The 86-year-old MacArthur was admitted to hospital in recent days after a long period of serious illnesses.
His media ministry, Grace to You, released a statement about MacArthur's passing saying "This evening, his faith became sight. He faithfully endured until his race was run."
During the COVID pandemic, MacArthur took a strong stand against government-ordered lockdowns and continued to hold regular services at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California. He served as pastor-teacher there since 1969.
MacArthur authored nearly 400 books and guides during his ministry, founded The Master's Seminary in 1986 to train men for pastoral ministry, and launched his radio ministry – "Grace to You" – which is heard throughout the world nearly a thousand times a day.
He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Patricia, four married children – Matt, Marcy, Mark, and Melinda – and 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Reaction

Bishop E.W. Jackson, president of S.T.A.N.D. – "I think, in many ways, he led the way. I think he really inspired other pastors to step up and realize that we do not have to obey the government when the government is violating our commitment and our first loyalty to Almighty God. And praise God that he did, because I think he unleashed a lot of spiritual courage and energy to resist what the government was trying to do – not only in California, but across the country."

Rev. Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse – "One of America’s great Bible teachers, Pastor John MacArthur, has stepped into the presence of Almighty God .... He could get more out of a Bible verse than anyone I’ve ever known. Today, the New York Times recognized him as a 'Firebrand Preacher and Culture Warrior' and said that he influenced generations of evangelical preachers – that is true. His voice will be greatly missed."

Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary -- "A lion in the pulpit .... He was the greatest expositor of his times .... uniquely gifted as an expositor, and he was uniquely faithful as well. He was a preacher God used to make other preachers better preachers."