I do believe Joyce Meyer is false teacher, for I will quote a few of her teachings on vital doctrines that contradict the Word of God. Before I do though, let me first say that even if she was a “sound teacher” she is still guilty of assuming a place which the Word of God condemns. In 1st Timothy 2:11-12 the Apostle Paul declared, “Let a woman LEARN IN SILENCE with all submission. And I DO NOT PERMIT A WOMAN TO TEACH or TO HAVE AUTHORITY OVER A MAN, but to be in silence” (NKJV). This passage alone teaches us clearly and emphatically that a woman should not take the place of a public teacher of the Word of God, for in doing so she is assuming a place of authority over men. When men are present a woman is to “learn in silence with all submission.” As you may know, Mrs. Meyer preaches and teaches PUBLICLY, in the presence of men, which contradicts these two verses. By writing books for the public to read, she is also disobeying these scriptures, for surely she wrote them to teach all people, including men. So, even though you speak of a “woman’s Bible study” they would still be seeking to be taught from one who has assumed the place of a teacher to all people, not just women.

There are quite a few “false teachings” that I could cite, but I will confine myself to two of her most serious errors. These “teachings” are from her book “The Most Important Decision You’ll Ever Make” where she claims that Jesus paid for our sins in hell and that one can’t be saved unless you believe that.

1) On page 35 she says, “He became our sacrifice and died on the cross. He did not stay dead. He was in the grave three days. During that time HE ENTERED HELL, where you and I deserve to go (legally) because of our sin. HE PAID THE PRICE THERE.” This is a clear contradiction of John 19:30 where Jesus cried out from the cross, “It is finished.” Those three words are one word in the Greek and it means, “PAID.” In other words, Jesus “paid the price for our sins on the cross” and NOT in hell. He had experienced God’s wrath for our sins ON THE CROSS and then He died for our sins ON THE CROSS. He PAID the two-fold penalty of sin (DEATH and JUDGMENT) ON THE CROSS and NOT in hell.

2) On page 37 she writes, “His spirit went to hell because that is where we deserve to go…there is no hope of anyone going to heaven unless they believe this truth.” This is a false gospel! Listen to the gospel that the Apostle Paul preached: “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you….that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1st Corinthians 15:1, 3-4). There is not a word in Paul’s gospel about Christ suffering in hell; rather He died for our sins (on the cross); He was buried (in Joseph’s tomb); and He rose again (from Joseph’s tomb). The fact is, the moment Jesus died “His spirit” departed from His body and went to heaven to be with His Father. We are taught this in Luke 23:46, “And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, ‘Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” He had promised the penitent thief earlier, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” His spirit and that of the saved thief went to Paradise that day! Jesus did NOT go to hell.

There are other very serious errors taught by Joyce Meyer, including her teaching that Jesus “stopped being the Son of God on the cross.” Here is a quote from her, “He could have helped himself up until the point where he said I commend my spirit into your hands, at the point he couldn’t do anything for himself. He HAD BECOME SIN, he WAS NO LONGER THE SON OF GOD. He WAS SIN.” These statements are outright blasphemy, for Jesus never ceased being the Son of God (see 1st Timothy 3:16 & Colossians 1:19; 2:9) and even though He died for OUR SINS, He WAS NOT SIN (see 1st Peter 1:19).

Another blasphemous teaching is that “Jesus was born again.” In one of her public addresses she said, “The minute that blood sacrifice was accepted JESUS WAS THE FIRST HUMAN BEING THAT WAS EVER BORN AGAIN.” If Jesus had to be born again, then it means that He was once “dead in trespasses and sins” (see Ephesians 2:1). The New Birth is needed for SINNERS who were born in sin (Psalm 51:5) and who practice sin (Romans 3:23). Jesus was absolutely sinless (see Matthew 1:35; 2nd Corinthians 5:21; 1st Peter 2:22 and 1st John 3:5) and did NOT need a new birth! We believe Mrs. Meyers has been influenced by the Positive Confession movement where some teach that Jesus lost His divine nature, went to hell, finished the atonement in hell, and was born again. These are serious errors that can lead souls to hell.

In closing, I have taken this much time and space because of the popularity of Mrs. Meyer. Her influence is widespread and has been accepted by the masses. Some may think it is wrong to publicly expose a false teacher by name, but the Apostle Paul did this on several occasions. For examples of this see 1st Timothy 1:19-20 and 2nd Timothy 2:17. The Apostle John did the same in 3rd John 9-11. (301.7) (DO)