Good for you. I’ve met 2 ACBC counselors and both were staunch calvinists. I asked one of them “so do you just tell people that come to you that whatever happened to them happened because it was Gods will”. He said “of course not”. I asked him if he didn’t believe it, and he assured me he did. So I pressed him why he wouldn’t just tell the counselee the truth that whatever happened or the things they were going through happened because God decreed it. He said “it wouldn’t be helpful”. He saw where it was going and tried to claim “I’m not lying to them”. I told him that if he refused to share with someone the root cause of their trouble, he was most certainly being dishonest/unethical.
We do not even _have_ access to the grace of God's salvation UNTIL we believe in Jesus [see Romans 5:1-2] it's the most pointless "counseling" certification on earth.. the damned won't be helped no matter how skilled you are and the elect will eventually be helped no matter how incompetent you are. Calvinism is a snare built on the blindness of pride feigning to be humility.
I agree🎯, Rom 5:1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." We access God's grace through exercising our faith. It's very simple. However, he Calvinist dismisses that plain reading of scripture to 'fit' their default presupposition that all men are born "without faith" and unable to believe. This sets up the claim that God must 'give' men a 'gift of faith'. They defend this by misinterpreting Eph:2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (it is salvation which is the gift... NOT faith in that context). Supposedly, God only does gives a small percentage of men this faith. Which they say is evidenced by the corresponding few who actually believe. All this is based on their view of Augustinian, 'inherent' Total Depravity. The entire system is built upon that false premise. They just keep massaging everything to "fit" their Doctrine. Ultimately, they end up with Evanescent Grace to explain those who abandon their previous confession. The original confession was by definition God's effectual decree... so too, their subsequent denial of it.... also God's decree. So, God effectually causes all acts of faith, and some are only getting the 'fleeting' kind and will 'burn' more brightly in eternity for having experienced it at all. ... and this is supposed to bring God more Glory and pleasure. A Calvinist who understands their doctrine can no more trust the faith they think they have than the God they claim gave it to them. It's purpose is to undermine a believers confidence they are truly loved by God, personally.
Why don’t Christians just get mainstream qualifications for counselling? It would pull them out of their echo chamber and have a research evidence base behind it. It would also give the person skills that translate outside of church and give opportunities if the church environment is toxic.
THANK YOU. I recognize that this was a difficult decision, but I'm so glad to hear this from you. I started the training for biblical counseling last year and got most of the way through phase 1, but I just couldn't continue in good conscience because all the resources were so thoroughly Calvinistic and no other resources were allowed in studying the theological topics. I knew I would not be able to complete the test questions in a way that they would accept without purposely being vague at best, knowing I was trying to sound like I agreed with them when I didn't, and that just didn't sit right with me. I think much of the training is valuable, and I learned a lot that has impacted my own life and the lives of others in beautiful ways, but I had to sift through SO MUCH wrong interpretation & wrong application of Scripture. The margins of the books I had to read are now full of notes on why many of their claims aren't biblical. And as with so much in Calvinism, there was a deep cognitive dissonance ('God ordained my sin; God rescued me from my sin,' etc), as well as (as you pointed out) the re-definition of words like "sovereign." I don't know of any training opportunities that aren't expressly Calvinist, so I'm really looking forward to what you offer! As for the standards of doctrine, the "creating the gift of faith in their hearts" (under "The Doctrine of Divine Grace") and "the God-given gifts of repentance and faith" (under "The Doctrine of Regeneration") also stand out to me as things I could not agree with. God has *enabled* everyone to repent and put their faith in Him, and as you mentioned He does *draw* everyone to Himself, but He does not *create* that faith in our hearts, nor does He *give* us repentance and faith. What He has given us is the *ability to respond to Him* and the *responsibility to choose* repentance and faith.
You might remember I commented maybe a year ago about changing my certification from ACBC to IABC because they changed their doctrinal statement toward a more Calvinistic stance. I'm glad you are doing that too. Because Calvinists have idiosyncratic definitions of words like sovereignty, I disagree with you that non-Calvinists cannot with integrity sign the ACBC doctrinal statement. I can sign it if I interpret it using non-Calvinistic (normal) definitions of words. But I won't sign it due to the obvious direction they are steering the ship. Rick Elzinga
Good to hear your perspective! I am a pastoral counseling student and was considering ACBC training. Hopefully they make these slight changes. Do you know if there are other Biblical counseling groups that we could consider instead?
Anyone that argues in their mind about the prospect of being an Elect or not, and then proceeds to live according to the flesh because there is no accountability, is lost. These scenarios always exclude the authority of the church, to hold a members accountable. And I believe that's the big problem most Christians today live their lives apart for their local assembly or the local assembly does not practice church discipline, also they aren't serving anyone, they're just spending too much time in their own heads.
Thank you. I appreciate your boldness and character to stand up for what you believe. I once puzzled a pastor who wondered why I would attend the church but not become a member. To be a member, we had to sign a list of “fundamental truths” they put out. My loyalty is to scripture and what the Holy Spirit teaches. I won’t restrict that with a human’s list of what they declare.
I'm so thankful and proud of you for this. Praying real change will come to the church through the truth of the gospel. Salvation is offered to everyone ... you can know the truth and it will set you free.
I have heard so many testimonies of serious harm with this type of approached, including my own experienced. The nouethic denied hormone and mental issues… I grief everytime I hear another person suffering for years for not even consider another approached and just guilt. Of course in any area we do go with discernment to make the best choice for one unique circunstancies … Maybe this is a different approach I hope. ❤
So well presented!! It is as we have no part in our salvation…we do have free will and we can choose to do evil or to do good!! I sat under a teacher that would preach that nothing we do or don’t do is the be all and end all!
Appreciate your integrity here. It would be easy to simply sign and stay quiet. I am thankful you are choosing to be open and honest where you stand. Though I affirm their Calvinistic convictions, and see no need for them to change them, I see how disheartening it is to have to part ways. I’m a hospital chaplain. Got the MDiv, 4,000 hours of clinics work, 4 credit units of CPE, and went before boards. Putting in years of study to then part ways is a scary thought. Pray the Lord blesses your ministry as you seek to be faithful. Love the few videos I’ve watched thus far! SDG!
Yep, ACBC encourages the counselor to encourage the counselee to do what they might not have been “elected” to do. Been there, and almost did that (went down the counselor road myself). Good move, brother. I praise God’s Spirit for His work in you…
I truly appreciate your intellectual honesty and grace in handling some issues that are hot topics. Your work has been an encouragement and example to me. Thank you!
May God bless & prosper you Jason. So good seeing a Christian not compromise their beliefs. Calvinism is a wicked misuse of scripture & it does so much damage to families & the church
Blessings Jason - You're doing the right thing within the conscience (Holy Spirit) that God has given you. I have seen the Lord work in my life and redirect me to new things I couldn't have ever thought of. I'm not talking money, I'm talking ministry through my work ethics (that He gave me) to be a better Witness of Him on this earth during the time He has given me. People and associations we encounter never seem to fail us in disappointment. But that is just another reminder to wholly and fully trust the Lord for EVERY direction in the life He has given us. I will keep you and your family in prayer - No Worries
Can you ask them and see if they have any exception to this. I hate this types of mandates. They remind me of vaccine mask lockdown mandates where you cannot question the leaders or you are excluded from buying scaling traveling school church.
I’ve appreciated watching your journey over the past year-18 months. Your decision is the right thing and your growth has been remarkable. I know you didn’t take this lightly!
I appreciate your honesty and the care in explaining your thoughts and position. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and courage, which comes from a love for the truth.
My understanding is that “Biblical Counseling” was started by a Calvinist, and therefore, the group does want “right” (to them) doctrine to be held by their counselors. We have a nearby So Bapt college and seminary with a Biblical Counseling degree program, and they specifically would not tell hurting counselees what they need to hear more than anything else, that Jesus died for them. It’s tragic. I know it’s hard to turn from a hard-earned, heart’s desire you had. The good news is that *now* you can offer real hope to hurting people.
thank God for you leaving. i had tremendous damage done to my life from “certified biblical counselors” who knew nothing about narcissism, personality disorders and other significant psychiatric disorders which i was subjected to from my ex. the Bible doesn’t qualify anyone for open heart surgery and the complexity of the mind and what can go wrong and why is no different. add calvinism to the mix and it’s a recipe for the most invalidating experience of your life.
Same here. I got far better advice from red pill content than from biblical counseling because extreme behaviors are outside of their counseling paradigm.
@ hate to hear that for you. 100% the same here. add to that, the court system is rigged against men and incentivize women to lie against, abuse and mistreat men. the “justice system” was of no help to me though i had all the evidence needed in the diaries she accidentally left behind when she left me. i 100% advocate for prenups now if anyone wants to risk getting married at all. guess who refused to meet with me and hear my side to this day? her calvinist church, because “i wasn’t a member”. even though they’d counseled us for more than two years. i advocated for professional help since she had seven mental health diagnoses- two of which she admitted made her homicidal - and was shut down by the “plurality of elders.” aka plurality of yes men. when the church fears the study of psychology, as hers did in my case, and refuses to accept mental health diagnoses as more than “sin nature” - as if it’s a mere choice - they will rightly get left behind by the culture. people will listen to red pill and secular content instead. and the church will leave a wake of devastation and pain in the process. the church should be leading the way in psychology, as science itself began with Christianity. science will always point to the Creator. but sadly, for many, that is not the case.
A guy said something last week that really got me. He said, If Calvinism is true, then a person COULD stand before the throne of God and say "I DO HAVE AN EXCUSE" as to why I don't believe in you. I was not predestined to believe in you is my excuse. I thought, wow, he would be right. So I backed off of Calvinism a lot. I still think salvation wasn't my idea, but God somehow does give the opportunity for anyone to be saved who hears the gospel. Now what about the billions who never did hear it? I just don't know about that yet. Do you?
It said Abraham believed God and was accounted into his righteousness several times in the scriptures. I believe in a book of Romans it talks about Abraham believed God and His accountant in righteousness and a few verses down it talks about if it was actually a work then it wouldn't be Grace I think it's in chapter 3 Guys
I’d been wondering about this, and if you would feel compelled to leave them. I truly appreciate ACBC, but I know that their certification and training involves a lot of reformed theology.
I was raised in Arminian Theology and have a B.A. in Religion from a university from this perspective. I have a masters degree in social work and have been licensed in my state as an independent social worker for some 35 years and have been practicing as a counselor that long. I’ve studied Calvinism theology for a few years and honestly think a case can be made for both theological perspectives from the Bible. I talk to an ACBC counselor weekly, and he understands my position. John McArthur has a wonderful sermon on this very topic of both theological perspectives are supported. We see through a glass darkly. I honestly think some of you interpretations of Calvinist theology is not quite accurate from my study of Calvinism. I see a significant number of comments regarding their theology in the comments which are not truly Calvinist perspectives based on my study of R.C. Sproul, John McArthur and others. I don’t have all the answers, much more learned biblical scholars see both theologies in the Bible. We see through a glass darkly and we will know perfectly one day.
Q: Jason. If you had Scripture that supported these points that you disagree with, would you still cancel your certification? Also, I believe that if you disagree with those points you should cancel your certification. By the way, aren't there other Counseling organizations you can be a member of?
@@jazzmankey there are no scriptures that support in context this part of their statement of belief. It’s an eisegetical approach to the passages. The point of this video was to explain that I do disagree with their statement of belief (in part) and that I am canceling my certification. Yes, there are other counseling organizations. But my goal is not certification, but to help those in need Biblically.
@ [Jhn 10:15 NKJV] "As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR THE SHEEP. [Jhn 10:26 NKJV] "But you do not believe, because YOU ARE NOT OF MY SHEEP, as I said to you. [Heb 9:12, 15 NKJV] Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, (all time) having obtained eternal redemption. ... 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that THOSE WHO ARE CALLED may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. [Rom 8:29-30 NKJV] 29 For whom He foreknew, He also PREDESTINED [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also CALLED; whom He CALLED, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
I am not familiar with this particular association. Will you be able to transfer your time and previous credentials to another organization? I know this works with college hours, but not all hours will transfer from one institution to another. But I’m not sure how this would work with an accrediting Body like this. It is a little different than what I am accustomed to in the medical world. Sorry you’re having to go through this. Calvinists really mess things up.
Jason, my friend, It would not shock me to learn that your points of contention could be excepted. They could be allowed in a case-by-case basis for those of a non Calvinistic systematic. The answer is no unless you ask. It couldn't hurt. IF they're Christian brothers, they should be willing to know your heart, and at least give you a fair hearing. You're a good man, and we'll be praying that this can be worked out!
Have you tried to contact them first? Maybe they are willing to waive those certain belief requirements? I have greatly benefited from an ACBC counselor. She helped me get free from the chains anxiety had me in. I do think it's ridiculous to have counselors subscribe to a particular theology on secondary issues... Maybe they will completely shut you down, but maybe they will realize their error?
In fact in one book I read it had a whole chapter on "sovereignty" and I told my counselor what I thought about it. She was not really knowledgeable about either side of the argument, it just wasn't important for her but she was interested in what I had to say.
Thank you for making this decision. I know it was a sacrifice for you but I am so very grateful as someone who was hurt by ACBC counseling, specifically in the area of Calvinism. This was very encouraging to me!!. I have so much respect for someone who has gone through so much training, time and expense, and when faced with the integrity of one's biblical convictions would be willing to walk away from it. I am praying for God's great blessings upon you. I have been praying for you to make this decision since the first time I listened to you. I both began the certification process in ACBC and was personally counseled in the system. I can testify that it can cause great harm to a person. For a more compassionate, biblically sound and grace based counseling program I would recommend Truth in Love with Warren Lamb. Continuing in prayer for you!!
This is the same reason I couldn't continue and sign my name to a doctrine that believes in eternal conscious torment as being the character of God.... I don't believe this is what the Bible teaches when looked at through the lens of God's Character...all of Scripture interpreting Scripture. I think it is a fear based conversion tactic. God's Only Son Permits Eternal Life! 😇🙏💪
John 6:37-40 explains that God knows who are His own, in Jesus own words. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. NKJV
I agree I took all the courses and read the countless books they had us read. I really just wanted to learn how to better counsel/disciple people. I didn’t like that we had to deny the gifts for today. (This was like 13 years ago or longer, it was NANC then) I still have all the course material and books. I just refresh as needed. I listen to their podcast which helps. All the books we had to read were Calvinist books. Which back then I didn’t really know the difference or that it mattered. They go really far here. I don’t remember this. But I wasn’t looking for it either back then. I just wanted basic biblical counseling skills. Amen!! 🙏🏻 the church is the one who should build up the body to counsel others in the Word. Election should not be on the table for counsel. I pray they reconsider as well. I prayed about getting my certification two years ago and contacted them to see what I had to do since I already did all the NANC training. I prayed about what they needed from me but didn’t have peace to move forward. Glad I didn’t …. Thank you Jason! The church should be our training ground! So this will be beautiful!!! 😍
P.S. Calvinists also overuse (abuse?) the word “covenant.” They want to make everything a “covenant,” thereby dictating the terms of every relationship. They need to let the Bible define, explain, and determine when to use the word. (They are so controlling.🙄 Must be their Augustinian Roman Catholic roots.)
I agree with you on most of what is said, but your point about the word "sovereign" was a stretch. Your definition of sovereign perfectly fits their use in their doctrine of justification. God, as sovereign ruler and judge, justifes sinners through faith in Christ.
“So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them.” 1 Samuel 14:47 KJV What “the kingdom” means in the KJV in this verse in “kingship, sovereignty” Sovereign is the the KJV Apocrypha: “For power is given you of the Lord, and sovereignty from the Highest, who shall try your works, and search out your counsels.” Wisdom of Solomon 6:3 KJV “Who answered and said, Because I may not worship idols made with hands, but the living God, who hath created the heaven and the earth, and hath sovereignty over all flesh.” Bel and the Dragon 1:5 KJV
I am ACBC certified. Not a Calvinist. I’m a whosoever will Christian. I minister to my counselees that throughout the Bible there is a balance of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. Nobody can say any differently. God chose a people to be his church, doesn’t say individual salvations. Says that he chose a people. I was never forced to agree with TULIP. I don’t and will counsel that they have autonomy given by God to make the right choice. 1 Corinthians 10:13. He made way of escape, now choose it. I respect your decision and pray you find your next avenue of counseling.
I started to go through their training years and years ago before they changed their name from nouthetic counselors or something like that. After a handful of meetings I begin to smell a rat. It wasn't that they were Calvinists, because at the time, I was just beginning to learn about Calvinism. Rather it was just a , "vibe" I was getting from the leaders and teachers. Something just seemed off. Perhaps it was a sense of their ambition to make a big and authoritative operation and also a money maker. Yeah, they were the authority standard, and if I would take this course and successfully pass it, I would be a certified counselor made in the image of Jay Adams. Seemed to me to appeal to a bunch of sincere wannabes, and sticking with this program would certify (as in ordained by God) me a legitimate and competent counselor. You got to be on your face before God in absolute humility before even venturing to mess with somebody else's soul.
Calvinism is essentially born of the same spirit as the serpent in the garden. Those who were saved then fell into or forced into Calvinism certainly are brothers and sisters in Christ. Purveyors of Calvinism are not. They have made merchandise of the Gospel to serve their own lusts and the lusts of Satan.
to calvinists: your view of 'receiving' is a 'work' and therefore unacceptable to God for salvation since that would be telling God that 'my acceptance of your salvation' is due to my decision and therefore would be a 'work' of my mind. Can someone please tell me how deciding to receive a gift is a 'work'. Its like saying that a drowing man decides to reach for a life preserver that 'someone' threw him to save him is a 'work' and once on the shore the saved man would go to the thrower of the live preserver and exclaim, "good thing I saved myself with the life preserver"!!! No, he would run to the man, fall on his knees and thank him from the bottom of his heart that the man saved him, not himself! Calvinism is insane and anyone that believes this non sense need to get their brains examined. I no Ionger consider them 'brother in Christ' anymore than I would consider a mormon, JW, Catholic, a hindu. Because they have distorted the character of our loving, gracious, forgiving and sacrificial Heavenly Father into a tyrannical diety without any grace whatsoever. This doctrine needs to be confronted every where you find it!! I've had Enough of Calvinism assassinating the character of God.
It sounds like you are now understanding Calvinism as a form of fatalism. God decreed evil, but he does not participate in it. After the fall of Adam and Eve, God does not owe anyone salvation. Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift God gives some, while justly passing others by. The Westminster Confession has a section on free will that explains what that is. There is not a “double” predestination. That is sometimes called “hyper Calvinism.” Predestination is not positive-positive. It is positive-negative. God sincerely calls everyone to faith and repentance. Review the WCF again.
Good for you. I’ve met 2 ACBC counselors and both were staunch calvinists. I asked one of them “so do you just tell people that come to you that whatever happened to them happened because it was Gods will”. He said “of course not”. I asked him if he didn’t believe it, and he assured me he did. So I pressed him why he wouldn’t just tell the counselee the truth that whatever happened or the things they were going through happened because God decreed it. He said “it wouldn’t be helpful”. He saw where it was going and tried to claim “I’m not lying to them”. I told him that if he refused to share with someone the root cause of their trouble, he was most certainly being dishonest/unethical.
Good for you! For pushing this person to the logical conclusion of their system!
A wonderful move of grace. Thanks Jason. Blessings.
Thank you for covering this.
I, too, looked into their certification, but I could not in good conscience sign an agreement to their statement of faith for those same reasons.
We do not even _have_ access to the grace of God's salvation UNTIL we believe in Jesus [see Romans 5:1-2]
it's the most pointless "counseling" certification on earth.. the damned won't be helped no matter how skilled you are and the elect will eventually be helped no matter how incompetent you are.
Calvinism is a snare built on the blindness of pride feigning to be humility.
I agree🎯, Rom 5:1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." We access God's grace through exercising our faith. It's very simple. However, he Calvinist dismisses that plain reading of scripture to 'fit' their default presupposition that all men are born "without faith" and unable to believe. This sets up the claim that God must 'give' men a 'gift of faith'. They defend this by misinterpreting Eph:2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (it is salvation which is the gift... NOT faith in that context). Supposedly, God only does gives a small percentage of men this faith. Which they say is evidenced by the corresponding few who actually believe. All this is based on their view of Augustinian, 'inherent' Total Depravity. The entire system is built upon that false premise. They just keep massaging everything to "fit" their Doctrine.
Ultimately, they end up with Evanescent Grace to explain those who abandon their previous confession. The original confession was by definition God's effectual decree... so too, their subsequent denial of it.... also God's decree. So, God effectually causes all acts of faith, and some are only getting the 'fleeting' kind and will 'burn' more brightly in eternity for having experienced it at all. ... and this is supposed to bring God more Glory and pleasure.
A Calvinist who understands their doctrine can no more trust the faith they think they have than the God they claim gave it to them. It's purpose is to undermine a believers confidence they are truly loved by God, personally.
Why don’t Christians just get mainstream qualifications for counselling? It would pull them out of their echo chamber and have a research evidence base behind it. It would also give the person skills that translate outside of church and give opportunities if the church environment is toxic.
THANK YOU. I recognize that this was a difficult decision, but I'm so glad to hear this from you. I started the training for biblical counseling last year and got most of the way through phase 1, but I just couldn't continue in good conscience because all the resources were so thoroughly Calvinistic and no other resources were allowed in studying the theological topics. I knew I would not be able to complete the test questions in a way that they would accept without purposely being vague at best, knowing I was trying to sound like I agreed with them when I didn't, and that just didn't sit right with me. I think much of the training is valuable, and I learned a lot that has impacted my own life and the lives of others in beautiful ways, but I had to sift through SO MUCH wrong interpretation & wrong application of Scripture. The margins of the books I had to read are now full of notes on why many of their claims aren't biblical. And as with so much in Calvinism, there was a deep cognitive dissonance ('God ordained my sin; God rescued me from my sin,' etc), as well as (as you pointed out) the re-definition of words like "sovereign." I don't know of any training opportunities that aren't expressly Calvinist, so I'm really looking forward to what you offer!
As for the standards of doctrine, the "creating the gift of faith in their hearts" (under "The Doctrine of Divine Grace") and "the God-given gifts of repentance and faith" (under "The Doctrine of Regeneration") also stand out to me as things I could not agree with. God has *enabled* everyone to repent and put their faith in Him, and as you mentioned He does *draw* everyone to Himself, but He does not *create* that faith in our hearts, nor does He *give* us repentance and faith. What He has given us is the *ability to respond to Him* and the *responsibility to choose* repentance and faith.
BC was started by a Calvinist. Their doctrinal requirements are intentional.
You might remember I commented maybe a year ago about changing my certification from ACBC to IABC because they changed their doctrinal statement toward a more Calvinistic stance. I'm glad you are doing that too. Because Calvinists have idiosyncratic definitions of words like sovereignty, I disagree with you that non-Calvinists cannot with integrity sign the ACBC doctrinal statement. I can sign it if I interpret it using non-Calvinistic (normal) definitions of words. But I won't sign it due to the obvious direction they are steering the ship. Rick Elzinga
Good to hear your perspective! I am a pastoral counseling student and was considering ACBC training. Hopefully they make these slight changes. Do you know if there are other Biblical counseling groups that we could consider instead?
I’m wondering the same thing.
@clwhite1127 I am not sure at the moment. Something I will have to look into
This was a thoughtful journey. I appreciate this so much. I appreciate that you listened to those of us that expressed concern about ACBC.
Anyone that argues in their mind about the prospect of being an Elect or not, and then proceeds to live according to the flesh because there is no accountability, is lost. These scenarios always exclude the authority of the church, to hold a members accountable. And I believe that's the big problem most Christians today live their lives apart for their local assembly or the local assembly does not practice church discipline, also they aren't serving anyone, they're just spending too much time in their own heads.
Thank you. I appreciate your boldness and character to stand up for what you believe. I once puzzled a pastor who wondered why I would attend the church but not become a member. To be a member, we had to sign a list of “fundamental truths” they put out. My loyalty is to scripture and what the Holy Spirit teaches. I won’t restrict that with a human’s list of what they declare.
For His glory! ❤
I'm so thankful and proud of you for this. Praying real change will come to the church through the truth of the gospel. Salvation is offered to everyone ... you can know the truth and it will set you free.
I have heard so many testimonies of serious harm with this type of approached, including my own experienced.
The nouethic denied hormone and mental issues…
I grief everytime I hear another person suffering for years for not even consider another approached and just guilt.
Of course in any area we do go with discernment to make the best choice for one unique circunstancies …
Maybe this is a different approach I hope.
❤
So well presented!! It is as we have no part in our salvation…we do have free will and we can choose to do evil or to do good!! I sat under a teacher that would preach that nothing we do or don’t do is the be all and end all!
Massive respect for you Jason.
Appreciate your integrity here. It would be easy to simply sign and stay quiet. I am thankful you are choosing to be open and honest where you stand. Though I affirm their Calvinistic convictions, and see no need for them to change them, I see how disheartening it is to have to part ways. I’m a hospital chaplain. Got the MDiv, 4,000 hours of clinics work, 4 credit units of CPE, and went before boards. Putting in years of study to then part ways is a scary thought. Pray the Lord blesses your ministry as you seek to be faithful. Love the few videos I’ve watched thus far! SDG!
Thanks Jason.
Good job standing for the truth!
Yep, ACBC encourages the counselor to encourage the counselee to do what they might not have been “elected” to do. Been there, and almost did that (went down the counselor road myself). Good move, brother. I praise God’s Spirit for His work in you…
I truly appreciate your intellectual honesty and grace in handling some issues that are hot topics. Your work has been an encouragement and example to me. Thank you!
May God bless & prosper you Jason.
So good seeing a Christian not compromise their beliefs. Calvinism is a wicked misuse of scripture & it does so much damage to families & the church
Time to start a provisionist counseling certification!
Blessings Jason -
You're doing the right thing within the conscience (Holy Spirit)
that God has given you.
I have seen the Lord work in my life and redirect me to new things I couldn't have
ever thought of. I'm not talking money, I'm talking ministry through my work ethics (that He gave me)
to be a better Witness of Him on this earth during the time He has given me.
People and associations we encounter never seem to fail us in disappointment. But that is just another
reminder to wholly and fully trust the Lord for EVERY direction in the life He has given us.
I will keep you and your family in prayer - No Worries
@@electricguysvcs thank you
LGBT patient: "God made me this way"
ACBC therapist: "you're correct"
@@inTruthbyGrace so sad
Wow!!!!
May the Lord continue to lead you and your family as you trust him.
Can you ask them and see if they have any exception to this.
I hate this types of mandates.
They remind me of vaccine mask lockdown mandates where you cannot question the leaders or you are excluded from buying scaling traveling school church.
Well done!!!
I’ve appreciated watching your journey over the past year-18 months. Your decision is the right thing and your growth has been remarkable. I know you didn’t take this lightly!
I appreciate your honesty and the care in explaining your thoughts and position. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and courage, which comes from a love for the truth.
Thanks for bowing out!! It’s a gray area (by God’s sovereign design) and you are right to follow your conscience. Good luck. 21:35
My understanding is that “Biblical Counseling” was started by a Calvinist, and therefore, the group does want “right” (to them) doctrine to be held by their counselors. We have a nearby So Bapt college and seminary with a Biblical Counseling degree program, and they specifically would not tell hurting counselees what they need to hear more than anything else, that Jesus died for them. It’s tragic.
I know it’s hard to turn from a hard-earned, heart’s desire you had. The good news is that *now* you can offer real hope to hurting people.
thank God for you leaving. i had tremendous damage done to my life from “certified biblical counselors” who knew nothing about narcissism, personality disorders and other significant psychiatric disorders which i was subjected to from my ex. the Bible doesn’t qualify anyone for open heart surgery and the complexity of the mind and what can go wrong and why is no different. add calvinism to the mix and it’s a recipe for the most invalidating experience of your life.
Same here. I got far better advice from red pill content than from biblical counseling because extreme behaviors are outside of their counseling paradigm.
@ hate to hear that for you. 100% the same here.
add to that, the court system is rigged against men and incentivize women to lie against, abuse and mistreat men. the “justice system” was of no help to me though i had all the evidence needed in the diaries she accidentally left behind when she left me. i 100% advocate for prenups now if anyone wants to risk getting married at all.
guess who refused to meet with me and hear my side to this day? her calvinist church, because “i wasn’t a member”. even though they’d counseled us for more than two years.
i advocated for professional help since she had seven mental health diagnoses- two of which she admitted made her homicidal - and was shut down by the “plurality of elders.” aka plurality of yes men.
when the church fears the study of psychology, as hers did in my case, and refuses to accept mental health diagnoses as more than “sin nature” - as if it’s a mere choice - they will rightly get left behind by the culture. people will listen to red pill and secular content instead. and the church will leave a wake of devastation and pain in the process.
the church should be leading the way in psychology, as science itself began with Christianity. science will always point to the Creator. but sadly, for many, that is not the case.
A guy said something last week that really got me. He said, If Calvinism is true, then a person COULD stand before the throne of God and say "I DO HAVE AN EXCUSE" as to why I don't believe in you. I was not predestined to believe in you is my excuse. I thought, wow, he would be right. So I backed off of Calvinism a lot. I still think salvation wasn't my idea, but God somehow does give the opportunity for anyone to be saved who hears the gospel. Now what about the billions who never did hear it? I just don't know about that yet. Do you?
I look forward to your resources in the future.
It said Abraham believed God and was accounted into his righteousness several times in the scriptures. I believe in a book of Romans it talks about Abraham believed God and His accountant in righteousness and a few verses down it talks about if it was actually a work then it wouldn't be Grace I think it's in chapter 3 Guys
I’d been wondering about this, and if you would feel compelled to leave them. I truly appreciate ACBC, but I know that their certification and training involves a lot of reformed theology.
I was raised in Arminian Theology and have a B.A. in Religion from a university from this perspective. I have a masters degree in social work and have been licensed in my state as an independent social worker for some 35 years and have been practicing as a counselor that long. I’ve studied Calvinism theology for a few years and honestly think a case can be made for both theological perspectives from the Bible. I talk to an ACBC counselor weekly, and he understands my position. John McArthur has a wonderful sermon on this very topic of both theological perspectives are supported. We see through a glass darkly. I honestly think some of you interpretations of Calvinist theology is not quite accurate from my study of Calvinism. I see a significant number of comments regarding their theology in the comments which are not truly Calvinist perspectives based on my study of R.C. Sproul, John McArthur and others. I don’t have all the answers, much more learned biblical scholars see both theologies in the Bible. We see through a glass darkly and we will know perfectly one day.
Could it be your qualms with dispensational lordship salvation vs. covenantal free grace?
Q: Jason. If you had Scripture that supported these points that you disagree with, would you still cancel your certification?
Also, I believe that if you disagree with those points you should cancel your certification.
By the way, aren't there other Counseling organizations you can be a member of?
@@jazzmankey there are no scriptures that support in context this part of their statement of belief. It’s an eisegetical approach to the passages.
The point of this video was to explain that I do disagree with their statement of belief (in part) and that I am canceling my certification.
Yes, there are other counseling organizations. But my goal is not certification, but to help those in need Biblically.
@
[Jhn 10:15 NKJV] "As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR THE SHEEP.
[Jhn 10:26 NKJV] "But you do not believe, because YOU ARE NOT OF MY SHEEP, as I said to you.
[Heb 9:12, 15 NKJV] Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, (all time) having obtained eternal redemption. ... 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that THOSE WHO ARE CALLED may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
[Rom 8:29-30 NKJV] 29 For whom He foreknew, He also PREDESTINED [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also CALLED; whom He CALLED, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
I am not familiar with this particular association. Will you be able to transfer your time and previous credentials to another organization? I know this works with college hours, but not all hours will transfer from one institution to another. But I’m not sure how this would work with an accrediting Body like this. It is a little different than what I am accustomed to in the medical world. Sorry you’re having to go through this. Calvinists really mess things up.
Jason, my friend, It would not shock me to learn that your points of contention could be excepted. They could be allowed in a case-by-case basis for those of a non Calvinistic systematic. The answer is no unless you ask. It couldn't hurt.
IF they're Christian brothers, they should be willing to know your heart, and at least give you a fair hearing.
You're a good man, and we'll be praying that this can be worked out!
@@tomferguson4996 thank you brother
Have you tried to contact them first? Maybe they are willing to waive those certain belief requirements? I have greatly benefited from an ACBC counselor. She helped me get free from the chains anxiety had me in. I do think it's ridiculous to have counselors subscribe to a particular theology on secondary issues... Maybe they will completely shut you down, but maybe they will realize their error?
In fact in one book I read it had a whole chapter on "sovereignty" and I told my counselor what I thought about it. She was not really knowledgeable about either side of the argument, it just wasn't important for her but she was interested in what I had to say.
Thank you for making this decision. I know it was a sacrifice for you but I am so very grateful as someone who was hurt by ACBC counseling, specifically in the area of Calvinism. This was very encouraging to me!!. I have so much respect for someone who has gone through so much training, time and expense, and when faced with the integrity of one's biblical convictions would be willing to walk away from it. I am praying for God's great blessings upon you. I have been praying for you to make this decision since the first time I listened to you. I both began the certification process in ACBC and was personally counseled in the system. I can testify that it can cause great harm to a person.
For a more compassionate, biblically sound and grace based counseling program I would recommend Truth in Love with Warren Lamb. Continuing in prayer for you!!
Anyone knows a good Biblical Counseling place where one can train without swallowing the TULIP pill?
This is the same reason I couldn't continue and sign my name to a doctrine that believes in eternal conscious torment as being the character of God.... I don't believe this is what the Bible teaches when looked at through the lens of God's Character...all of Scripture interpreting Scripture. I think it is a fear based conversion tactic.
God's Only Son Permits Eternal Life!
😇🙏💪
Was it in front of the ACBC that Piper poured out his heart and was laughed at?🤔
John 6:37-40 explains that God knows who are His own, in Jesus own words. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. NKJV
@@artistchristos here’s my video on John 6: Biblically Tackling James White's Challenge: Decoding John 6
ua-cam.com/video/sQGLRssmYos/v-deo.html
I agree I took all the courses and read the countless books they had us read. I really just wanted to learn how to better counsel/disciple people.
I didn’t like that we had to deny the gifts for today. (This was like 13 years ago or longer, it was NANC then)
I still have all the course material and books. I just refresh as needed. I listen to their podcast which helps.
All the books we had to read were Calvinist books. Which back then I didn’t really know the difference or that it mattered.
They go really far here. I don’t remember this. But I wasn’t looking for it either back then. I just wanted basic biblical counseling skills.
Amen!! 🙏🏻 the church is the one who should build up the body to counsel others in the Word. Election should not be on the table for counsel.
I pray they reconsider as well. I prayed about getting my certification two years ago and contacted them to see what I had to do since I already did all the NANC training. I prayed about what they needed from me but didn’t have peace to move forward.
Glad I didn’t …. Thank you Jason! The church should be our training ground! So this will be beautiful!!! 😍
P.S. Calvinists also overuse (abuse?) the word “covenant.” They want to make everything a “covenant,” thereby dictating the terms of every relationship. They need to let the Bible define, explain, and determine when to use the word.
(They are so controlling.🙄 Must be their Augustinian Roman Catholic roots.)
I agree with you on most of what is said, but your point about the word "sovereign" was a stretch. Your definition of sovereign perfectly fits their use in their doctrine of justification. God, as sovereign ruler and judge, justifes sinners through faith in Christ.
“So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them.”
1 Samuel 14:47 KJV
What “the kingdom” means in the KJV in this verse in “kingship, sovereignty”
Sovereign is the the KJV Apocrypha:
“For power is given you of the Lord, and sovereignty from the Highest, who shall try your works, and search out your counsels.”
Wisdom of Solomon 6:3 KJV
“Who answered and said, Because I may not worship idols made with hands, but the living God, who hath created the heaven and the earth, and hath sovereignty over all flesh.”
Bel and the Dragon 1:5 KJV
I am ACBC certified. Not a Calvinist. I’m a whosoever will Christian. I minister to my counselees that throughout the Bible there is a balance of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. Nobody can say any differently. God chose a people to be his church, doesn’t say individual salvations. Says that he chose a people. I was never forced to agree with TULIP. I don’t and will counsel that they have autonomy given by God to make the right choice. 1 Corinthians 10:13. He made way of escape, now choose it. I respect your decision and pray you find your next avenue of counseling.
I started to go through their training years and years ago before they changed their name from nouthetic counselors or something like that.
After a handful of meetings I begin to smell a rat. It wasn't that they were Calvinists, because at the time, I was just beginning to learn about Calvinism.
Rather it was just a , "vibe" I was getting from the leaders and teachers. Something just seemed off. Perhaps it was a sense of their ambition to make a big and authoritative operation and also a money maker.
Yeah, they were the authority standard, and if I would take this course and successfully pass it, I would be a certified counselor made in the image of Jay Adams.
Seemed to me to appeal to a bunch of sincere wannabes, and sticking with this program would certify (as in ordained by God) me a legitimate and competent counselor.
You got to be on your face before God in absolute humility before even venturing to mess with somebody else's soul.
Calvinism is essentially born of the same spirit as the serpent in the garden. Those who were saved then fell into or forced into Calvinism certainly are brothers and sisters in Christ. Purveyors of Calvinism are not. They have made merchandise of the Gospel to serve their own lusts and the lusts of Satan.
to calvinists: your view of 'receiving' is a 'work' and therefore unacceptable to God for salvation since that would be telling God that 'my acceptance of your salvation' is due to my decision and therefore would be a 'work' of my mind. Can someone please tell me how deciding to receive a gift is a 'work'. Its like saying that a drowing man decides to reach for a life preserver that 'someone' threw him to save him is a 'work' and once on the shore the saved man would go to the thrower of the live preserver and exclaim, "good thing I saved myself with the life preserver"!!! No, he would run to the man, fall on his knees and thank him from the bottom of his heart that the man saved him, not himself! Calvinism is insane and anyone that believes this non sense need to get their brains examined. I no Ionger consider them 'brother in Christ' anymore than I would consider a mormon, JW, Catholic, a hindu. Because they have distorted the character of our loving, gracious, forgiving and sacrificial Heavenly Father into a tyrannical diety without any grace whatsoever. This doctrine needs to be confronted every where you find it!! I've had Enough of Calvinism assassinating the character of God.
You might also consider reading some work from Sheila Gregoire, CCEF Counseling, and Rachel Denhollander on ACBC.
Glad you’re leaving it.
Thought for a minute you had a conflict between Calvinist and counselling, but sadly found this a bashing of Calvinism.
It sounds like you are now understanding Calvinism as a form of fatalism. God decreed evil, but he does not participate in it. After the fall of Adam and Eve, God does not owe anyone salvation. Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift God gives some, while justly passing others by. The Westminster Confession has a section on free will that explains what that is. There is not a “double” predestination. That is sometimes called “hyper Calvinism.” Predestination is not positive-positive. It is positive-negative. God sincerely calls everyone to faith and repentance. Review the WCF again.
Jonah 3:10 says that repenting is a work.