The legacy of late American pastor, John MacArthur, lives on in Israel

Pastor John Fullerton MacArthur Jr. passed away Monday at the age of 86 following almost two years of illness and health complications. In addition to being the pastor of Grace Community Church in California, MacArthur was the chancellor of The Master's University, and a celebrated author and conference speaker. 

On Sunday the associate pastor of Grace Community Church, Tom Patton, had warned that his passing was imminent. "This week, Pastor John contracted pneumonia," he announced in the Sunday morning service. "He was admitted into the hospital and may be in the presence of the Lord soon."

MacArthur began his teaching ministry at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary in 1969. His sermons formed the beginnings of the daily “Grace to You” program, which grew into a media ministry of his teaching. The church now has more than 8,000 members, but MacArthur’s expository teaching has gone all over the world, including Israel. Yair Frank, an elder at All Nations Congregation in Petach Tikva, Israel, praised MacArthur saying,

“A faithful servant of the Messiah has entered into the joy of his Master. I rejoice for him, even as my heart goes out to those who remain and now mourn his passing. His life was a worthy testimony to the Messiah – he led many to salvation and guided them in their spiritual growth. There is no doubt that he leaves behind a rich spiritual legacy for generations to come.”

Frank, who serves with the Bible Society in Israel, went on to describe the impact of MacArthur's ministry in the land.

“In recent years, Hebrew-speaking readers have also been blessed by his work through the books we translated at the Bible Society in Israel – such as his devotional “Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith.” In the years ahead, we will complete the translation and publication of the major theological volume he co-authored, Biblical Doctrine. Through this, his faithful ministry will continue to impact Hebrew-speaking believers in Israel in an even greater way.”

“I pray that God will comfort his family and congregation as they say farewell to him in this world,” he added.

Speaking to ALL ISRAEL NEWS, Dr. Erez Soref, president of ONE FOR ISRAEL, said, “John MacArthur was an important voice in the American church. He also loved Israel and the Jewish people and took active steps to demonstrate that. We hope that his example will continue to impact the church around the world, and we in Israel want to honor his legacy.”

Angelina Korotkyi from Netanya in central Israel attended Grace Community church while studying in California for six years, and knew him personally. She told ALL ISRAEL NEWS, “he loved Israel and loved people. He was a caring pastor. He cared for his church so much.”

MacArthur lived his life not without controversy, most famously defying the discriminatory COVID-19 restrictions against Californian churches imposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. He contested the bans on gatherings and eventually received a ruling permitting Grace Church to continue in-person services. The county of Los Angeles sued the church, but they counter-sued claiming their rights to freedom of religion had been violated. Ultimately both the County of Los Angeles and the State of California paid $400,000 each to the church.

MacArthur insisted on traditional marriage, preaching against homosexuality, and taught against female pastors. He was also a cessationist, believing that the gifts of the Spirit ceased in the time of the New Testament. 

Due to the wide reach of his teaching and his controversial views, MacArthur was invited to feature on CNN's Larry King Live, FOX News, MSNBC News, as well as The Ben Shapiro Show, and others, where he never missed the opportunity to share his faith with the millions watching.

Dr. Meno Kalisher, pastor of Jerusalem Assembly - House of Redemption, told ALL ISRAEL NEWS how MacArthur’s ministry has impacted him. “As pastor of a congregation in Jerusalem, I often reflect on just how much of our community’s theological clarity and biblical literacy is rooted in the influence of Pastor MacArthur’s teaching. I don’t know if my congregation fully realizes how deeply his fingerprints are woven into our ministry. But I do. And for that, I thank God,” he said.

“I thank Him for the gift of John MacArthur,” Kalisher continued, “for his faithfulness, his steadfastness, and his example. Others will thank him too in the years to come. His legacy will live on through those he trained, equipped, and inspired. And I am honored to be one of them.” 

“In an era where too many leaders have stumbled, John MacArthur stood firm,” he added. “He ran his race with integrity. He remained faithful to the truth, to his calling, and to his Savior until the very end. He was not only a gifted expositor but a servant who finished well.”

He is survived by his wife Patricia, four children, fifteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. 

Back in April he joked on 𝕏 that rumors of his death has been “greatly exaggerated,” but another post left on his account shortly after the COVID crisis has seemingly appropriate words for his parting:

“It’s official, one nation in rebellion to God with liberty and social justice for some. Praise our great king who delivered us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son. Colossians 1:13.”