By Kevin Reeves
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. (Galatians 1:8)
Perhaps the single biggest factor hindering acknowledgment and genuine repentance of false doctrine is the unwillingness for believers to relinquish the superstar status of their spiritual heroes.
This fear of exposing God’s “anointed,” even if they are guilty of repeated heresies, borders on (may I use the term?) paranoia. In my own situation in my former charismatic church, regardless of the evidence presented, there was simply no way anyone in our leadership would even admit the word heresy was applicable. Even when the blood atonement of Christ on the Cross is denied; even when those doing the denying are becoming rich through the tithes and offerings of believers who are often materially far worse off; even when these same ministers threaten divine judgment on those in opposition (the old Ananias and Sapphira tactic—Acts 5: 1-11).
Both the Old and New Testaments are replete with examples of the Lord’s apostles and prophets condemning false brethren. Check out Ezekiel 34 sometime, plus the entire books of Isaiah and Jeremiah. Then look at Jesus’ exposure of the hypocrisy and false teaching of His day, or the apostles’ stern warnings in the epistles, such as found in the entire epistle of Jude. Anyone who claims the Bible commands silence on the subject simply doesn’t know the Word as well as he thinks. Although false prophets are not stoned today (fortunate for them!), their sin will always be one of grave consequences.
We must name them. How else will the church be warned? Would that we had the courage of a Nathan, to thunder with the righteous anger of the Almighty, “Thou art the man” (2 Samuel 12:7)!
(photo from istockphoto.com; used with permission)
The article sounds like the author was describing John McArthur.
I get sooo annoyed when my pastor will talk about false teachings (not very often though), and then will NOT warn the people of who he is referring to. Oh yes, Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses are mentioned and maybe Catholicism but never anyone within ‘Christian’ circles, so to speak.
How are baby Christians (and some older) to learn who not to listen to and who not to believe?
So, Yes definitely name the ones who are guilty of false teachings.
Standing for and speaking truth has costs in today’s world as it always has. This article is important in that it shows our focus should always be on God’s Word and not man’s false teachings. ( 1 John 4:1 ) Thank you for posting this article. When you stand for Truth, your standing for Jesus. ( John 14:6 ) Please continue in prayer for the deceived and the lost. (2 Peter 3:9 )
I feel today that we don’t want to offend anyone and call false teacher what they are!
Terry
This is well said and appreciated!