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LEARN TO IDENTIFY FALSE TEACHER'S MESSAGES,
METHODS, AND MOTIVES
Studies In Bible Doctrine
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"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Matt. 24:24
"For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity (purity) that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him." 2 Cor. 11:4.
"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." 2 Cor. 11:13-15.
"For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves.....For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears." Acts 20:27-31 (Paul).
"...there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Gal. 1:7-9
"I charge thee therefore before God....Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Tim. 4:1-4
You can be sure the Holy Spirit knew what would be happening in our present day; and you can be sure that the very things false teachers did in New Testament times, are the very same basic things they are doing in our day. You can bank on the principles we are going to study--YOU HAD BETTER BANK ON THEM, OR YOU WILL BE LED ASTRAY BY FALSE TEACHERS.
A false teacher is not necessarily one who knows he is serving Satan. He may ignorantly be being used of Satan, due to his pride, selfish ambition, love of money, ignorance of scripture, etc. Yet, he is still working for the wrong side, and must not be followed. Pray for them, and try to change them. But, if they refuse to acknowledge their error, then reject them (Titus 3:13).
Some may appear to be doing some good and winning people to Christ, but if they are living or teaching error, they are also being a stumbling-block. Modern evangelicals focus on the "starting line" of the Christian life, and ignore the necessity of making it to the "finish line" (enduring faithful to the end); hence, their evangelistic work is not that dangerous to Satan's cause. Actually, it is Satan's work in corrupting doctrine that has caused this foolish and dangerous miss-focus and neglect of the finish line. Therefore, Just because a ministry seems to be producing "professing Christians"; it still is not saving them from hell - this is Satan's subtle plan. The "unconditional eternal security" teachings have been introduced by Satan for this very purpose. If I preach right words, but live wrong; then what am I teaching you to do? I would be teaching you to believe "right", but live wrong. If you believe a right creed, but live wrong, you will still go to Hell.
If a man is willing to be instructed, don't cast him off as an heretic -- you may learn you were the one in error. However, on the other hand, if a leader holds to false teaching or practice, you cannot follow or endorse his error -- even if he is nice, and you like him. Most people believe the people they like - this is a dangerous trap.
People have forgotten to test the fruit of teachers before they listen to them. Jesus didn't say, Ye shall know them by their sermons, books, looks, delivery, etc. He said, "Ye shall know them by their fruits" --Are they striving to obey "all things whatsoever" Jesus commanded? If you think you are smart enough to discern truth from error, and don't need to test the source as Jesus said, then your pride is sure to snare you in error. If a teacher is not obeying "all things", he is a hearer of the Word, and not a doer; thus is deceiving himself. If you don't test fruit, then you are a hearer, but not a doer, deceiving your self also (James 1:22).
In our pseudo intellectual society, we have multitudes of preachers with many degrees, but no spiritual heat. We have thousands of "ministers" who have sought the ministry as a career, and are not God-called. They are hirelings, and thus teach the Bible and build a church in the same mind frame as a professor teaches chemistry; or an executive builds a corporation. They use the same sales gimmicks, "dress for success", practice politics, organize and promote to beat the competition, bend rules to please people, etc. etc.! You, as a disciple of Jesus Christ are obligated to boycott all such false teachers and false methods, and support the Timothys who are sticking by the Word of God, obeying "all things" whatsoever Jesus commanded, and preaching the whole counsel of God.
False doctrine always appeals to the flesh. True doctrine leads to the crucifixion of the flesh, and submission to the Spirit of Christ. False doctrine usually stems from justification of flesh; the pride of "finding something new and different"; excusing life styles; avoiding the cross; fear of man; love of praise; love of security; love of self; love of money; love of power; etc. You should be able to comprehend how man's selfishness could invent many ideas for self promotion and love of life style. In order to know truth, the flesh must be denied and the cross taken. Jesus was rejected by the "herd", and we must go with Him without the camp, bearing His reproach (Heb. 13:13)
There are many new "Jesus" figures being propagated along with new "spirits", and new "gospels". We must cling to the Jesus of the Bible, but we can only do this, if we obey the Jesus of the Bible. The best way to find the right church is to begin obeying all that the New Testament teaches - then find where you fit. As you grow, you may have to find new groups, so you are not hindered and led to compromise God's Word.
The reason I have written this pamphlet, is so you can have more discernment on the subject, though I have not exhausted the subject by any means. If we strive to be a "doer of the Word" then we will know the truth, and recognize false teachers.
FALSE TEACHERS MAY MANIFEST ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING TRAITS:
1. PRIORITIZE GOD'S COMMANDS IN THEIR OWN WAY, AND TREAT THE "LEAST" COMMANDS AS UNNECESSARY.
They teach "keep the main thing the main thing", thus excusing their disobedience, and compromise with worldliness. They fear being "too salty" for the sinner, so they water down their message to please fleshly men. They feel the need to be involved in sports, talk of worldly things, tell plenty of jokes, etc. to "become all things to all men". Did Jesus ever tell jokes? Did Paul? Did they feel the need to attend the ball games in order to "get in good" with the people? No! The preachers today are fleshly and worldly. They don't obey "all things"; but emphasize that which they themselves practice; while ignoring that which they don't want to do.
"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven." Matt. 5:19
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel." Matt. 23:23,24
According to Matthew 21:33-43, and other verses, God has left us in charge of his vineyard. He has given us clear instructions as to what fruit he wants produced. Being that it is not my vineyard, but His, would it be right for me to add some new varieties of fruit that He doesn't like, and at the same time delete some fruit that I know He has commanded? If it were MY vineyard I could; but it is not MY vineyard, so it is WRONG for me to do so. The kingdom of God was taken away from the Jews for this very reason, and yet many today think they can play the same game -- this is deception.
Those who don't teach the whole counsel of God are deceivers and grievous wolves in Paul's estimation. It may not seem so big to you, but Paul warned everyone night and day with tears concerning those who would change the "whole counsel of God" which he had delivered to the churches.
2. SEEK GLORY FROM MEN: USE TITLES SUCH AS "DOCTOR", "MASTER", AND "FATHER". PUT MUCH WEIGHT IN MAN MADE CREDENTIALS AND TITLES.
In the following verses, the word RABBI actually means DOCTOR OF THE LAW, SCHOLAR. Though false practice today doesn't use the term RABBI, it does use the term, Doctor. The Pharisee's credentials were displayed on the boarders of their garments. To "enlarge the boarders of their garments" would be equal to the lust for higher degrees among preachers today. If they have a bachelor's degree, they want a master's degree, and then a doctor's degree-- all for the praise of men, not God. This gives them higher position, and honors among men -- "uppermost rooms at feasts" etc. They speak much of themselves: Tell how much they pray, give, witness, etc. They exalt their own name.
"But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant, and whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Matt. 23:5-12
"I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?" Jn. 5:43,44
"...walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. Jude 16
That last phrase in Jude is important to notice: "Having men's persons in admiration because of advantage". How often do you see a preacher compromise his conscience to stay in the "crowd" for personal advantage -- pay check, possible recommendations, future position, etc. We must stick with Brother ______, so our people will like us, or other preachers will like us, etc. Instead, we should seek to please God only. Paul said, "if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ" (Gal. 1:10).
"He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory:" Jn. 7:18
"I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not." 3 Jn. 9.
How often does a young man in an associate's position cut his message so the people don't get ruffled, and then get his compromising pastor on his case. Young men, I want you to meditate on Gal. 1:10, "...IF I YET PLEASED MEN, I SHOULD NOT BE THE SERVANT OF CHRIST".
3. ALLURE THROUGH THE LUST OF THE FLESH.
"For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption:" II Peter 2:18,19.
The church of the first two centuries A.D. along with the Apostles would throw an absolute fit to see the churches of today using circus, Hollywood, and theater tactics to draw crowds. With made-up immodest female singers; men with sensual voices, entertaining speeches and jokes in every sermon; fancy buildings to please the money minded; plenty of group activities; fashionable clothes; "the best choir in the state"; entertaining music specials; --ALL TO PLEASE PEOPLE IN A MEETING THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE FOR WORSHIPPING THE GOD WHO SAYS, "THAT WHICH IS HIGHLY ESTEEMED AMONG MEN IS ABOMINATION IN THE SIGHT OF GOD".
The justification of all the hoopla is the "promise of liberty" -- this is equal to when Jude says they, "turn the grace of God into lasciviousness"; which we will deal with next. "After all, it is working, isn't it?" Does the END justify the MEANS? If it draws a crowd, isn't that justification enough? See what Jesus said to the church in Revelation chapters 1-3.
If the price tag on salvation and church membership is too high, we will just mark it down on the clearance rack at 50% off - then we will sell lots! We will have a "blow-out" revival sale, and get 100's or 1000's into the kingdom. We will have a circus, give away hot-dogs, have a dog and poney show, -- Wow! what a revival! Mmm...I wonder why the Holy Spirit never gave Jesus or the apostles this wonderful idea?
What was also happening in the early church, which Peter is dealing with, is that some preachers were using "grace" and "liberty" to excuse all sorts of unholiness, and worldliness--which is exactly how churches excuse their worldiness, materialism, immodesty, disobedience, and unholy pursuits today. In doing so, they were alluring those who had heard the pure gospel of repentance, separation, obedience, and holy living. These who were "clean escaped from those who live in error" were being drawn away into this liberal thinking; and so were being entangled again in their old ways, and overcome by the flesh once again. Peter is warning the church about these liberal preachers who were promising liberty, while they themselves were servants of corruption -- their flesh.
4. TURN THE GRACE OF GOD INTO LASCIVIOUSNESS.
This overlaps largely on the previous point; but this deals with the underlying doctrine, not the activities justified by the doctrine.
There were two canons pointed at the church during the lives of the Apostles. These were opposite positions, and yet the same underlying "self will" produces them both. The Jews wanted to put the yoke of the Jewish ceremony on the shoulders of the Gentile believers; which included the Sabbath, dietary laws, circumcision, and all the ceremonial laws--because they were in love with the outward form of their "ism". The Apostles shot this down, and taught that we in the New Testament are under a new covenant, referred to at times as "Grace", and not under the law--the Jewish ceremonialism. We are still under New Testament Law, called the Law of Love, or Law of Christ. Paul made it clear he was still under the Law to Christ.
Thus you had one side saying Gentiles had to keep the Jewish law; to which Galatians is pointed; and you had another group saying that, since we are "under Grace", we can live loose, have fun, be worldly, disobey, and still go to heaven. To the latter group we have James, Jude, Peter, and much other Scripture pointed. The latter group we are speaking of now:
"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." Jude 3,4
The word "lasciviousness" means "absence of restraint". It is the idea that because we are under "grace", and have "liberty", that we can be unholy, and worldly, and don't "have" to obey "all" the New Testament commands. This is exactly what many church groups are teaching today. That is why they live like the world; with the world's fashion, costly array, jewelry, makeup, TV, fleshly music, beach parties, Bahaman cruises, public swimming, alcohol drinking, fancy costly homes, immorality, uncovered heads (women), etc. etc. etc.
This is exactly what the Baptists are teaching in their ETERNAL SECURITY doctrine. It is called ANTINOMIANISM, which means "without law". They teach that because we are under "grace", we are also not under "the Law of Christ". The Moral Law of God never changes, because God never changes. The Old Testament Law contained the Moral Law, but was mixed with the ceremonial law, which foreshadowed Christ (Col. 2:17). When Christ fulfilled that which foreshadowed him, it was done away, and the New Covenant was established in its place with God's Moral Laws still in force. Titus 2:11-14 tells us that GRACE doesn't excuse looseness, but teaches holiness! The New Covenant is based on the moral law of God, although it does not contain the ceremonial law given to the Jews. Jesus actually restored right thinking concerning the moral aspects of the Old Testament Law in matters of divorce and remarriage, loving our enemies, not avenging ourselves, and many other things -- See Matt. 5-7.
Today, all teaching that says we don't have to obey "all things whatsoever" Jesus commanded; or don't have to obey all the Apostles commanded us; is the turning of the grace of God into lasciviousness. It is the promising of liberty (false liberty), which allures people through the lusts of the flesh. The true Gospel message is the message of the cross, which means crucifixion of the flesh, and mortifying the deeds of the body. See Romans 8:13:
"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."
What if we don't mortify the deeds of the body?
Paul says in a number of places that he didn't try to use "enticing words of man's wisdom"; but only preached the cross. He also lived the cross. He didn't pursue the fleshly things of the world, but lived simple and plain sacrificing for the Kingdom.
Here are some examples of this deceptive teaching -- not from the rankest liberals of our day, but from some preachers whom many would classify as "conservative" and as "fundamentalists".
The late Pastor Hyles, who insisted on being called Doctor Hyles, had a very large ministry in Chicago. He strongly propagated the false idea that he is right because of all his "fruit" (converts). He insisted that REPENTANCE is not REPENTANCE FROM SINS, but simply from the one sin of unbelief. In other words, if a sinner prays the prayer accepting Christ into his heart, he is saved eternally, even if he doesn't leave off his sins, and obey Jesus.
His famous illustration goes like this (from the book ENEMIES OF SOULWINNING, page 32):
"Let's suppose I get on that plane, and I am trusting the pilot to take me to Chicago. I do not know how to operate the plane, nor do I know the route to Chicago by air. There is nothing I can do to get myself to Chicago by that plane. I trust the pilot to get me there. So, we get up in the air thousands of feet high, and let's suppose I get a knife and cut up the seat in front of me. Now, where am I going? I'm still going to Chicago. Why? I repented of 'not trusting the plane to take me' to 'trusting the plane to take me'.
The stewardess comes and says, 'Mr. Hyles, what are you doing back here?' I say, 'I'm just cutting up a little bit!'. Then suppose I reach up and cut off a lock of her hair. Now where am I going? I'm going to Chicago. You see, how I behave on the flight does not determine my destination.
So, the stewardess goes to the pilot and says, 'Mr. Hyles, back in seat 14A is causing some disturbance. Look at my hair. Go back and look at the seat.' The pilot leaves the plane in the hands of the co-pilot and comes back to seat 14A and says, 'Mr. Hyles, what are you doing back here?' He looks at the seat I've cut up, he sees the lock of hair that I've cut off the stewardess, and I reach out and cut off his tie. Now where am I going? I'm going to Chicago. That was all determined when I got on the airplane. Now the truth is, I will not enjoy Chicago as much as I would have enjoyed it, nor will I go to the part of Chicago I'd planned to, but I'm still going to Chicago"
There is a prime example of last days deception, and it is being circulated by this man all around our nation, and the world. He pushes "soulwinning", but I've been to his church and college to see how they do it, and it is all just a number game to prove he is right by all his "fruit". Think of this illustration in light of who the "pilot" of our salvation is -- Jesus. And who is the stewardess of our salvation flight, but the Holy Spirit. This is rank heresy!
Here is another example from a man who was highly praised among Independent Baptists, as was Hyles. Curtis Hutson, in his book SALVATION CRYSTAL CLEAR (pg. 313) gives this illustration to show that we don't have to make Jesus Lord of our life just to be saved - we don't have to obey him, just accept his salvation:
"It is one thing to trust Jesus Christ as Saviour and quite another to surrender one's life to the Lord. There is such a thing as the dedicated Christian life. And there are carnal Christians, according to I Corinthians 3, who have never yielded their lives to Christ. The yielding of one's life or making Jesus Lord of one's life is not a requirement for salvation. That is Lordship salvation and a perversion of the Gospel....Suppose I am going to jump from a burning building into a net held by four men. A mechanic is holding one corner of the net, a dentist one corner, an airplane pilot one corner, and an insurance salesman the other corner. I am going to trust them to catch me. Someone could say, 'Believe on Dr. Domansky, the dentist, and thou shalt be saved', but that doesn't mean I have to let him pull all my teeth in order to get saved. It simply means that I am going to have to trust him to catch me in the net. Someone else could say, 'Believe on Mr. Smith, the insurance salesman, and thou shalt be saved'. But that doesn't mean I have to buy my insurance from Mr. Smith to be saved. It simply means I must trust him to hold that net for me.
When the Bible says in Acts 16:31, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,' it doesn't mean you have to make him Lord of your life."
There you have another example of the hellish doctrine of turning the grace of God into lasciviousness. You can have salvation, but don't have to obey Jesus as Lord of your life?! That is pure satanic lies from Hell!
This example is from a well known "fundamental Baptist's" paper. Jim Vineyard publishes a paper, in which this sermon from Randy Taylor (an evangelist) was printed. The sermon spoke of believers who "repent", but never get right with God -- this shows their false concept of repentance. I want to give you two incredibly heretical quotes from this sermon:
"Repentance is not turning from sin. Repentance is not walking away from sin. No man ever turned from sin. You will not find anywhere in the Bible where it says, 'Turn from sin.' Repentance is changing your sin problem to what God says is right for you. Repentance is changing."
This quote is incredible in light of the fact the man took his text verse from Ezekial 18 where it says SIX TIMES to turn from sin!
Vs. 21 says, "But if the wicked will turn from all his sins...".
Vs. 23 , "...he should return from his ways, and live."
Vs. 27, "wicked man turneth away from his wickedness...".
Vs. 28, "because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions."
Vs. 30, "Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions;...".
Vs. 32, "wherefore, turn yourselves, and live ye."
Notice the phrase in the quote, "to what God says is right for you"--this opens the door to the false philosophy that God has different "rights" and "wrongs" for different people. Thus "if I'm not convicted about it, then it is not wrong for me"; and "If you are convicted about it, then it is wrong for you" -- this is a lie of Satan. God's Word is for everyone, with NO PRIVATE INTERPRETATION!
Next quote from Randy Taylor,
"Therefore the Bible says, 'Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.' (II Cor. 5:17) Now, you can be saved all of your life and never be a new creature until you have a divine nature, a new nature."
YOU CAN BE SAVED ALL YOUR LIFE AND NEVER BE A NEW CREATURE? Didn't he just read II Cor. 5:17 that states clearly, "If any man be in Christ HE IS A NEW CREATURE"? Yet, people listen to this and love it, and get angry with me for saying anything about it - my own relatives are mad at me over this!
HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF WICKED ANTINOMIAN (ONCE SAVED- ALWAYS SAVED) HERESY STRAIGHT FROM THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION - CHARLES STANLEY’S BOOK, “ETERNAL SECURITY, Can You Be Sure?”
The following excerpt from Charles Stanley’s book is his belief concerning Hebrews 6:1-12, where we have Paul clearly setting forth the scenario that a born again believer can allow his heart to be hardened (Heb. 3:12-14); and though having enough faith to start into the narrow way, he will not have the faith to continue to the end. He will lack diligence, faith, and patience (Heb. 6:11-12) in running the race, and so turn away from Christ when the going gets tough. This man, due to the great light he possessed will not have another chance to repent, but will receive the sorer punishment spoken of later in Heb. 10:26-29. and will be damned –“whose end is to be burned” (Heb. 6:8)
Charles Stanley believes that a Jew (or any believer) can be fully converted to Jesus as the Messiah, be born again, and follow for a while; then turn away and deny Christ; but still go to heaven and be saved. Everyone who stubbornly holds to the antinomian heresy of “Unconditional Eternal Security” must ultimately agree with Stanley, or else deny man’s free will (as a Calvinist) – there is no other choice. Here are Stanley’s own words:
“The persons described in these verses were genuine, born again believers. As followers of Christ, they had experienced the Christian life in its fullest sense. They had seen the power of God at work in their lives and in the lives of others. Then for some unexplained reason they began doubting the claims of Christ. That continued until finally they turned their backs on all that they at one time embraced and returned to Judaism... By turning their backs on Christ, these Jews were in essence agreeing with the Jews who had Christ arrested and ultimately put to death. If He was not THE Christ – and apparently they did not think He was – He was a false Christ and deserved to die. The phrase “to themselves” is the author’s way of pointing out the groups attitude. Insofar as they were concerned, Jesus deserved to die.
Since they had at one point publicly professed Christ as their Savior and thus the Messiah, their public denial would bring shame on those who maintained their belief in Christ. Outsiders would conclude that there must not be much to Christianity if those who at one time said they believed changed their minds and went back to their former religion.
If one takes seriously the original context of the writer’s statements, it is clear that this solemn warning in no way threatens the security of the believer. Actually, it is evidence for the believer’s security. If a Jew, who was awaiting the coming of the Messiah, could find salvation through Christ and then walk away from Him without the threat of losing his or her salvation, what do the rest of us have to fear? No other group had more revelation concerning the coming of the Messiah. Their whole culture was centered on God’s law and His promises about ultimate salvation from sin. For a Jew to come face to face with the claims of Christ and to accept them for a while and then walk away seems unforgivable. But our ways are not his ways – and it’s a good thing they aren’t!
The writer of Hebrews offers a serious warning. It is a dangerous thing for a believer to turn his back on Christ. To do so is to run the risk of drifting beyond the point of return – not a return to salvation, but a return to fellowship with the Savior.”
Mv heart breaks to know that so many people believe this devilish twisting of the Scripture. It reveals something about their heart, because the Bible isn’t that hard to understand. People believe this simply because they want to – it fits the way they want to live--they want salvation without obedience and death to self.
We will not belabor you with more illustrations, but let it be said that this type of heresy is everywhere around us from ANTINOMIANS, CALVINISTS, AND ARMINIANS, who come at it from different directions. There are Calvinists, who say God makes his saints persevere in righteousness, yet they themselves live very worldly, and call that righteousness. Then you have Arminians who say we must repent of all sin, and live holy (which is right), yet their sin list is as short as their miniskirts -- suddenly nothing is sin anymore. All three camps have the same basic deception; if not in their written doctrine, like the antinomians; then in the life that flows from their loose interpretation of their doctrine.
"Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:" Rev. 3:17
5. WREST SCRIPTURE FOR THEIR OWN PURPOSES
This is where the deceivers come up with their heresy.
"Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." II Peter 3:14-16
It is very interesting how this verse fits with Jude 4. Here Peter speaks of the longsuffering of the Lord (grace of God), spoken of in Paul's epistles, being wrested, or twisted out of contextual meaning to the people's destruction. It is the grace of God in Paul's epistles that is being twisted or wrested out of its proper meaning which produces the Antinomian doctrine of eternal security, and so forth. Martin Luther, who helped in the formation of Calvinism and Antinomian thought, disliked the epistle of James, and called it an epistle of straw -- because it contradicted his interpretation of Paul's epistles concerning faith (faith without works is dead, according to James).
The Antinomians wrest Romans 4:8 to say that God refuses to acknowledge sin in the life of one who has "accepted Christ". When actually it simply means the same as verses 6 & 7. It simply means that when I am forgiven of past sins, due to repentance and faith in Jesus, my record is cleared of past transgression, which is an imputation of righteousness without me having done right. It is God not imputing my sins to me (but washing them away); and it is the same transaction as verse 6, "Blessed is the man whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered." It is the same transaction in different words. It only deals with past sins, because at the moment I am saved that is all I have committed. See. Romans 3:25 "sins that are past".
Another illustration quickly is the treatment of I John 3:1-10. John Rice, a leading fundamental Baptist (Antinomian) from the past, says that it is the "born again part of the Christian which doesn't commit sin", therefore we can never judge who is saved, and who isn't. The only problem is, the context of the whole passage is that God's people not be deceived by false teachers. The way to know a false teacher is by his "fruit" or "life": so St. John says, "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil;" In the light of the context, John Rice's interpretation cannot be true, for then we could not use what is said to avoid deception -- for we could not see the inside "born again part" of any man.
The purpose of this interpretation (this wresting of scripture) is to make it fit with his eternal security doctrine.
6. THEY DON'T OBEY ALL THINGS…
…or are hypocritical in their obedience -- do it to be seen of men, not because they really practice it themselves.
"He that committeth sin is of the devil;" I John 3:8
"The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not after their works: for they say and do not." Matthew 23:3
"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." I John 2:4
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. ...Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 7:15-21
"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:19,20
"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." II Cor. 11:13-15
Notice that last verse where it says these "ministers of righteousness" shall have an end according to their works. Obviously their works were not as righteous as their "message" declared them to be.
7. GREAT SIGNS WITH WRONG DOCTRINE -- A WRONG JESUS, AND A WRONG SPIRIT.
There are many "great preachers" today boasting of great signs to "prove" they have the power of God, but they are preaching a different Jesus than we have revealed in God's Word. These signs will be so great they would deceive everybody, if that were possible. Jesus' sheep that are abiding in his light, cannot be deceived, but if they don't abide diligently in his light, they will also be deceived. Thus we have Jesus' words in Matthew 24. Read the whole chapter. Today you see women who have "healing" power and stand in the church and teach and usurp authority over the men, and do it all with uncovered heads; yet they want you to believe their "gifts" prove they are from God. This is the same trickery that Simon of Samaria used to bewitch the Samaritans.
You can be sure the Holy Spirit will not empower anyone to disobey Scripture. God is not the author of confusion.
8. THEY WILL ADD TO JESUS' COMMANDS
"As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ." Gal. 6:12
"Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (touch not; taste not; handle not; which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh." Col. 2:20-23
Here is where the Judaizers came in that we hear about in Acts 15, Galatians, Colossians, and other places. They were telling the Gentile believers they had to be circumcised, and keep the Law of Moses to be saved. This is "legalism". Saying you have to obey ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER Jesus taught is NOT legalism. Legalism is the belief that I can atone for my own sins by keeping Moses' Law, rather than following Jesus and depending on His atonement. Believing one has to obey Christ (and thus show his faith) in order to receive Christ's gracious atonement is different than believing that your obedience to a creed or law will atone for your own sins apart from Christ - or in order to help Christ. The Bible states clearly that we must obey Jesus to be saved.
Heb. 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
The idea that "Christian liberty" frees you from obeying Jesus and his apostles is absurd. The concept that being under "grace" and not under "law" frees you from being a "doer of the Word" is simply nonsense. Teaching that you have to obey Jewish law in circumcision, diet, sabbath keeping, etc. is what Paul is writing against in Galatians. The Apostles settled the issue in Acts 15.
"For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well." Acts 15:28,29
This doesn't nullify all the commands of the Apostles in the New Testament; but rather, "these necessary things" are what we are to follow from the Old Testament Law of Moses. These things are added to the commands of the New Covenant/Testament. They were added to help peaceful and productive relations to prevail between Jews and Gentiles.
"For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love." Gal. 5:6
Also read Romans 14, and Col. 2:14-23. But keep in mind that the same person who wrote these things also commanded modest dress, head covering, and many other New Testament commands, which false teachers nullify by miss-using these passages on "liberty". The only liberty Paul is speaking of is the liberty from Jewish law, and to the repentant -- liberty from condemnation for sin. He is not speaking of liberty from New Testament Law or the things he himself commanded.
Many churches excommunicate for reasons contrary to scripture. The Amish and the Roman Catholics are an example of people who add to the commands of the New Testament through their traditions; and as the Pharisees, they "teach for doctrines the commandments of men".
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats,..." I Tim. 4:1-3
At the same time, we also have the Baptists, and the Protestants who forsake "APOSTOLIC TRADITIONS" which they are bound by Scripture to obey:
"Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle" II Thess. 2:15
9. THEY SACRIFICE TRUTH FOR PROSPERITY, ACCEPTANCE, AND PLEASURE.
II Peter and Jude speak much of this.
"Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core." Jude 11
"Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;... " II Peter 2:15
"For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision: whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake." Titus 1:10-12
"...Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself....But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition."I Tim. 6:5-9
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." I Jn. 2:15
How often do men sacrifice truth to stay in a church position, a college (to get that degree), or a "fellowship" of preachers? This is a dangerous thing to do, because it is exactly what Balaam did. If we reason long enough, we will justify it, just like Balaam did. Instead, we should be jealous for truth above family, friend, money, and our own life!
"So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:33
10. SPEAK WITHOUT FEAR AND REVERANCE
READ Jude 8-16 and II Peter 2:1-22
They spoke evil of Paul in his day. Martin Luther spoke pridefully in calling James an epistle of straw. They speak with pride today. Dennis Corle, an evangelist, told my father in law concerning me, "As long as he is stuck in first John, there is no hope for him." Stuck in I John? Is that not the Bible? This was after I had challenged his doctrine by simply asking him questions after one of his services -- where he got upset (because he couldn't defend his eternal security against plain scripture) and called me a Jackass right in the church lobby in front of all the people. His partner preacher Keith Gomez seconded the motion, and called me a Jackass also. I asked them if that was from the Holy Spirit, to which they said it was. This is just an example of the pride and fearless conduct of false teachers. These men are still upheld by the people who witnessed it -- some of them my own relatives (though they didn't approve of how the men handled the situation). Do I say this to boast and uplift myself? No, I am telling you the plain truth of Scripture concerning false teaching and false teachers today. The men couldn't take time to talk to me later, for they had a hunting trip planned with their "preaching engagement".
Obviously, multitudes of people have a hard time taking the truth of the Bible and applying it to real life today, or they would see right through the thousands of false teachers today who are fleecing the flock, rather than feeding the flock with pure truth. My heart grieves to the point of anger, when I see people unwilling to be enlightened, but press on to their own destruction -- not to mention the destruction of their children.
"A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished." Proverbs 22:3
FALSE TEACHER'S MOTIVES :
"To draw away disciples after them" Acts 20:30
"They serve their belly" Romans 16:18; Phil. 3:19 AND ARE OFTEN OVERWEIGHT
"For filthy lucre's sake" Titus 1:7
"They love to have the preeminence" III John 9
"They are deceived themselves" Matt. 15:14; Acts18:24-26
"They are servants of Satan" II Cor. 11:13-15
There are many other things about false teachers which could be said. The world could not contain the books on all the false teachers and teachings that have been propagated. The Bible, when read with prayer and a single eye will answer every false teaching. In the early church the Apostles fought the Gnostic's teaching of "eternal security", that Jesus hadn't come in the flesh (I John 4), and the teachings of fate (predestination-Calvin style) from the Philosophers of the day. They had many heretics, just as we do. The key is to look at their life in light of the Bible. If they live extravagant, worldly, fleshly, etc.; then you don't follow them. EVEN IF THEY SEEM GOOD IN OTHER AREAS, OR SOUND GOOD IN THE PULPIT. JESUS SAID, YE SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUIT -- NOT SERMONS, TALK, BOOKS, SIZE OF MINISTRY, ETC.
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. FROM II PETER, JUDE AND I JOHN; SEE IF YOU CAN FIND ANOTHER COMMON CHARACTERISTIC OF FALSE TEACHERS WE DIDN'T ELABORATE ON.
2. ARE ALL FALSE TEACHERS DECEIVING PEOPLE ON PURPOSE?
3. HOW CAN BIBLE COLLEGE BE THE DOWNFALL OF YOUNG PREACHERS?
4. WHAT VERSES TEACH THAT PREACHERS SHOULDN'T LIVE IN EXTRAVAGANCE?
5. WHAT EVIDENCES FROM PAUL'S LIFE SHOWED HE WAS TRUSTWORTHY?
6. WHAT DOES "RABBI" MEAN?
7. WHAT DOES II PETER 2:3 MEAN, WHEN IT SAYS FALSE TEACHERS SHALL "MAKE MERCHANDISE OF YOU"? GIVE A MODERN DAY EXAMPLE.
8. EXPLAIN HOW II PETER 2:13,14,&19 FIT WITH MATTHEW 7:15-20
9. HOW DOES MATTHEW 23:15 FIT WITH TODAY'S "NUMBERS" CRAZE? HOW COULD "SOULWINNING" BECOME PART OF THE DEVIL'S GAME? WHAT DAMAGE COULD FALSE SOULWINNING METHODS BRING TO PEOPLE?
10. HOW CAN WE KNOW THAT A MAN'S NUMBER OF CONVERTS DOESN'T MEAN HE IS A TRUE TEACHER? II PETER 2:2 II TIM. 4:3,4