Theological Review of “Bible Truths Unmasked” by Finis Jennings Dake

Introduction: Understanding the Book and Its Context

As a conservative evangelical theologian, I approach this review of Finis Jennings Dake’s “Bible Truths Unmasked” (1950) with both appreciation for the author’s evident zeal for Scripture and serious concern about numerous theological positions that deviate significantly from historic orthodox Christianity. This comprehensive analysis will help the average Christian understand where Dake’s teachings align with biblical truth and where they dangerously depart from the faith “once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).

Dake, who authored numerous books and created the popular Dake Annotated Reference Bible, claimed to have spent over 75,000 hours in Bible study. While such dedication is admirable, we must remember that sincerity and study time do not guarantee theological accuracy. The Bereans were commended not merely for receiving Paul’s message enthusiastically, but for “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11). This review will apply that same Berean principle to Dake’s teachings.

Part I: The Fundamental Error – Dake’s View of Biblical Interpretation

The Dangerous Oversimplification of Scripture

One of the most troubling aspects of Dake’s theological approach appears in his very first chapter, where he makes extraordinary claims about biblical interpretation. Dake writes: “There can be no excuse for misunderstanding the Bible concerning anything that it says. The Bible is the most simple book in the world to understand. Men could not possibly make a book that could be more simple to understand than the Bible.” This statement reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of hermeneutics – the science of biblical interpretation.

Conservative evangelical theology has always recognized that while Scripture’s essential message of salvation is clear (what theologians call the perspicuity of Scripture), not all portions of Scripture are equally clear. The Apostle Peter himself acknowledged that some of Paul’s writings contain “things hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:16). Dake’s oversimplification actually contradicts Scripture itself and can lead to dangerous theological errors.

Dake further claims: “All that the Bible ever required of men in order to understand it is to believe it and take it for what it says.” This approach, while sounding spiritual, actually promotes a naive literalism that ignores the various literary genres in Scripture – poetry, prophecy, apocalyptic literature, parables, and historical narrative – each requiring different interpretive approaches. This oversimplification has led Dake into numerous theological errors that we will examine throughout this review.

The Rejection of Church History and Tradition

Dake displays a troubling dismissal of centuries of Christian scholarship and church tradition. He writes: “He must forget the many foolish and hurtful interpretations of men and believe that God knew what He said and that He meant exactly what He said.” While we must certainly test all teachings against Scripture, conservative evangelical theology recognizes the value of the historic creeds, the insights of the church fathers, and the collective wisdom of the body of Christ throughout history.

This radical individualism in interpretation opens the door to novel doctrines and heterodox teachings. The conservative evangelical position maintains that while Scripture alone is our final authority (sola scriptura), we should approach it with humility, recognizing that the Holy Spirit has been teaching the church for two millennia. Dake’s approach essentially claims that everyone before him has been wrong and that he alone has discovered “truths that have been hidden from the Christian world for centuries.”

Part II: Theological Errors Concerning God’s Nature and Attributes

Anthropomorphism and God’s Nature

While Dake doesn’t explicitly detail his view of God’s nature in this particular book, his other writings reveal a troubling tendency toward extreme anthropomorphism – attributing human physical characteristics to God. In his broader theological system, Dake teaches that God has a physical body, which directly contradicts Jesus’ statement that “God is spirit” (John 4:24) and the conservative evangelical understanding of God’s incorporeal nature.

This error stems directly from Dake’s overly literal approach to biblical interpretation. When Scripture speaks of God’s “hand” or “eyes,” conservative evangelical theology understands these as anthropomorphic language – human terms used to help us understand God’s actions and attributes, not literal physical descriptions. God is spirit, infinite, and transcendent. To attribute physicality to God is to diminish His divine nature and align more with Mormon theology than orthodox Christianity.

Problems with Divine Providence

In Chapter 15, Dake presents a view of divine providence that, while containing some biblical truths, veers into the prosperity gospel. He writes: “Providence and Wealth… God also blessed Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Job, and many men of the past with great wealth.” He even claims Solomon was “the world’s first recorded Billionaire.” While God certainly can and does bless people materially, Dake’s emphasis suggests that wealth is normative for believers.

This teaching contradicts the New Testament’s warnings about wealth and its spiritual dangers (Matthew 19:23-24, 1 Timothy 6:9-10). Conservative evangelical theology maintains a balanced view: God may choose to bless some believers with wealth for His purposes, but poverty is not a sign of spiritual failure, nor is wealth a sign of spiritual success. Consider that Jesus Himself had “nowhere to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20) and Paul learned to be content in both abundance and need (Philippians 4:12).

Part III: Errors in Soteriology (Doctrine of Salvation)

Perfectionism and Sinless Living

One of Dake’s most serious theological errors concerns his teaching on Christian perfection and the possibility of sinless living. In Chapter 8, he makes the extraordinary claim that true Christians live completely free from sin. He writes about believers having “freedom from sin and bad habits and spiritual defeat.” He goes even further, stating that all true Christians are “holy” and suggesting that those who sin are not truly saved.

This teaching of sinless perfectionism contradicts clear biblical teaching. The Apostle John explicitly states: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). Conservative evangelical theology maintains the biblical doctrine of progressive sanctification – that while we are justified instantly by faith, we grow in holiness throughout our Christian life, battling the flesh until we are glorified with Christ.

Dake writes: “Believe it or not, everyone who is a real Christian is holy and therefore is a holiness person.” While it’s true that believers are positionally sanctified in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2), Dake confuses positional sanctification with practical sinlessness. This error has led many sincere believers into either despair (when they realize they still sin) or self-deception (claiming a sinlessness they don’t actually possess).

Loss of Salvation Doctrine

Dake strongly advocates that believers can lose their salvation, citing numerous passages he believes support this view. He writes about those who “fall away from the faith” and argues against the doctrine of eternal security. While this is a debated issue even among evangelicals, Dake’s presentation lacks the nuance and careful exegesis that this important topic requires.

Conservative evangelical theology is divided on this issue, with Reformed theologians affirming the perseverance of the saints while Arminian evangelicals believe in conditional security. However, both camps would reject Dake’s simplistic treatment that seems to make salvation dependent on human performance rather than God’s grace. The danger in Dake’s approach is that it can lead to a works-based salvation where believers live in constant fear of losing their salvation through any sin.

Misunderstanding of the New Birth

While Dake correctly emphasizes the necessity of the new birth, his explanation reveals theological confusion. He writes in Chapter 7: “The new birth is not confirmation, church membership, water baptism, card signing that you accept Christ…” While these things indeed are not the new birth itself, Dake creates a false dichotomy between faith and its expressions.

Conservative evangelical theology maintains that while we are saved by grace through faith alone, saving faith inevitably produces good works (Ephesians 2:8-10, James 2:17). Dake’s teaching could lead people to seek a mystical experience rather than understanding that regeneration occurs when the Holy Spirit gives spiritual life to those who trust in Christ.

Part IV: Errors Concerning Spiritual Warfare and Demonology

Overemphasis on Demonic Activity

Chapters 2 and 3 of Dake’s book reveal an unhealthy preoccupation with demons and spiritual warfare that goes beyond biblical bounds. While conservative evangelical theology certainly affirms the reality of Satan and demons, Dake’s treatment gives them more attention and power than Scripture warrants.

He writes: “They are dominated by higher evil spirits who seek to control every act of their life and conduct contrary to the divine will.” This statement about humanity suggests a level of demonic control that undermines human responsibility and the biblical teaching about common grace. While Satan is called “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), most human sin comes from our own fallen nature, not direct demonic control (James 1:14-15).

Dake provides elaborate instructions for detecting demon workings, including: “Any power, influence, or doctrine that causes one to become passive, inactive, submissive, and unresisting to all workings of supernatural spirits which seek to control the life contrary to Scripture, is not of God.” While discernment is important, this teaching can create a paranoid Christianity where believers see demons behind every difficulty.

Confusion About Spiritual Gifts and Authority

In Chapter 16, Dake promises believers “unlimited authority over all satanic powers.” This teaching is dangerous and unbiblical. While believers have authority in Christ, it is not unlimited, and Scripture provides examples of godly people who faced ongoing spiritual battles (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).

Dake’s approach to spiritual authority often sounds more like magical thinking than biblical faith. He emphasizes formulas and techniques rather than humble dependence on God. Conservative evangelical theology maintains that our authority in Christ is real but must be exercised with wisdom, humility, and submission to God’s sovereign will.

Part V: The Prosperity Gospel and Material Blessings

Wealth as God’s Will for All Believers

Chapter 15, titled “How to Have Freedom From Poverty and Want,” reveals Dake’s embrace of prosperity theology. He claims poverty is not God’s will and that “God promises all wants of men who are saved.” This teaching distorts the biblical message and has caused immense harm to the global church.

The prosperity gospel is one of the most dangerous false teachings in modern Christianity. It contradicts Jesus’ teaching about the difficulty of rich people entering the kingdom (Matthew 19:23-24), Paul’s contentment in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13), and the Bible’s consistent warnings about the spiritual dangers of wealth (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

Dake writes: “No child of God, as a particular subject of special providence, should be without what sinners enjoy of the material benefits, health, and happiness.” This statement reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the Christian life. Jesus promised His followers tribulation in this world (John 16:33), not material prosperity. The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 often suffered poverty, persecution, and death.

Misapplication of Old Testament Promises

Dake frequently applies Old Testament promises given specifically to Israel under the Mosaic Covenant directly to New Testament believers. He fails to recognize the dispensational distinctions and the different nature of the New Covenant. While God certainly cares for our material needs (Matthew 6:25-34), He has not promised wealth to all believers.

Conservative evangelical theology recognizes that God’s primary concern is our spiritual well-being, not our material prosperity. The apostles often lived in poverty, early Christians faced persecution and loss of property, and millions of faithful believers throughout history have lived in material want while being rich in faith.

Part VI: Errors in Understanding Prayer and Faith

Mechanical View of Prayer

In Chapter 10, “How to Get Answers to Every Prayer,” Dake presents a mechanical, formula-based approach to prayer that treats God like a vending machine. He writes: “There is only one cause for failure in prayer. Jesus taught that it was ‘Because of your unbelief.'” While faith is certainly important, this simplistic explanation ignores the complexity of prayer in Scripture.

Conservative evangelical theology recognizes multiple reasons why prayers might not be answered as we expect:

• God’s sovereign will may differ from our requests (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)
• The timing may not be right (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
• Our motives may be wrong (James 4:3)
• Unconfessed sin may hinder prayer (Psalm 66:18)
• God may have something better in mind (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Dake’s teaching that lack of faith is the only reason for unanswered prayer has caused countless believers to feel guilty and condemned when their prayers aren’t answered as expected. This is pastoral malpractice that adds burden rather than comfort to suffering saints.

Word of Faith Theology

Dake’s approach to faith reveals influence from Word of Faith theology, the idea that faith is a force that can manipulate reality. He emphasizes “claiming” promises and suggests that with enough faith, anything is possible. He writes about faith that “refuses to take no for an answer” and “laughs at circumstances.”

This teaching fails to recognize that biblical faith is trust in God’s character and submission to His will, not a tool to get whatever we want. Jesus Himself prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Conservative evangelical theology maintains that faith means trusting God even when He says “no” or “wait,” not demanding that He conform to our desires.

Part VII: Divine Healing and Physical Health

Healing in the Atonement

Chapters 11-14 deal extensively with divine healing, and Dake makes the common Pentecostal error of teaching that physical healing is guaranteed in the atonement. He writes: “That divine healing for the body is scriptural (Matt. 8:17; 1 Pet. 2:24).” While divine healing is certainly biblical, Dake’s interpretation of these passages is flawed.

Conservative evangelical scholars recognize that while Isaiah 53:5 (quoted in 1 Peter 2:24) speaks of healing, the context clearly indicates spiritual healing from sin, not physical healing from disease. The phrase “by His stripes we are healed” refers to our spiritual restoration, not a guarantee of physical health. Matthew 8:17’s application of Isaiah’s prophecy to Jesus’ healing ministry shows that Christ fulfilled this prophecy during His earthly ministry, not that all believers can claim physical healing today.

Sickness and God’s Will

Dake adamantly declares: “It is Always God’s Will to Heal.” This absolute statement contradicts numerous biblical examples:

• Paul’s thorn in the flesh that God chose not to remove (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)
• Timothy’s frequent illnesses (1 Timothy 5:23)
• Trophimus left sick at Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20)
• Epaphroditus’s near-fatal illness (Philippians 2:25-27)

Conservative evangelical theology maintains that while God can and does heal, He is sovereign over sickness and health. Sometimes He uses illness for His purposes – to develop character, to demonstrate His sustaining grace, or for reasons we cannot understand this side of eternity.

Condemnation of Medical Treatment

Most troublingly, Dake suggests that using medical means shows lack of faith. He writes: “That God cursed His people who did not trust Him in sickness and disease” and implies that seeking medical help is unbiblical. This teaching has led to unnecessary deaths when believers refused medical treatment, believing it showed lack of faith.

Conservative evangelical theology recognizes medicine as God’s gift, using the natural processes He created. Luke was a physician (Colossians 4:14), and Paul recommended wine for Timothy’s stomach problems (1 Timothy 5:23). We should pray for healing while also thankfully using the medical knowledge God has allowed humanity to discover.

Part VIII: Errors in Understanding Moral Law and Free Will

Extreme Free Will Theology

In Chapter 4, Dake presents an extreme view of free will that borders on Pelagianism – the ancient heresy that denied original sin and taught that humans can achieve righteousness through their own efforts. He writes: “Free will is the power of choice concerning moral law. It is man’s faculty of choosing good or evil without compulsion or necessity.”

While conservative evangelical theology affirms human responsibility, it also recognizes that the Fall has affected our will. We are not neutral agents capable of choosing good or evil with equal ease. Scripture teaches that apart from God’s grace, we are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1) and that “no one seeks for God” (Romans 3:11). Our will is in bondage to sin until God’s grace liberates it.

Dake’s emphasis on unlimited free will minimizes the effects of the Fall and the necessity of God’s grace in salvation. It suggests that humans have the natural ability to choose God without divine enablement, which contradicts Jesus’ statement: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (John 6:44).

Misunderstanding of Moral Government

Dake’s treatment of moral law and moral government, while containing some truth, presents God primarily as a lawgiver and judge rather than a loving Father. This legalistic framework permeates his theology, leading to an emphasis on human performance rather than divine grace.

Conservative evangelical theology maintains the balance between God’s holiness and His love, His justice and His mercy. While moral law is real and important, the gospel is about God’s grace providing what the law demands but cannot supply – righteousness through faith in Christ.

Part IX: The Authority of Scripture and Private Interpretation

Dismissal of Scholarly Study

Throughout his book, Dake displays an anti-intellectual attitude that dismisses the value of theological education and biblical scholarship. He implies that anyone can understand everything in the Bible simply by reading it, without need for study of original languages, historical context, or theological framework.

Conservative evangelical theology values both the clarity of Scripture’s essential message and the importance of careful study. Paul commanded Timothy to “study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The Ethiopian eunuch needed Philip to explain Isaiah (Acts 8:30-31). Peter acknowledged that some biblical truths are “hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:16).

Claimed Special Revelation

Dake repeatedly claims to reveal truths “hidden from the Christian world for centuries.” This claim to special revelation is a hallmark of aberrant theology. If Dake’s interpretations were truly biblical, they would align with what faithful Christians have understood throughout church history. The Holy Spirit has been active in the church for two millennia; it’s arrogant to claim that only now, through Dake, are these “truths” being revealed.

Conservative evangelical theology maintains that while our understanding of Scripture can grow and deepen, the fundamental truths of the faith have been known since the apostolic era. Any “new revelation” that contradicts historic Christian orthodoxy should be rejected as error.

Part X: Practical Dangers and Pastoral Concerns

Creating Doubt About Salvation

One of the most pastorally damaging aspects of Dake’s theology is how it creates doubt about salvation. By teaching sinless perfectionism and the easy loss of salvation, Dake’s system leaves believers in constant uncertainty about their spiritual state.

He writes: “If anyone is in doubt whether he has ever been saved or not, it is clear that he is not saved.” This statement ignores the reality that many genuine believers struggle with doubt, especially during trials or depression. Conservative evangelical theology recognizes that assurance can fluctuate while salvation remains secure in Christ. We base our confidence not on our feelings but on God’s promises and the finished work of Christ.

Burden Instead of Rest

Jesus promised, “Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Dake’s theological system does the opposite – it places heavy burdens on believers:

• The burden of maintaining sinless perfection
• The burden of having enough faith to secure healing and prosperity
• The burden of constant warfare against demons
• The burden of earning and keeping salvation through performance

This is not the gospel of grace but a return to law-keeping and human effort. It produces either pride (in those who think they’re succeeding) or despair (in those who know they’re failing).

Divisiveness in the Body of Christ

Dake’s teaching creates division between “true” believers (who supposedly live in sinless victory with health and wealth) and struggling Christians (whom he suggests aren’t really saved). This spiritual elitism contradicts Paul’s teaching about the body of Christ, where different members have different gifts and struggles, but all are equally valuable (1 Corinthians 12).

Conservative evangelical theology emphasizes the unity of all true believers despite our different levels of maturity, different struggles, and different life circumstances. We are one in Christ, saved by the same grace, headed for the same glory.

Part XI: Theological Method and Interpretive Errors

Proof-Texting Without Context

Throughout his book, Dake demonstrates a flawed theological method called proof-texting – pulling verses out of context to support predetermined conclusions. He boasts of providing “31,214 Scripture references” in his complete course, but quantity doesn’t equal quality of interpretation. A thousand verses taken out of context don’t prove a doctrine; they merely multiply the error.

Conservative evangelical theology emphasizes the importance of:

• Literary context – What do the surrounding verses and chapters say?
• Historical context – What was the original setting and audience?
• Grammatical context – What do the words mean in their original language?
• Theological context – How does this fit with the whole counsel of Scripture?

Dake’s method ignores these crucial interpretive principles, leading to numerous errors. For example, he applies promises made specifically to Israel under the Old Covenant directly to New Testament believers without recognizing the redemptive-historical progression of Scripture.

Failure to Recognize Progressive Revelation

Dake fails to adequately account for progressive revelation – the fact that God revealed His truth gradually throughout history, with the fullest revelation coming in Christ. He often quotes Old Testament passages as if they have the same directness of application as New Testament commands to the church.

Conservative evangelical theology recognizes that while all Scripture is inspired and profitable (2 Timothy 3:16), not all Scripture applies to us in the same way. We must interpret the Old Testament through the lens of the New Testament and Christ’s fulfillment of the law.

Allegorization and Speculation

While claiming to take the Bible literally, Dake often engages in speculative interpretations that go beyond what Scripture actually says. He makes confident assertions about spiritual warfare, angelic hierarchies, and cosmic battles that extend far beyond biblical revelation.

Conservative evangelical theology maintains that we should be content with what God has revealed and not speculate beyond Scripture. As Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever.”

Part XII: Assessment of Specific Doctrinal Claims

The Nature of Faith

In Chapter 9, Dake presents various “types” of faith with elaborate distinctions that Scripture doesn’t make. While the Bible does speak of weak and strong faith, Dake’s multiplication of faith categories creates confusion rather than clarity.

He presents faith as a force or power that humans can manipulate rather than simple trust in God. Biblical faith is relational – it’s about trusting a Person, not wielding a spiritual force. Abraham’s faith, which Dake cites, was not about controlling outcomes but about trusting God’s promises even when circumstances seemed impossible.

The Role of Human Will

Dake’s emphasis on human free will extends to making humans almost co-equal with God in determining outcomes. He writes as if God is helplessly waiting for humans to make the right choices, limited by our decisions. This diminishes God’s sovereignty and omnipotence.

Conservative evangelical theology maintains the biblical paradox: God is absolutely sovereign, yet humans are genuinely responsible. We don’t resolve this tension by diminishing either truth. God works “all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians 1:11), yet we make real choices for which we’re accountable.

The Nature of Sanctification

Dake’s teaching on holiness confuses positional sanctification (our standing in Christ) with progressive sanctification (our growing in godliness). He correctly notes that all believers are called “holy” or “saints” in Scripture, but incorrectly concludes this means sinless perfection.

Conservative evangelical theology distinguishes between:

• Positional sanctification – We are set apart as holy the moment we believe
• Progressive sanctification – We grow in practical holiness throughout life
• Perfect sanctification – We will be completely holy only in glory

This biblical framework helps believers understand both their secure position in Christ and their ongoing need for growth and grace.

Part XIII: The Prosperity Gospel’s Theological Problems

Misunderstanding the Nature of Covenant

Dake’s prosperity teaching reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the biblical covenants. He applies material blessings promised to Israel under the Mosaic Covenant directly to the church under the New Covenant. This ignores the different nature and promises of these covenants.

The New Covenant emphasizes spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) rather than material prosperity. While God certainly cares for our physical needs, He hasn’t promised wealth to all believers. The New Testament’s emphasis is on contentment, not accumulation; on giving, not getting; on treasures in heaven, not riches on earth.

Redefinition of Suffering

Dake’s system cannot adequately account for the Bible’s teaching about suffering. He sees all suffering as either demonic attack (to be rebuked) or lack of faith (to be overcome). This contradicts the New Testament’s teaching that suffering is normal and even valuable for believers:

• We are called to suffer for Christ (Philippians 1:29)
• Suffering produces character and hope (Romans 5:3-4)
• We share in Christ’s sufferings (1 Peter 4:13)
• God uses suffering to discipline His children (Hebrews 12:5-11)

Conservative evangelical theology recognizes that in this fallen world, believers will face trials, persecution, sickness, and poverty. These aren’t signs of spiritual failure but opportunities for God’s grace to be displayed.

The True Gospel Versus the Prosperity Gospel

The prosperity gospel is a false gospel because it fundamentally misrepresents God’s purposes and promises. It makes God a means to our materialistic ends rather than the end Himself. It appeals to human greed rather than calling for self-denial. It promises what God hasn’t guaranteed while ignoring what He has promised.

The true gospel calls us to:

• Take up our cross and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24)
• Seek first God’s kingdom, not material things (Matthew 6:33)
• Be content in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13)
• Store up treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19-20)
• Consider everything loss compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8)

Part XIV: Impact on Christian Living and Practice

Creates Performance-Based Christianity

Dake’s theological system inevitably creates a performance-based Christianity where believers constantly measure their spiritual temperature by their circumstances. Are you sick? You must lack faith. Are you poor? You must have unconfessed sin. Are you struggling? You must not be truly saved.

This contradicts the gospel of grace, which says we’re accepted in Christ regardless of our performance. Conservative evangelical theology emphasizes that our standing with God is based on Christ’s perfect righteousness, not our imperfect efforts. We obey God out of gratitude for salvation, not to earn or maintain it.

Produces Spiritual Pride or Despair

Dake’s system produces two types of people: those who think they’ve achieved sinless perfection (and become spiritually proud) and those who know they haven’t (and fall into despair). Neither response reflects biblical Christianity.

The Bible’s picture is different: we are simultaneously righteous in Christ and struggling with remaining sin. We rejoice in our position while honestly acknowledging our condition. We have confidence in Christ’s work while humility about our own. This balanced view produces neither pride nor despair but grateful dependence on God’s grace.

Distorts Prayer and Relationship with God

By turning prayer into a formula for getting what we want, Dake’s teaching distorts our relationship with God. Prayer becomes about technique rather than relationship, about claiming rather than communing, about getting rather than glorifying God.

Biblical prayer involves:

• Worship and adoration of God
• Confession and repentance
• Thanksgiving for God’s blessings
• Supplication with submission to God’s will
• Intercession for others

It’s about aligning our will with God’s, not forcing Him to align with ours.

Part XV: Examining Dake’s Influence and Legacy

The Dake Annotated Reference Bible

While this review focuses on “Bible Truths Unmasked,” it’s important to note that Dake’s most influential work is his Annotated Reference Bible, which has spread his theological errors to millions of readers. The danger of study Bibles with extensive notes is that readers often unconsciously absorb the commentator’s interpretations as if they were Scripture itself.

Conservative evangelical scholars have repeatedly warned about the theological errors in the Dake Bible, including:

• His teaching that God has a physical body
• His racial theories about a pre-Adamic race
• His excessive dispensationalism
• His prosperity theology
• His perfectionist teachings

Connection to Aberrant Movements

Dake’s theology has influenced various aberrant movements within Christianity, particularly extreme Pentecostalism, the Word of Faith movement, and prosperity gospel teachers. His emphasis on spiritual formulas, unlimited authority, and guaranteed healing and wealth has been adopted and expanded by many false teachers.

While Dake himself might not have taken his teachings to the extremes some of his followers have, he laid the theological foundation for these errors. Conservative evangelical theology emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine because small theological errors, like small course corrections in navigation, lead to major deviations over time.

Part XVI: Pastoral and Practical Warnings

For Those Influenced by Dake’s Teaching

If you have been influenced by Dake’s teaching, please understand that this review is not meant to attack you personally but to help you see where his theology departs from biblical truth. Many sincere Christians have been led astray by persuasive but unbiblical teaching. The path back to truth involves:

1. Return to Scripture with fresh eyes – Read the Bible without Dake’s interpretive framework
2. Study with sound teachers – Learn from theologians who have stood the test of time
3. Join a biblically faithful church – Submit to the teaching and accountability of a sound local church
4. Focus on the gospel of grace – Rest in Christ’s finished work rather than your own performance
5. Embrace biblical balance – Avoid extremes and hold to the whole counsel of God

For Pastors and Teachers

If you are a pastor or teacher, be aware that many in your congregation may have been influenced by Dake’s theology through his reference Bible or related teachings. Address these errors with:

• Grace – Remember that many holding these views are sincere believers who have been misled
• Truth – Clearly teach what Scripture actually says about these issues
• Patience – It takes time to unlearn error and embrace truth
• Love – Demonstrate Christ’s love even while correcting error

Part XVII: The Importance of Sound Doctrine

Why Theology Matters

Some might ask, “Why does it matter what we believe as long as we love Jesus?” The answer is that what we believe about God, salvation, and the Christian life profoundly affects how we live and relate to God. False doctrine:

• Dishonors God by misrepresenting His character
• Damages believers by leading them into error
• Distorts the gospel message to the lost
• Divides the church over false teachings
• Defeats effective Christian living

Paul repeatedly warned about false doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3, 4:1, 6:3-5) and commanded Timothy to “guard the deposit” of truth (1 Timothy 6:20, 2 Timothy 1:14). Sound doctrine is not optional for Christian health and growth.

The Standard of Orthodox Christianity

Conservative evangelical theology doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but it does maintain that certain truths are non-negotiable:

• The Trinity – One God in three persons
• The deity and humanity of Christ
• Salvation by grace through faith alone
• The authority and inerrancy of Scripture
• The reality of sin and judgment
• The bodily resurrection of Christ
• The second coming of Christ
• The eternal states of heaven and hell

These doctrines have been affirmed by true Christians throughout history. Any teaching that contradicts these fundamentals should be rejected, regardless of how many Bible verses are cited in its support.

Conclusion: A Call to Biblical Discernment

Summary of Major Concerns

This comprehensive review has identified numerous serious theological errors in Finis Dake’s “Bible Truths Unmasked”:

1. Hermeneutical errors – His overly simplistic approach to interpretation leads to misunderstanding Scripture
2. Theological errors about God – His anthropomorphic view of God contradicts God’s spiritual nature
3. Soteriological errors – His perfectionism and loss of salvation teaching distort the gospel
4. Practical errors – His prosperity gospel and healing guarantee create false expectations
5. Spiritual warfare errors – His excessive demonology produces fear rather than faith
6. Prayer errors – His mechanical view of prayer treats God like a formula rather than a Father
7. Authority errors – His claim to reveal hidden truths undermines the sufficiency of Scripture

These are not minor disagreements but major departures from biblical Christianity that can shipwreck faith and lead people away from the true gospel.

The Beauty of Biblical Truth

In contrast to Dake’s burdensome system, biblical Christianity offers:

• Grace not works – We’re saved by God’s unmerited favor, not our performance
• Rest not striving – We rest in Christ’s finished work, not our endless efforts
• Hope not fear – We have confident expectation based on God’s promises, not anxiety about losing salvation
• Reality not fantasy – We live in the real world where Christians face trials, not a fantasy where faith conquers every problem
• Christ not self – Our focus is on glorifying Christ, not securing our own prosperity

A Final Appeal

Dear reader, if you have been influenced by Dake’s teachings or similar theological systems, I appeal to you in Christian love to return to the simplicity and purity of the biblical gospel. You don’t need to achieve sinless perfection – Christ’s perfection is credited to you by faith. You don’t need to have enough faith to guarantee healing and wealth – God’s grace is sufficient in weakness and want. You don’t need to maintain your salvation through performance – Christ holds you secure in His hand.

The gospel is good news precisely because it’s about what God has done for us in Christ, not what we must do for God. It’s about His faithfulness, not ours; His strength, not ours; His perfection, not ours. This is the faith once delivered to the saints, the gospel that has sustained believers through two millennia of trials, tribulations, and triumphs.

May God grant you wisdom to discern truth from error, courage to reject false teaching regardless of its popularity, and grace to rest in the finished work of Christ. May you find in biblical Christianity not a burden to bear but a Savior to trust, not a system to master but a relationship to enjoy, not a performance to maintain but a gift to receive.

Let us close with Paul’s words to the Galatians, who were being led astray by false teaching: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 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 1:6-8).

Stand firm in the true gospel. Test everything by Scripture. Hold fast to what is good. And may the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Soli Deo Gloria – To God Alone Be Glory

Bibliography

Primary Source:

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

Note: This review has been based on direct quotations and teachings from Dake’s “Bible Truths Unmasked” as found in the project library. The theological critique has been developed from the standpoint of conservative evangelical theology as represented by mainstream evangelical scholarship and the historic creeds and confessions of the church. While additional theological resources would typically be cited in a full academic review, this analysis has focused on examining Dake’s work against the clear teaching of Scripture and orthodox Christian doctrine as understood by conservative evangelicalism.

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