any man. May the Holy Spirit continue to be the springing well within you, Brother Jim
Jennifer Irvine
Thank you Pastor Chambers. These are some of the men spoken of in Jude, creeping in “unawares.”
So much of the professing “church” has gone running after these apostates.
God bless you,
(Mrs.) J. Irvine,
South Australia.
Ed Wood
Pastor Joseph, thanks for the “heads-up” on yet more false doctrine. I had never heard of the “Dake Bible” so this was welcome information – and warning – for me.
Satan always slips in a bit of the truth to get people hooked, then reels them in with a lie. Remember, he told Adam and Eve that if they ate from the tree of knowledge that they wouldn’t die (Genesis 3:4) but would become “as God,” knowing the difference between good and evil. (Note: KJV renders this “as gods” in Genesis 3:5 but “as God” is better. The confusion is due to the original Hebrew word “Elohim,” which is plural. When referring to pagan gods, etc, it is translated in the plural form. But when referring to God, it is best translated as singular. Source: Strong’s Concordance.)
Adam and Eve did become aware of good and evil, which was true. But the “big lie” was that they wouldn’t die. Not only would they die but all their descendants and every living thing on earth would as well over the course of time.
When hearing or reading any opinion or commentary about God, the Bible, or doctrine, my advice is not to be impressed by anyone’s religious pedigee, amount of degrees they my have, or their popularity, but to always be a “Berean.” (Acts 17:10-11)
Lynwood
he was GOD from birth as Mary was impregnated by the Holy Spirit and as a growing Jewish boy of
12 he was bar mitsvah at that time and was about his fathers business.
and yes he entered the priesthood (COHAN) at thirty which in Judism is the age to be a COHAN
sin is passed from the father and who was Jesus father====no one but God the father
jaimie
Dear Pastor,
Proves that one’s own memory can play tricks on them, the Holy Spirit would have brought the correct remembrance to Mr. Dake, rather than an illusion.
Your article has served the Berean call precisely.
God Bless
jaimie
Dr. Donn Parker
My Dear Pastor Chambers…..Another amazing report. No one else seems to call it as it is.
Heresy against God will be rewarded when the book is opened and these people are not there.
The saddest part is that thousands lister to these people and believe them. It wil be over
soon when the trumpet blows and we rise to be with Jesus. That will be a very magnificent
day. May God bless you for your marvelous work. I look forward to each essay. Learning is
easier with your help.
Mark Steiner
Dake also wrote about the “Gap Theory”, stating there was a major judgment between Genesis 1:1 and 2. Not only didn’t htis happen (can’t be proven in Scripture) but he also promotes progressive creation to agree with the geologic time scale. In short, it denies the Biblical account of Creation.
Copeland is a high-level (32nd or 33rd-degree) Mason – that should speak volumes about his involvement in heretical tactics. No surprise.
Sean
For a heretic to shake his finger at other heretics is a little disingenous, don’t you think, Brother Joseph?
Of course, it’s been true ever since Luther gave everyone permission to deny the teaching of the New Testament which forbids private interpretation: “Know this first of all, that there is no prophecy of scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation … [speaking of St Paul’s epistles] In them there are some things hard to understand that the ignorant and unstable distort to their own destruction, just as they do the other scriptures” (2Peter 1:20; 3:16).
Joseph, to be without an “umpire” is to sail in a rudderless boat.
Now, you can claim the Holy Spirit guides you all you want. Hagee can do the same. Yet Luther and Calvin both claimed being led by the Spirit and disagreed about important doctrines. They both can’t be right or else the word “truth” becomes subject to the same kind of relativism embraced by Arius, Nestorius, Apollonarus, Cerinthus and every other heretic in history. Each of them claimed to be right and claimed that the Church established by Jesus, against which the gates of hell can never prevail (Matthew 16:18).
Joseph, enlightenment by the Holy Spirit regarding Christian teachings was NOT promised by Jesus to each individual Christian. It was promised to His Church so that there wd be ONE authority representing Jesus, not 29,000 sects, or millions upon millions of misled Christians who read what they wish into Scripture, as St Peter says, “to their own destruction.”
Now, I challenge you to post this message IN FULL, Joseph, not in the often “edited” versions that delete my thesis and conclusion. And I challenge you to tell me how wrong I am – using the plain words of Scripture alone without your interpretation, as I have done.
You may post parts of this message, Joseph, and wring your hands over “poor deluded brother Sean” or you may choose to not post it at all.
Either way, Josephy, both of us will know how short of the mark you have fallen. Because if you can deny Scripture with Scripture, then Scripture must be divided against itself. And that is impossible since all Scripture is inspired by the God who never deceives nor be deceived.
Clayton Cooper
Bro. Chambers,
Thank you for this article. It is very timely, as I have been dealing with a fellow minister about these very issues! You have expanded on what I already knew. As a former bible bookstore manager, I’ve had to deal with many doctrinal issues, regarding different bible publishers. The Holman Study Bible & The Dake’s Annotated are two of the worst I’ve ever seen! To clear the head & heart of garbage; using scripture to scripture references ONLY, is the ONLY way to go! God’s Word is commentary enough, if you are honest before God & filled with His Spirit. The TRUTH needs no garnishing.
God’s best to you,
Clayton Cooper
Robert
I think Hagan and Copeland have missed the boat,
Many others have missed it to, Hang on to I am the way the truth and the life, Mo one comes to the father except through me,
RobiMac
This is a great article. Looks like Copeland has been part of the new emergent church all along. I never did like him, his eyes always gave me the creeps. There is much to be wary of in the church world today. It seems all churches have lost their minds and ultimately their souls. Keep in mind, the new King James Bible that has the 67th book written by a man who claims to be a prophet for the gay community. His name is Flemming. His writings insist that G-d is perfectly fine with homosexuality. In fact, their are verses in it that state G-d will reward them in accordance with how bad their perversions are.
I’d say it’s just about time to go Home!
Rev.Anil Jasper
Dear Pastor Joseph,
Thanks for this very informative article about evidences of heresies in Kenneth Hagin and Copelands teachings. The Victims are increasing day by day in Pakistan. Many Christian Pastor’s following world’s most successful men and taking them as their Model. People follow these persons because they wear expensive dress while preaching in their Centers. And large crowd and audience hear these worldly preachers. Few days back one of my relative was sharing Videos with me about Kenneth and Copeland. He was inspired by their teachings. But at last he felt really tired. Because it is very hard to convince a person who is Servant of Christ and student of Holy Bible. I strongly appreciate what you have written in the favor and benefit of people having simple hearts.
The Satan is moving here and there to deceive many. The End is Near!
Jesus is coming Soon!
May God Bless your all godly efforts in these last days.
In Jesus Name,
Rev.Anil Jasper
kenny bowers
I write this letter to warn those who follow Joe chambers ministry. His ministry, if you will notice is nothing more than trying to expose other ministries and ministers, which is not the gospel, the gospel is about reaching the lost and discipiling them to continue the ministry that Jesus started, healing all manner of sickneses and diseases, casting out devils, raise the dead, freely we have recieved, freely we give.(math.28: 19,20. Mark16:15-18). Please bear with me and let me expose some things about this ministry. I have seen over the years the lives that have been harmed or destroyed by the teachings of this ministry. Joseph chambers was warned by his associate pastor of a vision God gave him while in prayer of demon powers coming in to pawcreeks sanctuary and he simply laughed it off. Later, Joe chambers accused this same preacher of being under demonic control and that all the healings and miracles that God wrought threw him were done threw demonic spirits, Joe chambers then sent out hundreds of tapes and letters saying so, trying to destroy this man’s ministry. He was accusing his former associate pastor of the same thing the pharisees accused Jesus of, casting out devils by the power of the devil. I believe Joe chambers blastphemed the Holy Ghost at that time, and ever since then, his church has been going down hill spiritually. Half his church just left, they had a big split and his own son and daughters family left because Joe chambers was against reaching out to widows, he told his own family that if they continue to reach out to widows threw this ministry called ROSES, he would fire them from there church positions, thank God they had enough spiritually discernment to leave. My wife was first exposed to pornography while working in his office. I could go on, my prayer has been for God to shut down pawcreek, build a gas station in its place to serve the public better. When a ministry does more harm than good, it needs to be shut down. Always know those who labour among you, they may look or act like a sheep, but inwardly, they are ravening wolves.
Jim D
Dear Pastor Chambers,
An excellent describtion of this very pervasive and very false doctrine. You have provided the background and the evolution of the “Word of Faith” movement. The reason so many believe they can “SPEAK” and their declaration will bring about the result claimed is that they falsely believe they are “Little gods.” I will keep this article so I can use it to counter the many with whom I come in contact that advocate this heresy. Thanks again for your effort and ability to keep the truth in vogue.
John Dunn
Note to Sean:
So, after so elegant a forray into your philosophy, what is your point? Only to berate someone? You have destroyed your argument with your own quote—whereto—“no prophecy of Scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation”. You have given only your opinion. Rev. Chambers has given interpretation by Scripture. This is what the above quote means. Interpret by Scriptural enlightment and explaination or as we put it in everyday venacular, “Let the Scriptures interpret Scripture.” I suggest that you fill your mind with the Word of God and forget all the junk you have been reading. JD
locnguyen
Mr. Sean ‘s assertion of Pastor Chambers’ heretical status is on a par with his affirmation
That JESUS’PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT’S GUIDANCE In CHRISTian Teachings was made To The Church
As A Collective Body and “NOT” to the individual believer.
Well, Philippians ii:1-5-11 seems to address the individual believer(assuming he is CHRISTian) regarding a CHRIST-Like mind he must be of.
I Corinthians iii:16-17 and vi:19 speak of the individual believer(under same reservation as above) as indwelt BY THE HOLY SPIRIT TO THE POINT That his body is a Temple OF THE SAME SPIRIT.
All This sounds very much like individuality Of GUIDANCE BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.
And if It is not regarding CHRISTian Teachings for the believer, then must we see a
dichotomy between the individual believer and The Church AS FAR AS THE HOLY SPIRIT IS CONCERNED ?
At the latest news, The Church Is Still Considered to be a Gathering OF HOLY-SPIRIT-Indwelt believers.
She(The Church) is certainly “NOT” of the Hindu “Universal Mind” or of Pr. Carl Jung’s
“Collective Unconscious”.
We are certainly eager to learn, from you Mr.Sean, a point-by-point refutation of Pastor
Chambers’ heresies, and of your own offered antidote. In the LIGHT OF GOD’S WORD, of course.
——————————————————————————————–
By the way Mr. Sean, is your message posted “IN FULL”, complete to the “wd” ?
Mark Leslie
Thanks for the article. Right after I was saved, over 20 years ago, I had a friend I studied the Bible with. We would talk about subjects and find every verse we could to prove or disprove them, no opinions but only bible facts. We came across a book by Dake and a copy of his study bible. It didn’t take a week to see that he was wrong about many of his doctrines. It is a shame that Christians do not study the Word of God for themselves. If they did they could see through most of the big name preachers of today. Thanks again
Jim
I have a Dake Bible and also have been shocked at time as well as inspired. He also believes in “Lucifer’s flood”. Could you perhaps give an alternative for persons seeking depth in commentaries?
Thanks.
Brother Jim,
I have found the Biblical Illutrator by Joseph Excell the best available. He was a good Fundamentalist Believer. Almost nothing new is written by people that believe the Bible is Infallible.
Joseph
locnguyen
Re : Mr. Sean’ s contention that THE HOLY SPIRIT’ S GUIDANCE In CHRISTian TEACHINGS IS “NOT”
for the individual CHRISTian, but For The Church Only.
So The Church Is The Monopolist in GOD’ S WORD INTERPRETATION Since She Is Guided BY THE
HOLY SPIRIT.
But Who Is The Church ? The Gathering of HOLY-SPIRIT-Indwelt Believers ? Correct !
But Who Speaks For The Church ? The Priesthood, With The Monopoly on GOD’ S WORD
INTERPRETATION ?
Mr. Sean’s opinions on the leaders of The Reformation seem to confirm his tacit Thesis.
If so, then we are back to Square One on the eve of The Reformation. When GOD’ S WORD WAS
GAOLED By The Priesthood, and what the Believers were allowed to know Of The Bible was the
spiritual pittance, selectively dished out by the servants Of The Self-Proclaimed Infallible
“Holy Father”.
We are impatient to be apprised of your interpretation Of THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, Mr. Sean.
Sandra
I too do not always agree with the extreme pentacostle teachings, but this is important!! Jesus was God in the beginning and will be thru eternity. He was God in flesh when he was born in a manger. It is sometimes hard for my human mind to wrap around the concept of the Trinity (means three, not 9 Benny boy). How can Jesus be God’s son, yet God too?! But I finally concluded that there are things that I believe and accept here on earth as a mortal, that I will only fully comprehend and understand once in HEaven. Also, I like the part about how the fake bible was teaching that Jesus had to go to Hell in order to save us. That is another false Catholic teaching and I don’t know where it came from. If you read the scripture, JEsus states to the Thief on the cross after the thief accepts him, that he will be with his father in paradise that night. If Jesus is God, then he would also be in paradise that night. Which is also an example of how we immediately enter God’s presence when we die. God Bless you all and may someone reading this today find eternal life thru Salvation – belief and acceptance of JEsus as their Lord and Savior.
Donna Byrd
To Sean:
Isn’t your post kind of like the pot calling the kettle black. As I noticed you are not using the KJV. The new versions are all mans interpretations of scripture as clearly stated in the preface. Of course you disagree with Pastor Chambers. The NIV, NKJV, NASB, etc… disagree with the KJV. “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips: but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15: 8-9 Futhermore Calvin and Luther disagree, Calvin was a Catholic, and Luther was anti-semitic. Read the book “New Age Versions” it will clearly explain all.
Excellent Article!
Barry
Jesus said narrow is the way to life and only a few find it,broad is the way to destruction and many find it.I saw Benny Hinn on tv the other evenng promoting the dake Bible,I just shake my head when I think of the multitude of beleivers buying into this stuff.