For Those with Ears to Hear... "I Can Only Imagine" Movie and Song is anything but Christian. Do not be deceived.

...and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into fables... 2 Timothy 4:4...
...Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices...  2 Corinthians 2:11
The latest rage is a supposed Christian movie based on popular supposed Christian song played often on so called Christian Radio, " I Can Only Imagine."
Frankly, when the song first became popular  I was taken in by the music and what I could tell of the lyrics.  And didn't give it much thought afterwards. I've since confessed to God for not being aware before engaging in the song.
But when the song based movie came out and main stream media began promoting it as a great "Christian", faith based movie, my antenna went up immediately  and I began researching. Mature Christians know from experience based on God's word the world and the world's systems are NEVER in agreement with the things of God.
"Know ye not that the friendship of the world is emnity with God? " James 4:4. 
"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.  Luke 6:26.
I began my search by closely examining the life of the creator of the song, the lyrics to the song, and a detailed unbiased review of the movie itself to see if it truly would be worthy of being titled a Christian movie.
WARNING!   In all three areas,  I have found, " I can only imagine"  to be found weighed in the balance and found wanting, seriously alarming and against scripture.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS:
Creator of the song:
Artist: MercyMe
Album: The Worship Project
Released: 1999
Songwriter(s): Bart Millard
Genre: Christian/gospel
Analysis: 
https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/mercyme
Based on the creator's bio, he was closely associated with and involved in Rock Music. Although it is concealed, KISS and other Satanic rock music inspired and "got him through" his abused life.  He has never come out of it. He has never renounced the wrong kind of music. Here is the Truth about ROCK MUSIC by a former acquaintance of the genre.
According to Bart Millard's personal testimony he believes
Bart Millard has been quoted  in various interviews saying that so called Christian Singer/ Composer Bill Gaither is his mentor, hero, inspiration.  Tell me who your friends are and I will show you who you are.
Here are some of Bart's favorite recording artists U2... Saying quote, " I listen to them all the time." (NOTE: All of the false teachers like Rob Bell and Rick Warren lift up U2 as great inspiration. )
Comment:  Over and over I see Bart use quotes like, " To know Christ. To have Christ. Christ..." where people suppose he's referring to The Lord Jesus Christ.  But is he?     In searching through the Epistles,  Paul always referred to Jesus Christ or the Lord Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus,  in full, but  never in part as Christ.  Christ means the anointed one. Christ is not Jesus' last name.
Another worrisome aspect of Bart's personal testimony is portraying God as universally accepting all, no matter what.  "God loves us, God considers us the most beautiful thing he ever created." It seems he like other new age prophets use this new age GNOSTICISM and Universalism avoiding the True Doctrine of Jesus Christ.
But. The most alarming issue with Bart being a so called Christian is: There is NO visual change or distinction in his personal and professional life to that of the fallen world... ( 2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.)
Please see this link below: 
Also, Mercy Me, is a colloquial expression that reeks of a questioning tortured soul pleading for mercy. An unregenerated sinner would say this, not a blood bought born again true Christian. 
The LYRICS to the Song are as follows:
Begin quote:
I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk, by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When you face is before me
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
Surrounded by You glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine when that day comes
When I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine when all I would do is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for You, Jesus
Or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine hey ya ah
Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for You, Jesus
Or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine hey ya ah
I can only imagine yeah yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine ey ey ey
I can only imagine
I can only imagine when all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You
I can only imagine
Songwriters: Bart Marshall Millard
I Can Only Imagine lyrics © Music Services, Inc
End Quote.
My comments on the Lyrics:
NO! You Reprobate! This is what a true child of God will do upon seeing Jesus:  

Revelation 1:17 King James Version (KJV)

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
FALL AT HIS FEET AS DEAD! 
Not going into detail, phrases  of "standing in the Son", your face is before me (implies Jesus Christ subservient position), and using subjunctive mood of "would" implying doubt, really bother and vex my spirit.
However,  my main focus is on the word imagine. Bart claims in multiple interviews that The word imagine kept coming to him.  What came to me, after prayerful consideration of this subject, was the Bible verse of 2 Corinthians 10:5.
We are strongly warned that our spiritual warfare deals directly with destroying IMAGINATIONS and anything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
2 Corinthians 10:3 KJV
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2 Corinthians 10:4 KJV
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
We are also warned that the sin for knowing God - But not glorifying God as God those becoming vain in their IMAGINATIONS. 
Romans 1:21 King James Version

"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."

Focus on the word IMAGINATIONS.  The Greek word in the original Bible text for Imagination is λογισμοὺς ( logismos ).
A careful analysis in context of the word logismos is USING OUR LIMITED PERSONAL OPINION RECKONING TO COMPREHEND THE INFINITE.
Why would God forbid This?
Simply stated,  the mind is the battlefield and where our imagination perceives without the word of God's direction, we are sifted like wheat by the adversary.   A great read on the subject is THE SPIRITUAL MAN by Watchman Nee.
Nowhere in scripture are the Prophets or Apostles allowed to be left imagining and letting the flesh discern spiritual matters. Or even make hypothetical proposals or questions.  Whenever the apostles strayed like Peter did in imagination of his limited mind to perceive the infinite things of God, Jesus Christ severely rebuked him.  Read:  Matthew 16:23,    Matthew 17 TRANSFIGURATION .
No doubt The Lord Jesus Christ  rebukes Bart Millard...
Let's also take a look of the word IMAGINE used in the old testament.  The Hebrew word for imagine is hagiyg. In context the way Bart uses Imagine in his lyrics,  it literally means to devise a vain thing as used in Psalms 2:1; to mutter and muse (muse literally comes from fallen angels who preside over the arts for inspiration to drive the wandering mind to be lost in reflection)  as wizards and those who communicate with the dead, Isaiah 8:19; to find the uttering out of the heart lying words of vanity, Isaiah 59:13 (Jeremiah 17:9 says the heart of man is deceitful and wicked. Mark 7:21 says that only evil proceeds out of the heart of man.); the growl of a lion over prey Isaiah 31:4.
Please note carefully the time imagine is used with Godly meditation is within the strict confines of the word of God.  Psalms 1:2. More clearly I will take only what is clearly stated in scripture and meditate on that. Not adding or subtracting one word.
Most connected to the danger of Bart's now famous song goes all the way back to the Garden.  Looking carefully at Genesis 3:5, we see Satan employing Eve's imagination outside the limitations of God's law.
Careful examination of this word in context to the scripture shows clearly is letting your mind run on its own course to reason for possible conclusions. Precisely the reason the King James Translators use the word IMAGINATIONS.
Another look at Imagine comes from John Lennon's most commercially successful album in 1971. IMAGINE is without doubt completely the antithesis of God. It is the herald for the Beast, kingdom of the Antichrist. 
In my link above about Rock Music, it clearly shows how John Lennon admitted that his inspiration came directly from Satan.
The lyrics say in the chorus I CAN ONLY....imagine...This clearly implies uncertainty... There is an uncomfortable friction of doubt, very subtle but strong sense of  unbelief.  The same spirit was with EVE in the garden.... Doubt...Questioning left to the imagination.
I can only image is worn cliche meaning I have no idea regarding something of infinite complexity so, for poetic purposes,  I'm going to make my own assessments.
If Bart Millard bothered reading his Bible, he would not have to let his carnal mind muse over meeting Jesus Christ in heaven. He would know for sure. Clearly in Revelation 4, we see the Saints (the true blood bought born again Christians,  the true body of Christ,  FALL DOWN AND WORSHIP THE KING OF KINGS.
Paul was taken into the 3rd Heaven into the very presence of God.  He wasn't allowed to comment. He would not dare speculate. 
Isaiah was taken in a vision before God and he fell to the ground as if a dead man.
Bart Millard wouldn't be imagining things like dancing like a monkey when Revelation clearly shows the opposite. 
Bart Millard needs to REPENT.
The Movie:
Based on the box office sales, the movie would be considered a success from the eyes of the world. But based on film critics who are evaluating the content as strictly content, this movie sends any message but definitely not the true doctrine of Jesus Christ according to the Bible.  The message is clearly secular with hints of confounding and mixed signals that include Lordship Salvation,  Social Gospel,  Prosperity Gospel and Hyper-Dispensationalism.
Sadly, because of the state of apostasy in these last days, I'm not surprised most churches are promoting this movie.
Sufficed to say I wont be wasting my time and money to watch secular Rock Bands performing  on a false gospel scripted  movie that's supposed to be about finding Jesus Christ.
Here are 2 critiques of the movie:
Indiewire quote:  "What Bart is missing, of course, is Jesus. And if he wants to find Jesus, he’s going to have to forgive his dad (who, conveniently enough, finds Jesus first). After roughly 90 minutes of secular dramatic storytelling, the film’s swerve towards faith is desperate and inevitable, the Erwin brothers explicitly suggesting that the lyrics for “I Can Only Imagine” came from God Himself. At the same time, they seem keenly aware that non-believers might struggle with the idea that modern prophets spread their gospel on Top 40 radio (and get filthy rich in the process), and so they snap back to the basic facts of their inspirational true story, building to a climactic scene that celebrates the singular power of Christian rock by ending the movie with … a song by mainstream electro outfit M83. Jesus died for our synths."  End quote.
"This movie is tailor-made for people who will not look at the word “imagine” and think of another song, just as it’s designed for an audience that won’t notice anything strange or contradictory about abusive dads curing themselves via church broadcasts on the radio, or uplifting bands singing passionately about the sweet release of death, or how Bart doesn’t feel successful until he’s on his way to making a s---t-ton of money. There’s something interesting to be mined here, at the intersection of faith, forgiveness, and pop music. I Can Only Imagine does its best to ignore it." End Quote

Comments

  1. I wasn't even aware of this movie until my neighbor brought it to my attention. What deeply disturbed me was the look of profound awe in her eyes regarding a supposed Christian movie based on a supposed Christian song. This is when I started my research. When I saw how immense the movie and song were in both popularity and financial profit, I knew immediately something was definitely wrong.

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  2. I too felt fishy when 80% of the song yells I can only imagine. I am confirmed to meet Jesus Christ. But I have a question. I feel very close to Jesus when I hear this song. Shall I keep listening to it ?

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  3. Exactly, as I wrote in the Blog, I also enjoyed the music and words, felt a closeness to Jesus, but emotions are a work of our soul, not a spiritual experience. Read your King James Bible and mediate on God's word. Modern Contemporary Christian Music is very dangerous. Here's a good link on the subject. https://youtu.be/D5BM5-6Mu4U
    Also please read, Spiritual Man,by Watchman Nee to fully understand how we're created in God's image 3 parts: Body Soul and Spirit. God wants our our Spirit under the Holy Spirit to rule over our soul (emotions, will desires) and our body. Pleae read 1 Corinthians 1:26-30.and 1 Corinthians chapter 2. The felt fishy was actually your Spirit convicting your soul. The faculty of our Spirit is 1. Intuition *that something doesn't feel right- even though your emotions are telling you it's great. 2. Conscience *right from wrong* 3. Communion *Communication with The Holy Spirit of God. The Godhead is scripture. God is 3 parts not 3 separate persons which is pagan. Thank you for your question. My email is vietrandy@gmail.com if you have any further questions.

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  4. I have to tell you, the last 2 weeks has opened my eyes. I have had such growth and revelation along with conviction. It's a good thing I have made the absolute line in the sand about everything as I have learned about it. This being the most recent.
    I am not listening to any of this new music any more. The Holy spirit is too grieved over this already.
    I have found much more than this out there though. This was my favorite song. I felt very close to Jesus when I sang this one. That "felt" being the problem. Yeah, and, so- we are warned not to use our feelings, but rather our faith and mind, as well as to keep study in the word. A'men
    I watched the video on theopenscroll.com. The thing is, I knew all of the things that I just read on here, but I was lead like a fish on a hook. When I watched the movie I even remember thinking, he is only doing this to be a star, not for Jesus, this is not about Jesus at all.
    To my point, thank you, thank you, thank you, for putting this out there. I am sure I am not the only one who has smurfs running around doing the la la lalala la dance and stare in my circle of people. You give me inspiration to keep passing on the news.
    We are to know Satan's tools. I do not want to be one of the fooled. God Bless you for your stand in Christ.

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    Replies
    1. Amen! Thank you for your feedback. Praise God! All glory be given to the Father.

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  5. Songs are not the word of God. They are simply man's outward response to the Holy Spirit. This song is meant to be inspirational. To lead lost people to Jesus. Not to replace their prayer time, bible study time or walking with their personal pastor or other mentors. To label as sin/Satan seems extreme. Could the success and money lead to pride and other sins for the singer, sure. But this song and movie has reached so many lost people, it's a critical step in our fight against Satan. Satan in my view is everywhere, secular TV and movies, all popular music even country. How else do we reach our lost youth? Praise and worship music is such a great avenue to plant the seed of Christ's love for us. It's then up to the converted to follow up with learning more directly through God's word. Sure these songs seem simplistic to mature Christians but they are not intended for us. Their purpose to lift up the lost, comfort them and celebrate God's love (which is a feeling). Our soul cries out for God's love.

    1 John 4:8 - He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
    Matthew 22 26 Master, which [is] the great commandment in the law?...
    37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

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  6. We need these songs and movies to do well. Hollywood has long resisted Christian movies (for many reasons but the trump card used to be that didn't make a profit). Now its clear that Christians are a significant force (Passion of Christ for example). These successes will foster many more Christian movies that hopefully will reach the lost and combat the overwhelming amount of secular (and sinful) media that our culture supports. Sure some of these might lean towards Secular. But I will gladly take any weapon, even small dull ones into this fight as Satan has a big arsenal (all modern music yes even country music, movies, TV etc.) We can't sit around waiting on Chariots of Fire and the Ten Commandments to be made. We need these tales of inspiration, hope and love too.

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    Replies
    1. Danmorrow23 Thank you for your powerful, deep thought provoking, mature (beyond your years) and very well written rebuttal. Amen to we need to reach the lost and fight the good fight against Satan. We need the word of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ > 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, not pop music and light shows to save the lost. However you've fallen into a terrible trap, snared the same as I had been for over 20 years into belief that we could use evil for good. Can God use evil for good? Absolutely, but it is not scripture for us to assimilate (be of) into this world. If you dont think Christian music (secular production like "I can only imagine" and your Christian church service Rock bands ) are not as Satanic as pure secular music, you're deceived. Please read my Blog carefully on the true backgrounds of these artists.

      My brother worked for a major international Christian Evangelical ministry as their senior sound engineer. He was personally tapped on the shoulder to go big time Christian Gospel Music making insane money. The only minor hurdle was to engage in sodomy with producers of Mainstream church, religious gospel music. When he refused,he was told to pack his #$=/ and say goodbye to a super star career. Satan controls all of the entertainment world as well as political, economical, and business world.This includes religion and all religious activity engaged and in alliances with the fallen world. We are in this world NOT of it. Satan wants Christians to believe we have to imitate the world to draw young people. Wrong! My Bible tells me not to be conformed to this world. We are to come out of it. I used to go into bars and drink with people and witness to them and get them to say the sinner's prayer. Years back in my stupid days of building the kingdom of God by using and in alliance with the world's systems and programs - when in reality- I was working to build the kingdom of the AC > Another useful idiot thinking I was in full evangelism … PLEASE read my Blog

      My 50 year testimony of going to church > why Today's churches and secular alliance is building the kingdom of the Antichrist.

      https://thirdheaventraveler.blogspot.com/2018/01/today-churches-are-building-kingdom-of.html)

      I had help promote a rock group into a mega church for a crazy for Jesus Rock Out weekend. I had to explain to a young teenage girl why the lead singer was using the F%$# word.

      My friend a gifted musician was thrown out of his Christian Music career because it wasn't In touch with young people (not same style lyrics, music as secular)


      These are extremes you may say. No these are the end game. The biggest deception Satan is using today is the Dominion Theology Kingdom Now Ecumenical movement > Articulated in Rick Warren's PEACE PLAN. PLEASE READ:

      https://thirdheaventraveler.blogspot.com/2018/12/i-don-go-to-church-from-blood-bought.html

      Delete

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