Comparative Analysis of Two Editions of Finis Dake’s Book: “Bible Truths Unmasked”

[This review will be reviewing two different editions, the 1950 and the 2003 editions]

A Conservative Biblical Christian Response to Dake’s Teachings

Introduction: Understanding the Context of Dake’s Work

Finis Jennings Dake (1902-1987) was a prominent Pentecostal minister whose teachings significantly influenced certain segments of American Christianity. His most famous work, the Dake Annotated Reference Bible, along with books like “Bible Truths Unmasked,” promoted distinctive theological positions that often departed from orthodox Christian teaching. After his death, his family undertook the task of revising his published works, attempting to remove what they recognized as problematic content, particularly regarding race relations and certain extreme theological positions.

The two editions under examination – the 1950 original published by Bible Research Foundation, Inc., and the 2003 edition published by Dake Publishing, Inc. – reveal both continuity and change in Dake’s theological legacy. While superficial racist content appears to have been addressed, deeper theological problems persist across both editions, requiring careful biblical analysis and correction.

Part I: Comparison of the Two Editions

1. Structural and Formatting Changes

The comparison reveals minimal structural changes between editions. Both maintain the same chapter organization:

• Chapter 1: How to Understand the Bible
• Chapter 2: The Reality of God, Satan, Fallen Angels, and Demons
• Chapter 3: The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
• Chapter 4: Moral Law and Moral Government
• Chapter 5: The Doctrine of Sin
• Chapter 6: How to Get Rid of Sin
• Chapter 7: The Doctrine of the New Birth
• Chapter 8: Evidences of the New Birth

The 2003 edition includes updated publishing information and ISBN numbers, reflecting modern publishing standards. However, the core content remains largely unchanged, suggesting that the family’s revision efforts were limited in scope.

2. Content Modifications: What Changed and What Remained

Our analysis reveals that while some minor wording changes exist between editions, the fundamental theological framework remains intact. The most significant observation is what wasn’t changed – namely, the problematic theological positions that characterize Dake’s system.

Part II: Major Theological Errors in Both Editions

1. The Heretical View of God’s Nature and Limitations

One of Dake’s most serious errors, present in both editions, is his teaching that God has a physical body and is limited by space and time. This teaching appears throughout his discussion of spiritual beings and contradicts the biblical doctrine of God’s omnipresence (His presence everywhere) and transcendence (His existence beyond physical limitations).

Dake writes in both editions about God having to “deal with free moral agents” in ways that suggest God is limited by human choices. While the Bible teaches that humans have genuine moral responsibility, Dake’s presentation diminishes God’s sovereignty – His absolute rule over all creation.

Biblical Correction: Scripture clearly teaches that God is spirit (John 4:24) and is not confined by physical limitations. The prophet Jeremiah records God’s words: “Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 23:23-24). God’s omnipresence means He is fully present everywhere simultaneously, not limited by space as Dake suggests.

The Westminster Confession of Faith, a foundational document of conservative Reformed theology, states: “There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions; immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty” (Chapter 2, Section 1). This orthodox position stands in direct contradiction to Dake’s anthropomorphic view of God.

2. Extreme Free Will Theology Undermining God’s Sovereignty

Both editions contain extensive teaching on “free moral agency” (Chapter 4) that goes far beyond biblical bounds. Dake presents human free will as so absolute that it limits God’s ability to accomplish His purposes. He writes, “God is limited in blessing them according to their free co-operation with Him.”

While the Bible teaches that humans make genuine choices and are responsible for those choices, Dake’s position essentially makes man sovereign over his own salvation and spiritual life. This contradicts numerous biblical passages that emphasize God’s sovereignty in salvation.

Biblical Correction: The Apostle Paul teaches clearly about God’s sovereignty in salvation: “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy” (Romans 9:16). Jesus Himself said, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him” (John 6:44).

Conservative evangelical theologian R.C. Sproul explains in his work “Chosen by God”: “The biblical doctrine of predestination does not eliminate human choice or responsibility. Rather, it establishes that our choices flow from our nature, and apart from God’s grace, our nature is fallen and inclined toward sin. God’s sovereignty and human responsibility are both biblical truths that must be held in tension.”

3. Perfectionist Teaching on Sin and Sanctification

Perhaps the most practically dangerous error in both editions is Dake’s teaching on sinless perfection. He repeatedly insists that true Christians do not and cannot sin daily. In Chapter 8, he writes: “If these men sin every day, then they are sinners every day and there is no time that they are not sinners.”

This teaching has led many sincere believers into despair when they recognize their ongoing struggle with sin, or worse, into self-deception about their own spiritual condition. Dake’s perfectionism contradicts both Scripture and the universal experience of Christians throughout history.

Biblical Correction: The Apostle John, writing to believers, says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9). This passage clearly assumes that Christians will need ongoing forgiveness.

The Apostle Paul, arguably the greatest Christian who ever lived, wrote near the end of his life: “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15). Note that Paul uses the present tense – “I am” – not “I was.”

John Calvin, in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, provides the historic Protestant understanding: “The saints are conscious of possessing such sanctification, but they feel that they are still encompassed with many infirmities and much weakness. They can make no boast of their holiness without at the same time confessing their sinfulness.”

4. Problematic Demonology and Spiritual Warfare Teaching

Both editions contain extensive teaching about demons and spiritual warfare that goes beyond biblical warrant. While the Bible certainly teaches the reality of spiritual warfare, Dake’s approach tends toward an unhealthy preoccupation with demonic activity and attributes too much power to Satan and demons.

Particularly problematic is his teaching that there are “demon spirits for every sickness, unholy trait, and doctrinal error known among men” (Chapter 2). This effectively removes human responsibility for sin and false teaching, attributing everything to demonic influence.

Biblical Correction: While spiritual warfare is real, James tells us that temptation comes from our own desires: “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:13-14).

The Reformed tradition has always maintained a balanced view of spiritual warfare. John Owen, the great Puritan theologian, wrote in “On the Mortification of Sin”: “The root of all sin is in the heart. While Satan may tempt and demons may oppress, the Christian’s primary battle is with the flesh – our own sinful nature that remains even after regeneration.”

5. Errors Regarding Healing and Prosperity

Both editions promote the idea that Christians should expect physical healing and material prosperity as normative experiences. Dake lists among the powers every believer should have: “Heal everyone prayed for” and “Get abundant provision for life” (Chapter 16 in full book).

This teaching has caused immense harm in the church, leading to disappointment, disillusionment, and even loss of faith when prayers for healing go unanswered or when godly believers experience poverty.

Biblical Correction: The Apostle Paul himself experienced unanswered prayer for healing: “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).

Jesus taught His followers to expect suffering, not constant health and wealth: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

D.A. Carson, in his book “How Long, O Lord?: Reflections on Suffering and Evil,” writes: “The prosperity gospel is a false gospel. It promises what God has not promised and fails to prepare believers for the suffering that Scripture says is part of the normal Christian life.”

Part III: The Deeper Problem – Hermeneutical Errors

Understanding Dake’s Flawed Approach to Scripture

The root of Dake’s theological errors lies in his approach to biblical interpretation, or hermeneutics. Both editions reveal several fundamental hermeneutical mistakes:

1. Hyper-Literalism

Dake often interprets figurative or anthropomorphic language about God in woodenly literal ways. When the Bible speaks of God’s “hand” or describes Him as “coming down,” Dake takes these as literal descriptions rather than accommodative language – God describing Himself in terms humans can understand.

2. Proof-Texting

Throughout both editions, Dake strings together numerous Bible verses without regard for their context. This method, called proof-texting, can make the Bible appear to say things it doesn’t actually teach when passages are read in context.

3. Dispensational Extremism

While dispensationalism itself is within the bounds of evangelical orthodoxy, Dake takes it to extremes that divide Scripture in ways that undermine the unity of God’s revelation and plan of salvation.

Biblical Correction: Sound hermeneutics requires reading Scripture in context – literary, historical, and theological. The Westminster Confession states: “The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture, it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly” (Chapter 1, Section 9).

Part IV: The Missing Racial Content – What We Can and Cannot Determine

While the Dake family’s stated intention was to remove racist content from the revised edition, our analysis of these two texts reveals minimal differences in this area. This could mean several things:

1. The most egregious racial content may have appeared in other Dake works not examined here
2. The racial problems may have been more subtle, embedded in theological frameworks rather than explicit statements
3. The actual changes may have been minimal despite stated intentions

What we can say definitively is that Dake’s theology, particularly his extreme emphasis on divisions and distinctions (seen in his approach to dispensations), could easily lend itself to racial divisions. His hyper-literal approach to Scripture led him to find divisions and separations where none exist biblically.

Biblical Correction: The Bible teaches the fundamental unity of humanity in both creation and redemption. “God that made the world and all things therein… hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth” (Acts 17:24, 26). In Christ, these divisions are overcome: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

Part V: Pastoral Concerns and Practical Applications

Why These Errors Matter for the Average Christian

Some might wonder why theological precision matters for everyday Christian life. The errors in Dake’s teaching have serious practical consequences:

1. Distorted View of God

When we diminish God’s attributes – His omnipresence, omniscience, or sovereignty – we rob ourselves of comfort and assurance. A God who is limited cannot be fully trusted. The God of the Bible, however, “worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11) and can be completely trusted.

2. Unhealthy Guilt or Pride

Perfectionist teaching either drives people to despair (when they honestly recognize their sin) or to pride (when they deceive themselves about their spiritual state). The biblical doctrine of progressive sanctification provides both hope and humility.

3. Misunderstanding of Spiritual Warfare

When everything is attributed to demons, personal responsibility is diminished. The Bible calls us to “mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth” (Colossians 3:5) – this is our responsibility, enabled by the Spirit.

4. Disappointment in Prayer

When people are taught they should heal everyone they pray for or always get what they ask, inevitable disappointment can shipwreck faith. The Bible teaches us to pray “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10) and to trust God’s wisdom when He says no.

Part VI: Theological Corrections from Conservative Evangelical Sources

To provide solid biblical grounding against Dake’s errors, we turn to trusted conservative evangelical theologians and their works:

On the Nature of God

Wayne Grudem in “Systematic Theology” writes: “God’s omnipresence may be defined as follows: God does not have size or spatial dimensions and is present at every point of space with his whole being, yet God acts differently in different places” (Chapter 13). This balanced view maintains both God’s transcendence and His immanence without the limitations Dake imposes.

J.I. Packer in “Knowing God” emphasizes: “God is not bound by the limitations of space and time as we are. He is spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being. To think of God as limited by physical constraints is to remake Him in our image rather than understanding we are made in His.”

On Human Free Will and Divine Sovereignty

John MacArthur in “The Gospel According to Jesus” explains: “Salvation is wholly of God. Human faith is simply the channel through which God’s grace flows. Even our faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). While we are responsible for our choices, we must never imagine that our will is autonomous or that God’s purposes can be thwarted.”

Charles Spurgeon, the “Prince of Preachers,” balanced these truths well: “I believe that every particle of dust that dances in the sunbeam does not move an atom more or less than God wishes – that every particle of spray that dashes against the steamboat has its orbit as well as the sun in the heavens – that the falling of leaves from a poplar is as fully ordained as the tumbling of an avalanche.”

On Sanctification and the Christian Life

Jerry Bridges in “The Pursuit of Holiness” provides the biblical balance: “The pursuit of holiness is a joint venture between God and the Christian. No one can attain any degree of holiness without God working in his life, but just as surely no one will attain it without effort on his own part.”

John Owen in “The Mortification of Sin in Believers” warns: “He that thinks he has no need of mortification has never been acquainted with the gospel, the Law, his own heart, or the Spirit of God.”

On Spiritual Warfare

Martyn Lloyd-Jones in “The Christian Warfare” teaches: “We must be careful on two sides. We must not be materialists, failing to recognize the spiritual realm and the reality of spiritual warfare. But we must also not become so preoccupied with demons that we forget that our primary battle is with our own sinful nature and the world system that opposes God.”

On Healing and Suffering

Joni Eareckson Tada, who has lived with quadriplegia for over 50 years, writes in “A Step Further”: “God permits what he hates to accomplish what he loves. Suffering is not outside God’s sovereignty, and He can use it for our good and His glory.”

John Piper in “Desiring God” reminds us: “Christ did not die to make us comfortable. He died to make us holy. Sometimes God’s way of making us holy is through suffering, not despite it.”

Part VII: A Biblical Framework for Understanding These Issues

The Sovereignty of God

The Bible consistently presents God as absolutely sovereign over all creation. Consider these clear statements:

• “The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all” (Psalm 103:19)
• “Our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased” (Psalm 115:3)
• “I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee” (Job 42:2)
• “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11)

This sovereignty does not eliminate human responsibility but establishes it. Because God is sovereign, our choices matter – they are part of His sovereign plan.

The Reality of Human Sinfulness

The Bible teaches that even regenerate believers struggle with sin:

• Paul’s testimony: “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not” (Romans 7:18)
• The provision for believers’ sins: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1)
• The ongoing need for forgiveness: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12) – Jesus taught His disciples to pray this daily

The Nature of Progressive Sanctification

The Bible presents sanctification as a process, not an instantaneous achievement:

• “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
• “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6)
• “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after” (Philippians 3:12) – Paul’s own testimony

Part VIII: Specific Textual Comparisons and Their Implications

Case Study 1: The Treatment of Moral Law (Chapter 4)

Both editions contain identical teaching on moral law and free moral agency. Dake’s statement that “God is limited in blessing them according to their free co-operation with Him” appears unchanged. This represents a fundamental misunderstanding of God’s sovereignty.

Biblical Analysis: While God has chosen to create beings with genuine moral agency, this does not limit His sovereignty. Joseph’s brothers freely chose to sell him into slavery, yet Joseph could say, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good” (Genesis 50:20). God’s sovereignty encompasses human free choices without eliminating responsibility.

Case Study 2: The Perfect Christian Life (Chapter 8 equivalent content)

Both editions maintain Dake’s perfectionist teaching. He argues that if Christians sin daily, they are not really Christians. This teaching has no basis in Scripture or Christian experience.

Historical Context: The church has consistently rejected perfectionism. The Council of Carthage (418 AD) condemned Pelagianism, which taught human moral perfection was possible. The Protestant Reformation reaffirmed that believers are simul justus et peccator – simultaneously justified and sinner.

Martin Luther wrote: “This life therefore is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness; not health, but healing; not being, but becoming; not rest, but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it.”

Case Study 3: Authority Over Demonic Powers

Both editions promise believers unlimited authority over all satanic powers. While believers do have authority in Christ, Dake’s presentation lacks biblical balance and pastoral wisdom.

Biblical Balance: Jesus gave His disciples authority over demons (Luke 10:19), but this doesn’t mean believers control all outcomes. Paul left Trophimus sick at Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20), and Epaphroditus was sick near death (Philippians 2:27). Authority in Christ doesn’t guarantee every prayer will be answered as we desire.

Part IX: The Most Serious Concerns for Biblical Christianity

After thorough analysis, the most serious concerns about Dake’s teaching in both editions are:

1. Undermining the Gospel

By teaching perfectionism, Dake obscures the gospel of grace. If Christians must achieve sinless perfection, then Christ’s work is insufficient. This contradicts Paul’s clear teaching: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

2. Diminishing God’s Character

By limiting God’s attributes and making Him subject to human will, Dake presents a God who is not the God of the Bible. This has serious implications for worship, trust, and the entire Christian life.

3. Creating False Expectations

By promising health, wealth, and victory over all problems, Dake sets up believers for devastating disappointment. When the promised benefits don’t materialize, many conclude that either they lack faith or God has failed them.

4. Misrepresenting the Nature of the Christian Life

The New Testament presents the Christian life as one of suffering and glory, defeat and victory, groaning and rejoicing. Paul says we “groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:23). Dake’s triumphalism ignores this biblical tension.

Part X: Practical Guidance for Discernment

How to Evaluate Teaching Like Dake’s

Christians need tools for discernment when encountering teaching like Dake’s. Here are biblical principles for evaluation:

1. Test Everything by Scripture

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). Don’t accept teaching just because it has many Bible verses – check the context and overall biblical teaching.

2. Look for Balance

Biblical truth is balanced. Beware of any teaching that emphasizes one truth to the exclusion of others. God is sovereign AND humans are responsible. Christians are freed from sin’s dominion AND still struggle with sin.

3. Consider the Fruit

Jesus said, “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20). What does this teaching produce? Does it lead to humility or pride? Peace or anxiety? Love for God and others or self-focus?

4. Consult Historical Christianity

If a teaching contradicts what Christians have believed for 2000 years, it’s probably wrong. God has been leading His church into truth throughout history, not just in the last century.

5. Seek Wise Counsel

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Discuss questionable teachings with mature believers, pastors, and theologians you trust.

Conclusion: The Unchanging Need for Biblical Truth

Our analysis reveals that while cosmetic changes may have been made between the 1950 and 2003 editions of “Bible Truths Unmasked,” the fundamental theological errors remain. These errors are not peripheral matters but strike at the heart of Christian doctrine – the nature of God, salvation, sanctification, and the Christian life.

The average Christian, who may not have extensive theological training, needs to understand these issues because they directly impact daily Christian living. A wrong view of God affects prayer. A wrong view of sanctification affects the struggle with sin. A wrong view of spiritual warfare affects how we understand life’s challenges.

The Gospel is simple enough for a child to understand yet profound enough to engage the greatest minds. At its heart is this truth: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone.

This salvation doesn’t promise us perfection in this life or freedom from all problems. It promises us forgiveness, adoption as God’s children, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and eternal life. It promises that God will work all things – including our struggles and failures – for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

May we hold fast to these biblical truths, rejecting any teaching that would add to or take away from the Gospel of God’s grace. May we grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, being transformed gradually into His image until that day when we see Him face to face and are made perfectly like Him.

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” (Jude 24-25).

Bibliography

Bridges, Jerry. The Pursuit of Holiness. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1978.

Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Translated by Henry Beveridge. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1989.

Carson, D.A. How Long, O Lord?: Reflections on Suffering and Evil. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2006.

Dake, Finis J. Bible Truths Unmasked. Atlanta: Bible Research Foundation, Inc., 1950.

———. Bible Truths Unmasked. Lawrenceville, GA: Dake Publishing, Inc., 2003.

Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.

Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn. The Christian Warfare: An Exposition of Ephesians 6:10-13. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1976.

Luther, Martin. Luther’s Works. Vol. 32, Career of the Reformer II. Edited by George W. Forell. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1958.

MacArthur, John. The Gospel According to Jesus. Revised and Expanded Edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008.

Owen, John. The Mortification of Sin in Believers. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2004.

Packer, J.I. Knowing God. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1973.

Piper, John. Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. Revised Edition. Colorado Springs: Multnomah, 2011.

Sproul, R.C. Chosen by God. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1986.

Spurgeon, Charles H. The Treasury of David. 7 vols. London: Marshall Brothers, 1869-1885.

Tada, Joni Eareckson, and Steve Estes. A Step Further. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1978.

The Westminster Confession of Faith. Atlanta: Committee for Christian Education & Publications, 1990.

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