Larry recounts his admiration for Dr. John MacArthur’s preaching during his youth, but expresses concern over MacArthur’s evolving doctrine regarding the efficacy of Christ’s blood. Larry believes MacArthur’s later teachings downplay the significance of Christ’s literal blood in atonement, instead, emphasizing the symbolic nature of blood in the Old Testament sacrificial system. This shift is concerning and shares evidence of MacArthur’s changing views.

Larry criticizes John MacArthur’s views on salvation, particularly his belief that salvation does not involve the blood of Jesus, but only through His death. Larry also highlights MacArthur’s controversial book, “The Gospel According to Jesus,” which introduced the concept of “lordship salvation,” requiring repentance, confession, obedience, and perseverance for salvation. The text mentions several books and figures, including Charles Ryrie, Warren W. Weirsby, Chuck Smith, Zane Hodges, and J. Vernon McGee, who have refuted MacArthur’s teachings.

Larry argues against the “lordship gospel,” emphasizing that salvation is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, not by making Him Lord. Larry recounts a debate with John MacArthur about the efficacy of Christ’s blood, asserting that the blood of Christ, being sinless and divine, is essential for salvation and atonement. Larry cites numerous biblical passages to support the significance of Christ’s blood in the Christian faith.  Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross,His shed blood,death, burial, and resurrection is the basis for salvation, not human effort.