Kim
Clement – Falsk profet
Kim Clement is one of the most prominent "prophets" in the
apostolic-prophetic movement -- a movement that's taken many charismatic
churches by storm. Clement's Web site is ranked No.
But here's what's really enlightening. In his statement of beliefs,
Clement gives a lot of space to his views on Christ's Second Coming. After
giving lip service to the Second Coming, he says that it isn't his focus;
something else is. He says:
"Personally, I am more interested in 'His appearances' than His
Second Coming."
Clement goes so far as to say that the Second Coming is
"irrelevant" to the people of the world who simply need salvation and
restoration. He then describes what he means by Christ's
"appearances." He defines them as divine visitations of Christ that
happen in every age, to every generation -- but in changing forms. You'll have
to read the entire statement to get the full context of what he's saying.
I could write a lot of posts unpacking Clement's
statement of beliefs. But, for now, I'm going to zero in on his teachings about
Christ's "appearances."
Note how Clement subtly shifts the focus away from Christ's highly
awaited second appearance (singular) to His "appearances" (plural).
According to the Bible, this singular event will occur when Jesus comes on the
clouds of the sky with power and great glory. It will be like lightning that
flashes from east to west (Matthew 24:27-30).
Everyone on earth will see Him (Revelation 1:7).
But the "appearances" Clement speaks of aren't so visible. In
fact, according to him, many people won't even recognize Christ when they
occur. Yet, he offers the "secrets" to help people recognize them --
a word he is particularly fond of, evidenced by the titles of his two latest books.
Clement isn't the only "prophet" offering people exclusive
appearances of Christ. Todd Bentley, for example, offers to take people to
"the secret place" through his teachings. These mystical appearances
sound an awful lot like the ones Jesus warned that false prophets would
promote:
"So if they say to you, 'Behold, He is in the wilderness,' do not
go out, or, 'Behold, He is in the inner rooms,' do not believe them. For just
as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the
coming of the Son of Man be" (Matthew 24:25-27).
Yet, from all appearances -- pun intended -- Clement loves Christ. After
all, he talks a lot about Him. No doubt, his followers believe he can really
help them encounter Christ in a meaningful way. And, certainly, the Bible does
teach us to seek a personal and abiding relationship with Christ -- here and
now, not just in the hereafter (John 15).
But, the Bible never teaches us to seek His "appearances" --
i.e., the mystical experiences Clement speaks of. Instead, we are admonished to
eagerly await Christ's physical and very visible appearing when He will take us
to be with Him forever. In the meantime, we enjoy his presence through the
indwelling Holy Spirit.
And, contrary to Clement's teaching, Christ's
Second Coming is far from irrelevant to the people of the world. For what do
people need to be saved from but from God's coming judgment? Upon this event
hinges their entire destiny.
So, while Clement seems to be focused on Christ's appearing, he is
actually directing people's attention away from it and toward something else.
Mail:
jan.ohlin@crossnet.se eller elvor.ohlin@crossnet.se