The Secret Doctrine of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)

Executive Summary

This document synthesizes a critical analysis of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement. It explores the movement's transition from traditional biblical Christianity to extra-biblical revelation, traces its intellectual lineage back to 17th-century Western esotericism, and examines how its core tenets—such as Dominionism and Spiritual Warfare—are applied to modern political activities and social structures.

Key Takeaways

• Dominionist Mandate: The NAR seeks total control over the key pillars of society via the Seven Mountains Mandate.
• Esoteric Lineage: Major doctrines are traced back to 17th-century mystics Jacob Böhme and Jane Lead, incorporating themes of Christian Cabala, alchemy, and Gnosticism.
• Extra-Biblical Revelation: The movement rejects a closed biblical canon in favor of ongoing "fresh" insights delivered through a top-down hierarchy of Apostles and Prophets.
• Eschatological Elitism: Central to their theology is the "Manifest Sons of God" doctrine—the belief that an elite "end-times army" will attain supernatural power and a perfected state to rule on Earth.
• Politicized Spiritual Warfare: Modern political opposition is framed as literal demonic influence, motivating followers toward aggressive political mobilization.

Core Features & Ideological Pillars

1. Dominionism & The Seven Mountains Mandate

Unlike traditional Christian theology that focuses on an internal spiritual kingdom, the NAR redefines the "Kingdom of God" as an actual global government system.

1. Family
2. Religion
3. Education
4. Media
5. Entertainment
6. Business
7. Government

2. Hierarchical Elitism & Non-Democratic Structure

The NAR explicitly rejects democratic governance and traditional church structures, placing Apostles and Prophets at the apex of its authority.

3. Manichaean Spiritual Warfare

The movement views reality through a strict binary: absolute divine good versus absolute demonic evil. Societal problems and political adversaries are framed as literal demons. `

Manichaeanism taught an elaborate dualistic cosmology describing the struggle between a good spiritual world of light, and an evil material world of darkness. Through an ongoing process in human history, light is gradually removed from the world of matter and returned to the world of the divine.

Historical & Esoteric Origins

The theology of the modern NAR is not rooted in traditional Protestantism, but in a synthesis of earlier mystical movements:

[17th-Century Mysticism]
Jacob Böhme & Jane Lead
(Alchemy, Gnosticism, Sophia/Wisdom)
       │
       ▼
[1948 Latter Rain Movement]
William Branham & Restorationists
(Manifest Sons of God, Tabernacles)
       │
       ▼
[Modern NAR Movement]
C. Peter Wagner, Lance Wallnau, etc.
(7 Mountains Mandate, Cyrus Prophecy)

Key Historical Influences

• Jacob Böhme (1575–1624): A German mystic who introduced concepts of spiritual alchemy. Böhme taught that humanity possessed god-like powers prior to the Fall, which could be restored to an elite group through spiritual refining and the pursuit of Divine Wisdom (Sophia).
• Jane Lead (1624–1704): A disciple of Böhme and leader of the Philadelphian Society during the British Civil War. Lead’s prophecies established the framework for:
  • The "Unsealing" of the Ark: Claiming that new, extra-biblical revelations would continually be granted to "holy seekers."
  • The "Philadelphian Church": An elite, pure remnant set apart from mainstream, "lukewarm" denominations (often labeled "Babylon").
  • The "Virgin Church": A spiritual body that gives birth to a supernatural generation of "firstborn" believers.
• The Latter Rain Movement (1948): Rebranded these 17th-century prophecies into mid-20th-century Pentecostalism, passing down the foundational concepts to modern NAR leaders.

Major Doctrinal Concepts Explained

Theological & Societal Critiques

Critics and researchers raise several primary concerns regarding the movement's trajectory:

1. Undermining Democratic Systems: The movement's focus on top-down apostolic rule and total societal dominance encourages opposition to pluralistic, democratic institutions.
2. Dehumanization of Opponents: By labeling political or religious dissenters as "demonic" or "Babylon," the movement risks erasing normal civil discourse in favor of existential conflict.
3. Exclusionary Language: Doctrinal references to purging "infirmities of nature" or "dross" carry deeply troubling elitist and eugenicist implications regarding those who do not fit the vision of a "perfected" end-times body.
4. Departure from Historical Orthodoxy: The heavy reliance on subjective spiritual experiences, astral projection claims, and esoteric lineages marks a clear departure from standard Christian biblicism.

Theological Comparison: NAR vs. Biblical Christianity

While the NAR often retains traditional vocabulary—such as "gospel," "kingdom," and "spiritual warfare"—it redefines these concepts to support an entirely different theological framework:

• Authority of Scripture vs. Extra-Biblical Revelation: Historic Christianity holds to Sola Scriptura—the principle that the Bible is the completed, sufficient, and final authority for faith and practice.

• The Nature of the Kingdom: Orthodox Christian doctrine views the Kingdom of God primarily as a spiritual reality inaugurated by Jesus, centered on salvation, personal regeneration, and the transformation of the human heart, with Christ Himself establishing His earthly reign upon His physical return.

• Ecclesiastical Authority: Historic Protestant theology teaches the "priesthood of all believers," placing Jesus Christ as the sole mediator and head of the church.

• Gospel Focus vs. Dominion Tactics: Biblical Christianity centers on the proclamation of the Gospel—salvation from sin through faith in Christ's death and resurrection.

Summary

While traditional Christianity calls believers to serve as witnesses of Christ within a fallen world while awaiting His return, the New Apostolic Reformation calls its adherents to act as an elite ruling class tasked with purifying the Earth and seizing societal power. This shift moves the movement away from historical Christian orthodoxy and into a distinct, power-oriented religious system.

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Action Steps:

1. Check the Glossary: Visit our NAR Glossary to see if your church is using these redefined terms.
2. Compare the Claims: Read our 10 Signs of Church Drift to see if these patterns exist in your congregation.
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