FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR SCRIPTURAL EVIDENCE OF ABEL DAMINA FALSE TEACHINGS
A Biblical and Theological Refutation of Reverend Abel Damina's Teachings
Reverend Abel Damina has garnered attention for exposing prosperity preachers' greed and exploitative tactics within the Charismatic and Word of Faith movements. While his efforts are commendable, his teachings contain several significant theological errors and doctrinal misunderstandings. This essay will address some of his most contentious claims by examining them against biblical references and providing theological disputation.
Claim 1: The Spirit of a Christian is Not Different from the Holy Spirit
Reverend Damina's Position: He argues that a human cannot have two spirits and that the Spirit of a Christian is the same as the Holy Spirit.
Biblical Examination:
Distinct Roles and Persons:
The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, distinct from human spirits. In John 14:16-17, Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as "another Helper," indicating distinction: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him; he dwells with you and will be in you."
1 Corinthians 6:17 says, "But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him." This means a profound unity with Christ through the Spirit but does not imply that the human Spirit ceases to exist as distinct from the Holy Spirit.
Human Spirit vs. Holy Spirit:
Hebrews 4:12 distinguishes between soul and Spirit, indicating that the human Spirit is distinct: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
1 Thessalonians 5:23 states, "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." This verse clearly distinguishes the human Spirit, soul, and body.
Theological Response:
The unity with the Holy Spirit signifies an intimate relationship and indwelling presence rather than a loss of individual identity. Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who transforms and empowers them but remains a distinct divine person within the Trinity.
Claim 2: God Has No Anger
Reverend Damian's Position: He asserts that God has no anger because anger is a work of the flesh.
Biblical Examination:
Biblical Evidence of God's Righteous Anger:
Throughout the Old Testament, God's anger is frequently mentioned. For instance, in Exodus 32:10, God expresses anger towards the Israelites for their idolatry: "Now, therefore, let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you."
In the New Testament, John 3:36 states, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."
Nature of God's Anger:
God's anger is righteous and holy, distinct from human anger, which can be sinful and fleshly. James 1:20 says, "For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God," implying a difference between human and divine anger.
Romans 1:18 highlights God's righteous anger against sin: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth."
Theological Response:
God's anger reflects His justice and holiness. It is not capricious or sinful anger but a response to sin and unrighteousness. God's wrath against sin underscores the need for repentance and the redemptive work of Christ.
Claim 3: Jesus Cannot Be the Lion of Judah
Reverend Damian's Position: He argues that Jesus cannot be called the Lion of Judah because a lion is a destructive animal, and Jesus is the Lamb of God.
Biblical Examination:
Jesus as the Lion of Judah:
Revelation 5:5 identifies Jesus as the Lion of Judah: "And one of the elders said to me, 'Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.'"
Genesis 49:9-10 describes Judah as a lion's cub, pointing to a royal lineage that is fulfilled in Jesus.
Dual Imagery of Jesus:
Jesus is the Lion and the Lamb, emphasizing different aspects of His nature and mission. As the Lamb of God, He is the sacrificial offering for sin (John 1:29). As the Lion of Judah, He is the conquering King who will judge and rule (Revelation 19:11-16).
The imagery of the Lion speaks to His authority, power, and kingship, while the Lamb speaks to His humility, sacrifice, and redemption.
Theological Response:
The dual imagery of Lion and Lamb encapsulates the fullness of Christ's character and mission. It is not a contradiction but a rich, multifaceted portrayal of who Jesus is—both the humble Savior and the victorious King.
Claim 4: God Did Not Send Fire in Response to Elijah's Prayer
Reverend Damian's Position: He claims that God did not answer Elijah's prayer to send fire down because Jesus rebuked His disciples when they urged Him to call down fire.
Biblical Examination:
Elijah's Prayer and God's Response:
1 Kings 18:36-38 recounts Elijah's prayer and God's response: "And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, 'O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your Word. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.' Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water in the trench."
Jesus' Rebuke of the Disciples:
Luke 9:54-56: "And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, 'Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?' But he turned and rebuked them." Jesus rebuked the disciples not because calling down fire is inherently wrong but because their motives were not aligned with His mission of mercy and salvation at that time.
Theological Response:
The context of Elijah's prayer and Jesus' rebuke are different. Elijah's prayer demonstrated God's power to turn Israel back to Him. Jesus' rebuke of His disciples was to correct their misunderstanding of His mission of grace and redemption. Both instances highlight different aspects of God's character and purposes.
Claim 5: Angels Are Ignorant and Learning from Us
Reverend Damian's Position: He claims that angels are ignorant and learning from humans.
Biblical Examination:
Angels' Knowledge:
Angels are portrayed as beings with significant knowledge and wisdom. In Daniel 9:21-22, the angel Gabriel brings insight and understanding: "While I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, 'O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding.'"
1 Peter 1:12 indicates that angels long to look into the mysteries of the gospel, which suggests a keen interest but not ignorance: "It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look."
Role of Angels:
Hebrews 1:14 describes angels as "ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation." This indicates their role is to serve and assist believers, not to learn from them.
Theological Response:
Angels possess great wisdom and knowledge as God's messengers and servants. While they are intrigued by the gospel, they are not ignorant but continue to serve God's purposes with the understanding He grants them.
Claim 6: Abraham was a Dubious Businessman
Reverend Damina's Position: He claims that Abraham was a dubious businessman who tricked someone into sleeping with his wife to extract compensation from him and that there is nothing to learn from Abraham except his faith.
Biblical Examination:
Abraham's Faith and Righteousness:
Genesis 15:6: "And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness." Abraham is commended for his faith, a foundational aspect of his relationship with God.
Hebrews 11:8-12 commends Abraham's faith and obedience, highlighting his role as the Father of faith.
Abraham's Imperfections:
The Bible does not hide Abraham's flaws, such as his deception regarding Sarah (Genesis 12:10-20; Genesis 20). However, these instances do not define his entire character or legacy.
Romans 4:18-21 emphasizes Abraham's unwavering faith in God's promises.
Theological Response:
While Abraham had imperfections, his faith and obedience are central to his biblical legacy. His life demonstrates God's grace and faithfulness, providing valuable lessons beyond just faith, including trust in God's promises and perseverance.
While Reverend Abel Damina's critique of prosperity preachers is commendable, his teachings contain significant theological errors and misunderstandings. By examining his claims against Scripture, it becomes evident that traditional Christian theology provides a more accurate and coherent understanding of these complex issues. As with any teacher, Damina's teachings must be measured against the truth of Scripture, and believers are called to emulate Christ and follow the teachings of the Bible.
-- Steve Gyesaw PhD
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