Dr. Caleb J. Lines is a progressive Christian theologian, author, and speaker who serves as a pastor and has gained attention for his teachings that often challenge traditional biblical doctrines. Based in the United States, Lines promotes a version of Christianity that aligns more closely with contemporary cultural values than with the historic teachings of the faith. One of the most troubling aspects of Dr. Lines’s theology is his denial of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, a fundamental doctrine that is essential to the Christian faith. For these reasons, Dr. Caleb J. Lines must be recognized as a false teacher who should be avoided.
1. The Denial of the Virgin Birth and Its Serious Implications
Dr. Caleb J. Lines openly denies the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, claiming that it is either a myth or a symbolic story rather than a literal, historical event. This denial is a direct contradiction of what Scripture teaches. The virgin birth is not merely a secondary or optional doctrine; it is foundational to understanding the identity of Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully man. Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-35 explicitly affirm that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, which states, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
The virgin birth is crucial because it confirms that Jesus is the sinless Son of God, uniquely qualified to be our Savior. If Jesus were not born of a virgin, then He would have inherited a sinful nature like every other human being, and His sacrifice on the cross would not have been sufficient to atone for our sins. Hebrews 4:15 declares that Jesus "has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." By denying the virgin birth, Dr. Lines undermines the very foundation of Christ’s sinless life and His role as the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
2. Undermining the Authority and Inerrancy of Scripture
Dr. Caleb J. Lines frequently treats the Bible as a flawed, human document rather than as the inspired, authoritative Word of God. He encourages his audience to reinterpret or dismiss portions of Scripture that conflict with modern cultural values or personal beliefs, suggesting that the Bible’s teachings are outdated, culturally conditioned, or open to subjective interpretation.
However, Scripture itself testifies to its divine inspiration and authority. The apostle Paul wrote, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus Himself affirmed the absolute authority of God’s Word, stating, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). By undermining the authority of Scripture, Dr. Lines sets himself up as the final arbiter of truth, leading people away from the sure foundation of God’s Word and into the uncertainty of human reasoning and cultural trends.
3. Promoting a False Gospel of Inclusivity Without Repentance
Dr. Caleb J. Lines often emphasizes themes of inclusivity, social justice, and personal authenticity, promoting a gospel that affirms individuals without calling them to repentance and faith in Christ. While the gospel is indeed a message of God’s love and grace offered to all, it is also a call to repentance and transformation. Jesus began His ministry by preaching, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17), and the apostle Paul emphasized that God “commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30).
The true gospel confronts us with the reality of our sin and our need for a Savior. It is not about affirming our desires or identities but about being transformed by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. By promoting a message of inclusivity without repentance, Dr. Lines offers a counterfeit gospel that leaves people in bondage to sin rather than pointing them to the life-changing power of Christ’s redemption.
4. Compromising on Biblical Sexual Ethics and Morality
Dr. Caleb J. Lines is known for advocating progressive views on sexuality and gender identity, arguing that the traditional Christian teachings on these issues are outdated and should be reinterpreted in light of modern values. He affirms practices and lifestyles that the Bible clearly identifies as sinful, suggesting that God’s love means unconditional acceptance without the need for transformation or obedience.
The Bible, however, is clear about God’s design for human sexuality and marriage. From the beginning, God created marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). Furthermore, Scripture consistently teaches that sexual activity outside of this God-ordained covenant is sinful (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). By affirming and promoting lifestyles that are contrary to God’s Word, Dr. Lines not only distorts the truth but also denies people the opportunity to experience the transforming grace that comes through repentance and faith in Christ.
Conclusion: Why Dr. Caleb J. Lines Should Be Avoided
Dr. Caleb J. Lines is a false teacher because he denies the virgin birth, rejects the authority of Scripture, and promotes a gospel that is centered on human desires rather than the truth of God’s Word. The Bible warns us to “watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them” (Romans 16:17). Paul also warns that “even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). By denying essential doctrines, such as the virgin birth, and promoting a message that aligns more with cultural values than with biblical truth, Dr. Lines demonstrates that his teachings are contrary to the gospel revealed in Scripture.
The Bible calls us to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3) and to stand firm on the truth of God’s Word, which is sufficient for all matters of faith and practice. For these reasons, believers should avoid the teachings of Dr. Caleb J. Lines and instead seek sound, biblically grounded teaching that proclaims the true gospel of Jesus Christ—fully God, fully man, born of a virgin, crucified for our sins, and risen for our justification.
Only by remaining faithful to the unchanging Word of God can we experience the fullness of salvation and life that is found in Christ alone. Dr. Lines’s teachings, with their denial of essential truths and embrace of cultural trends, lead people away from this truth and toward a false version of Christianity that cannot save. Therefore, it is crucial to reject such teachings and to remain anchored in the truth of Scripture, which reveals the glorious gospel of grace and the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
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