(8) The Two Natures of the Believer

We believe that every saved person possesses two natures, with provision made for victory of the new nature over the old nature through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit; and, that all claims to the eradication of the old nature in this life are unscriptural (Rom. 6:13; 8:12,13; Gal. 5:16-25; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:10; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 3:5-9).  [taken from the IFCA Doctrinal Statement, Section 8]

Dr. MacArthur has made it very clear in his published writings and public tapes that the believer in Christ does not possess two natures, but only one new nature in Christ. This is clearly contrary to IFCA doctrinal statement which says that the believer possesses two natures, the old and the new.

John MacArthur is responsible for what he writes and publishes and for what he puts on tapes which are distributed nationally and internationally. As long as Dr. MacArthur publishes statements that are contrary to IFCA doctrine, this will cause great confusion and controversy, especially since he is an IFCA member. The IFCA must never allow men to hold membership if they do not heartily agree and heartily hold to the IFCA doctrinal statement as it is written.

If John MacArthur continues to insist that the believer has but one nature and if he continues to hold firmly to this position, then he should not renew his membership in the IFCA, because the IFCA is a Fellowship of Churches whose doctrinal statement includes the two natures of the believer as one its cherished beliefs. If the IFCA leaders feel that John MacArthur's one nature position is correct, then the IFCA doctrinal statement should be amended.   I, for one, would be strongly opposed to such an amendment.  [Note:  This last sentence was written when I was still a member of the IFCA]

John MacArthur's One Nature Position - Index