NAR: Is It Biblical?
- Ken Kalis
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
I like things that are new and exciting, like the American Football League and the Edsal
Spiritual stuff too, like Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn, and Kenneth Hagin.
But will they last? Are they enduring? You know the answer for the AFL and Ford
Edsal.
For spiritual things, there is another, an acid test: Is it Biblical?
Join us as we look at the New Apostolic Reformation, and let us know your thoughts.
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Every generation must choose which path to follow — the one grounded in Scripture, or the one swept along by spiritual storms. Only the Shepherd leads safely.”
The New Apostolic Reformation — A Biblical Evaluation for Today’s Church
The Church today faces many pressures from culture, politics, and spiritual confusion. One of the most influential — and least understood — movements in American Christianity is what has come to be called the New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR.
Some speak of it with enthusiasm. Others speak of it with fear. Most believers simply ask: Is it biblical? And should I be concerned?
This article is written to bring clarity, not controversy — and above all, to point God’s people back to the Scriptures, which remain “the faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
1. What Is NAR? (Simple Definition)
“NAR” is not one church, denomination, or official organization.
It is a loose network of teachers who promote these ideas:
Modern-day apostles and prophets with governing authority over the church
Restoration of the “Five-Fold Ministry” (Ephesians 4:11) in a ruling sense
Dominionist theology — the belief that the church is meant to “take over” the seven spheres of culture
Extra-biblical revelation, often placed on par with Scripture
Signs, wonders, and miracles as the expected daily norm of Christian life
Not every church or preacher who uses the word “apostolic” is part of NAR. But these five features help identify the movement.
2. The Appeal: Why Are So Many Drawn to It?
Millions of Christians long for:
A sense of purpose
Spiritual power
Clear leadership
Revival
Healing
A world that finally “turns back to God”
NAR promises all of these things.
It uses biblical language — “kingdom,” “revival,” “apostolic,” “prophetic” — but often with meanings very different from Scripture. The danger is subtle, which is why discernment is required.
3. The Core Question: Are There Apostles Today?
The Bible gives two categories of apostles:
A. The Foundational Apostles
Chosen directly by Jesus, eyewitnesses of His resurrection, and given authority to write Scripture. These were unique and unrepeatable.
“Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.”— Ephesians 2:20
A foundation is laid once, not rebuilt in every generation.
B. Apostolic Workers / Missionaries
Like Barnabas, Timothy, Silas — servants sent out for gospel work, not ruling church offices.
These exist today. They are missionaries, church-planters, evangelists — but they are not apostles with authority over churches.
NAR merges these two categories and gives modern leaders the authority that the Bible reserves for the Twelve.
4. Extra Revelation: A Serious Warning
Many NAR teachers claim:
Prophetic “downloads”
Private revelation from angels
New doctrines
Dreams that interpret Scripture
“Words from the Lord” that direct the church
Scripture gives us a strong guardrail:
“Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”— Proverbs 30:6
“His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…”— 2 Peter 1:3
The Bible is complete.The faith is delivered.No new doctrine will come from heaven.
Any movement that elevates new revelation is spiritually dangerous.
5. Dominion Theology: Taking Over the “Seven Mountains”
Many NAR preachers teach that Christians must:
Take political power
Control culture
Govern nations
Conquer the “Seven Mountains” (government, education, media, etc.)
But Jesus said:
“My kingdom is not of this world.”— John 18:36
And Paul warned:
“We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord.”— 2 Corinthians 4:5
The Gospel transforms the world, yes — but through repentance and faith, not political domination.
6. Signs and Wonders: True? False? Discern Carefully.
God can and does work miracles. We rejoice in every genuine healing and every work of grace.
But the Bible also warns that false signs will appear:
“Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”— 2 Corinthians 11:14
“They show great signs and wonders; so that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”— Matthew 24:24
Miracles do not authenticate the messenger. Truth does.
7. So Is NAR Biblical?
No.Not in its structure, authority, or theology.
Some NAR churches preach Christ faithfully. Some produce sincere believers who love Jesus.
But the movement itself is not grounded in Scripture, and its claims about apostles, dominion, and revelation contradict the New Testament.
8. What Should Believers Do?
A. Stay Rooted in the Scriptures
Everything must be tested by the written Word of God.
B. Practice Discernment
Not cynicism — discernment.“Test the spirits whether they are of God.” (1 John 4:1)
C. Love the Brethren
Believers caught up in NAR are often sincere and hungry for God.We must correct gently (2 Timothy 2:25).
D. Remember Jesus Is Enough
No apostle, prophet, vision, or movement adds to Christ.He is the fullness.
Closing Word
The New Apostolic Reformation offers excitement. The Bible offers truth.
tht offers spiritual fireworks. The Bible offers Christ Himself.
And Christ is enough.
“He shall feed His flock like a shepherd…”— Isaiah 40:11
May the Good Shepherd lead His people into sound doctrine, quiet waters, and the security of His unchanging Word.
Would you like:
Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
2 We are Thine, do Thou befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray.
3 Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and pow'r to free:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.
4 Early let us seek Thy favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Hymns for the Living Church