Jack Van Impe's Compromise

From time to time, I have been urged to write an article about Jack Van Impe, but have found it very difficult. For years, in the fundamentalist circles in which I fellowshipped, Jack was the No. 1 prophecy teacher. His obvious love for God's Word and uncompromising stand made him a favorite among God's people.

If I had read the following statements in 1955, I would have regarded the one who made the statements as confused and heretical.

"I have taught for years about Russia's involvement in end-time prophecy. Now this has been verified by the third secret of the Lady of Fatima.

"John Paul II - that great man of God.

"Someone had the nerve to insult that godly lady, Mother Teresa.

These are all statements by Jack Van Impe. His position I leave with God. But I was challenged by a contrast made by a Christian friend, who, through reading Martyrs Mirror, is familiar with the life and ministry of William White, a 15th century martyr.

Suppose we could flip-flop time and translate William White into the 20th century. I wonder what would be the reaction to some of his statements:

"That the pope is the antichrist, and his prelates disciples of antichrist.

"That the children of Christians . . . need not be baptized with water.

"That it is lawful for priests to marry.

"That the holy water consecrated by the priest in the church is not holier or more efficacious than any other river." (condensed from 22 statements by William White and his fellow-martyrs, (Martyrs Mirror, page 346.)

Probably William would not be burned as he was in Norwich in 1428, but he would be roundly denounced by modern thinkers including Jack Van Impe.

But what if Jack were transported back in time to the 15th century? If he dared to suggest that one could be eternally saved by receiving Christ, he would be a candidate for the stake.

If he wanted to minister in Christ's Church, he would not be allowed to marry, and if he did, would be a candidate for the stake.

If he were martyred, Rexella (his wife) would have the option of continuing to proclaim his message and would herself suffer martyrdom (as did Johanna White, William's faithful wife).

Perhaps the greatest lesson this would show us is how far Christianity has changed in five centuries. Jack Van Impe stated that Martin Luther had truth, but "he took it to the extreme."

May God give us more who are willing to so believe the Truth that they will take it to the extreme - even if the extreme would mean the martyr's stake.

William White gave his life for the Gospel; Jack Van Impe is selling his testimony and credibility for a foolish and unscriptuiral alliance with the enemies of God. William recognized them and named them. He died, but his testimony still lives.

Jack Van Impe refuses to repent even though many preachers of truth (including Wilson Ewin and others) have written to him urging him to reconsider his position.

Jack Van Impe still lives, but his testimony for truth has died, in spite of the 10,000 verses of scripture he has memorized. We might sadly name him Jack Van Ichabod.