John MacArthur, 86, pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church (GCC) in Sun Valley, California, died shortly after 6 p.m. PT on July 14.
GCC’s congregation was informed during yesterday’s worship services that MacArthur had contracted pneumonia and was expected to be in the presence of Jesus soon.
Due to his health, he was unable to preach more than half of 2024 and all of 2025 so far.
MacArthur served as GCC’s pastor for 56 years, authored more than 150 books, served as the president of The Master’s Seminary and The Master’s University, and founded “Grace to You,” a nationally syndicated radio and television Bible teaching program.
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The renowned expository preacher leaves behind his wife of more than 60 years, Patricia, their four children, 15 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
“Our hearts are heavy, yet rejoicing, as we share the news that our beloved pastor and teacher John MacArthur has entered into the presence of the Savior,” Grace to You posted on social media. “This evening, his faith became sight. He faithfully endured until his race was run. 2 Timothy 4:1-8.”
Ed Stetzer, Dean of Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and Editor-in-Chief of Outreach Magazine, told ChurchLeaders, “MacArthur’s passion for inerrancy—he was an original signer of the Chicago Statement on Bible Inerrancy — combined with his passion for expository preaching, helped shape preaching around the world for a generation.”
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“Pastor John MacArthur is now with the Lord. I had the privilege of knowing John personally, and I can tell you — he was a true man of God,” Greg Laurie, senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, wrote on X. “He spoke at our church several times over the years, and it was always a joy to spend time with him. John leaves behind a powerful legacy: his beloved family, his faithful congregation, his far-reaching media ministry, and of course, his epic library of biblical commentaries that will continue to impact generations.”
“But above all,” he continued, “his greatest legacy is this—he lived a life well-lived. He was faithful to the very end. He will be deeply missed, but I’m confident he has already heard those words we all long to hear: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ (Matt. 25:23)”
Southern Baptist Convention President Clint Pressley wrote, “Thankful for this man’s legacy and his leading so many back to expository preaching. A giant.”
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The American Family Association posted, “Few men have so shaped the modern church as John MacArthur. His legacy is not one of fame, but of faithfulness — to Scripture, to sound doctrine, and to the glory of Christ. We grieve his loss and give thanks for a life well spent.”
Prestonwood Baptist senior pastor Jack Graham said, “Well done, good and faithful servant. John MacArthur inspired millions with his clear proclamation of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On a personal level, I found him to be warm and winsome and Christlike in every way.”