John Arnott is a Canadian pastor and evangelist who is best known as one of the leading figures of the "Toronto Blessing," a controversial charismatic revival that began in 1994 at the Toronto Airport Vineyard Church, which was later renamed Catch The Fire Toronto. Arnott, along with his wife Carol, was a central leader in this movement, which became widely known for its unusual manifestations, such as uncontrollable laughter, falling to the ground ("slain in the Spirit"), shaking, roaring, and other physical behaviors during worship services. Arnott's teachings are also heavily influenced by the Latter Rain movement, which emphasizes modern-day apostles, prophets, and miraculous experiences as central to the life of the church.
Why John Arnott Should Be Regarded as a False Teacher and Avoided
1. Promoting Unbiblical and Sensational Manifestations
The most concerning aspect of John Arnott's ministry is the promotion of bizarre and unbiblical manifestations of the Spirit that were prevalent during the Toronto Blessing. These manifestations included people roaring like lions, laughing uncontrollably, falling to the ground, and shaking violently. Arnott and his followers claimed that these experiences were evidence of the Holy Spirit’s power and presence, often describing them as a "new move of God."
However, the Bible does not support or endorse such manifestations as evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work. Scripture describes the fruit of the Spirit as "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). Nowhere in Scripture do we see examples of the apostles or early believers exhibiting the kind of chaotic, out-of-control behaviors that were common in the Toronto Blessing. Paul explicitly instructed the Corinthian church that "God is not a God of confusion but of peace" and that "all things should be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). By promoting manifestations that are chaotic, bizarre, and unrestrained, Arnott departs from the biblical teaching on the nature and work of the Holy Spirit.
2. Embracing Latter Rain Theology and False Teachings About Modern-Day Apostles and Prophets
John Arnott is closely associated with the Latter Rain movement, which teaches that God is raising up modern-day apostles and prophets who have the same authority as the original apostles. Latter Rain theology also emphasizes that the church is entering a new era of miraculous signs and wonders, where believers will perform greater miracles than those seen in the New Testament. This emphasis often leads to an unhealthy focus on supernatural experiences, new revelations, and the belief that Christians can attain a higher level of spirituality through these manifestations.
However, the Bible clearly teaches that the foundation of the church was laid by the original apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). The role of the apostles was unique, and their teachings, recorded in Scripture, are sufficient and complete for guiding the church in all matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). By promoting the idea of modern-day apostles and prophets, Arnott undermines the sufficiency and authority of Scripture, leading people to seek guidance and experiences outside of God’s revealed Word.
3. Promoting an Experience-Centered Faith Over a Christ-Centered Gospel
John Arnott's ministry places a heavy emphasis on personal experiences, emotional highs, and supernatural encounters as evidence of one's relationship with God. This experience-centered approach often leads people to pursue emotional and ecstatic experiences rather than focusing on the core message of the Gospel—repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and growing in holiness. Arnott’s teachings encourage a mindset that equates emotional and physical manifestations with spiritual maturity, leading people to chase after experiences rather than to cultivate a deep, abiding faith in Christ.
The Bible teaches that true faith is grounded in the knowledge of God’s Word and obedience to Christ, not in emotional experiences or manifestations. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15), and Paul emphasized that believers are called to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). By promoting an experience-centered faith, Arnott leads people into a shallow and unstable form of Christianity that is more focused on feelings and experiences than on the truth of God’s Word.
4. Twisting Scripture to Support Unbiblical Practices
John Arnott and the Toronto Blessing movement frequently take Scripture out of context to justify their teachings and practices, often using isolated verses or passages to support their emphasis on manifestations, spiritual experiences, and modern-day apostleship. This selective use of Scripture leads to a distorted understanding of God’s Word and encourages others to approach the Bible in a way that suits their desires rather than submitting to its authority.
The Bible warns against twisting Scripture for personal gain or to promote false teachings. Peter wrote that some people "twist the Scriptures to their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16), and Paul urged Timothy to "rightly handle the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). By mishandling God’s Word to support unbiblical practices, Arnott demonstrates a disregard for the integrity and authority of Scripture.
5. Promoting False Teachings About Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance
John Arnott is known for promoting teachings on spiritual warfare, deliverance, and "inner healing" that go beyond what Scripture teaches. He frequently emphasizes the need for believers to break generational curses, engage in deliverance sessions, and experience emotional healing through dramatic encounters with the Holy Spirit. While the Bible acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12), it does not teach that Christians need to undergo repeated deliverance sessions or engage in practices that resemble modern psychological techniques in order to experience freedom in Christ.
The Bible teaches that believers have already been delivered from the power of darkness through faith in Christ (Colossians 1:13-14) and that "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36). By promoting teachings and practices that suggest believers need additional deliverance or special techniques to experience freedom, Arnott undermines the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work on the cross.
Conclusion from Scripture
The Bible consistently warns believers to be vigilant against false teachers who promote unbiblical practices, distort God’s Word, and lead others astray. Paul wrote to the Galatians, "But 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). John Arnott’s teachings, which emphasize unbiblical manifestations, Latter Rain theology, and extra-biblical revelations, align with teachings that deviate from the true message of Christ and the authority of Scripture.
Jesus warned that "false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24). True teachers of God’s Word will always point people to Christ, call them to repentance, and uphold the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. In contrast, Arnott’s teachings often distract from the Gospel, encourage unbiblical practices, and lead people to place their trust in experiences rather than in Christ.
For these reasons, based on the authority of Scripture, John Arnott should be regarded as a false teacher, and his teachings and practices should be avoided. Christians are called to "test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and to remain grounded in the truth of God’s Word, which is "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12).
The true Gospel is about repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and the transforming power of God’s grace. It calls believers to live lives of holiness, obedience, and submission to the Lordship of Christ, not to seek after unbiblical manifestations or subjective experiences. Therefore, believers should reject Arnott’s teachings and practices, and remain faithful to the unchanging truth of God’s Word, which alone offers the way to eternal life and true spiritual growth in Christ.