By Pastor Pooyan Mehrshahi, Parsa Trust
Youcef Nadarkhani has been reported in both the secular and Christian media and periodicals to be under a death sentence for his conversion from Islam to evangelical Christianity. He was arrested on 12th October 2009 in the city of Rasht in the northern part of Iran, where he had been the pastor of the underground church there.
He is reported to be the evangelical pastor of “the Church of Iran”. However, what might come as a shock to many evangelical believers is that Pastor Nadarkhani is actually one of the leaders in a growing cult in Iran, which is linked with the Oneness Pentecostalism (Jesus Only) cult, which is non-Trinitarian, believes in baptismal regeneration, and is very closely linked and supported by the United Pentecostal Churches outside of Iran. They — with less than 200 members inside Iran — greatly admire and follow the teachings of an American preacher, William M. Branham, who claimed to be the last of God’s prophets on earth, that the doctrine of the Trinity is from the devil, and only those who are baptised in Jesus’ name are saved.
Evangelical underground churches are being destroyed by non-Trinitarian cults, as the gospel is turned into ‘works salvation’.
For the past number of years, these anti-Trinitarian cult teachers, including Youcef Nadarkhani have been militant in their proselytising and recruiting of individuals, especially in Rasht and Shiraz. Pastor [name withheld for security] (as well as many other of our Christian contacts), who is the evangelical pastor of a truly evangelical church in Rasht, confirmed to us personally that Mr Nadarkhani and his colleagues reject all other protestant churches as not being true churches. Moreover, they teach other classic errors of the Jesus Only cult, including speaking in tongues as the main sign of true salvation. In a recent TV interview by Press TV, Mr Nadarkhani confirmed some of his doctrinal beliefs, which clearly show that he is not an evangelical Christian, even though he speaks about trusting Jesus Christ. He clearly denies the evangelical doctrine of the Trinity.
Christians everywhere have been moved greatly to pray and act as they hear of Mr Nadarkhani who remains in custody, in very difficult and inhumane circumstances, and faces possible execution. We are grieved for him and his family, as no one should be persecuted for their religious beliefs. We trust this article helps to guide our prayers, not only to pray for his release, but mainly for his salvation. Please remember, this cult has caused untold damage to the cause of the gospel in Iran. Many evangelical papers and periodicals seem not to have noticed his grave and damning errors on fundamental doctrines.
Evangelicals are misinformed about the Non-Trinitarian Cult
It is a sad fact that many evangelical Christians do not realise the affect such teachers are having on the true churches in Iran. Many house churches have been devastated (or dissipated) , and a false man-centred gospel has replaced the gospel of the free grace of God in Jesus Christ.
The believers in the West are very much misinformed which is understandable. Some even have argued that as Youcef Nadarkhani has not renounced Christ then he must be a believer! This is very naive to say the least, for there are many people who sincerely follow something that is false and are prepared to die for that cause – history is full of such examples, e.g. believers in Islam, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Nazi’ism, Communism, etc. So the fact that this man talks about a faith in Jesus Christ does not mean anything, since his view of Christ and salvation is always plus human works, and teaching without complete obedience to their church rules there is no salvation!
A warning to underground church of Iran
Praise God, the true church in Iran continues to grow, but the main reason that such cults can easily infiltrate into the underground churches and deceive many is because of the theological weakness of the churches. New evangelicalism and Pentecostal theology is the major factor of the problems, as these groups tend to be Pentecostal in their theology and use similar language and practice the Pentecostal gifts.
Dear Mark, this, as you know, is an example of “Dark Theology” sweeping the landscape of genuine Christian life in every country. It’s one w/ “Emerging Church” and Tony Compolo’s doctrines as well. cf:http://www.wayoflife.org/files/ea774c89d9ae85db323e0073c6039913-141.html
http://www.wayoflife.org/files/ea774c89d9ae85db323e0073c6039913-141.html for more “dark theology”, please. JMM
Dark Theology abounds. Believe NOT every ‘spirit’; many false prophets (such as the named W. B.) have gone out into the world.
Thanks, Mark. Good, honorable, and bold stuff and essential for wholesome life in Christ.
someone who doesn’t share your view is not christian, even though he tries to defend the cause of Christ?
you are flighting the very cause the Lord has called to, if really you have been called to the ministry.
shame on you!
Wrong — “many will come in my name” was the warning of Jesus himself. The church must guard the faith once for all delivered.
Advancing a false, heretical gospel is hardly “defending the cause of Christ.”
Paul, who spoke on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ, declared: “Even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached, let him be accursed!” (Galatians 1:8)
Please read Galatians 6:1-3.
In Christian love,
Israel F 🙂
OMG, this is so disheartening. The growth of the cults just here in the US is overwhelming, but in a closed country is even more tragic. One of the reasons we have discovered is there are so few Bibles, and few strong Christian leaders in these countries who understand doctrines of Christianity.
I’m surprised at you Brother Pooyan! What is the problem with us “Christians”? It is our Godly duty to pray for this gentleman. The fact is, he is standing for Jesus Christ! Period! Who are we to be acting as the holier than thous?! Stop acting like the scribes and pharisees. If Brother Youcef is wrong in his doctrine or understanding, pray that the same Holy Ghost that guided you to your spiritual understanding does the same for him. God bless you all brothers and sisters. May Almighty God give you strength my brother Youcef and thank you for being a wonderful testimony to all of us Christians.
There seems to be some argument about what exactly Pastor Youcef’s church teaches and believes: http://presenttruthmn.com/blog/iran/church-iran-network/. I hope all of us are quick to pray and slow to judge.
I am very surprised by this; I have a relative who follows andm considers a prophet William Branham. I do not agree with some of their teachings, but believe that my relative loves Jesus with all her heart..I agree with the one, Israel Fierro, who wrote that we need to pray that the Holy Spirit will open the eyes of those who are in error and love them. I am sorry to say they often put to shame the evangelical Christians who are so apathetic in their faith.
thanks of GOD we have Muslim knows GOD tnx
Dear Christian friends in Iran.please do not think that what Br.Yousef preaches is a cult and I read many Message Bks of Br.Branham and it’s absolutely Bible Based and not an iota of false.Praise God that our precious Bro who is facing death penalty is standing for The Truth of The Hour.May the Lord God Of Abraham ,Issac and Jacob protect him from all evil as he stands like st.paul of old.God’s true children were always persecuted for the truth and for there beliefs.
I Hope My Evangelical Friends in Iran read the Message of The End Time comparing with the Holy Bible and I wish that Our good Lord will open your eyes to see the truth.
God Bless Br.Yousef and his family and be with them at this time of trial is my sincere prayers.
Br.Joel.
A very interesting article to read.Thanks a lot for posting this.Good Work.Keep it Up.
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