False Teachings: Has the Gospel Changed?
Posted: Sunday, March 27, 2011
by Joel Kontinen
http://joelkontinen.blogspot.com/
During the days of the early church, the apostles and other leaders often had to resist teaching that departed from the original gospel. The apostle Paul, for instance, fought against Jewish legalism that taught that one needed to keep the Jewish law in order to be saved. John warned his readers of Docetism or the view that Jesus Christ did not really have a human body.
John wrote: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.” (1 John 4: 1-3).
Jude also wrote to warn the early believers of error: “I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.” (Jude 3).
Were false teachings only a headache for the early Christians? Hardly. Jesus Himself predicted that heresies will abound as His second coming approaches: “Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:11-12).
Church history reveals an interesting trend. It shows that there is really nothing new under the sun. Teachings that depart from the original gospel tend to take similar forms throughout history. They displace the crucified Christ with something else, or deny His humanity or divinity or both.
Is there a way of finding out whether a particular teaching, even if it is popular in church, is a false one? Yes, there is. It involves knowing what the Bible actually says, especially the New Testament letters that deal with error.
I think that a good approach to the heresy issue is finding out what is actually preached. Does a particular preacher speak about Christ and the cross, or about something else, say self-improvement or feeling good?
It is good to keep in mind that what the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church: “When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” (1 Corinthians 2:1-3).
False teachings rarely if ever emphasise the crucified Jesus.
Scripture verses from the NIV.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Good article Joel, thanks for sharingThanks, David.
Hi Joel. Thanks for sharing this timely message. There are so many so-called churches out there that are all about self-esteem and the love of God. But they leave out the holiness and discipline of God. I have seen many and have even visited a few and the pastor doesn't even open the Bible! And these churches are popular. Unfortunately, many Christians don't even read the Bible. They forget, or maybe are not even aware of the passages you shared in this piece. God job. I pray many believers will turn/return to the word of God as final authority and wisdom for their lives. Again. great job! TeresaThanks, Teresa. God bless you.
Joel
Hi Joel,
Good article. It is almost on the same sermon Mark gave yesterday. Jesus does more warning for us in God's word than he does about heaven. There have been a couple of pastor's who are teaching on the realatism view.
Hugs and blessings,
MichelleThanks Michelle,
Blessings to you,
Joel
Good reminder! One of my favorite quotes is "where do you find that in the Bible" or "what does the Bible teach about that?" We need to balance what we hear with what is in His Word and make sure it measures up, always!Thanks Marijo,
God bless you,
JoelMarjo, I am not speaking to what was written as right or wrong nor am I trying to find any fault. Yet for your consideration remember, when we ask what Bible someone is using we must recognize many people use different Bibles and interpretations. Hence, people can't find things in theirs, teachings are and may be different, etc. Persons may believe they are correct in their presentation but go to another version and you may find something staed differently or omitted. This is a great argument of non believers. That the Word was written and interpreted by man. However, I believe the overall message will remain the same , belief in Christ leads to salvation, in all of the different translations and versions of the Word. Yet be careful, the doctrines and beliefs can be altered from what you were or are reading or have been taught. This is why Christians don't see eye to eye on a lot of things. Sadly, we all seem to want to be correct and the naively follow along without investigating or knowing the "rest of the story." Always check what version like KJV or NI, or Duey, etc, to know the writer and use different ones to see similarities or differences. I think that will help put what the peson is saying into prayerful consideration. As I stated I am not commenting on what is right or wrong in the article or likes or dislikes just trying provide something to consider.I am in total agreement with you and know that the "interpreter" can get things pulled out of context and make a real mess of things - I used to use NIV much in mt writing because it was the default in the Bible search engine I used - then many people I respect (my pastors for starters) suggested that it was not the best translation. We need to dig, study and be aware of Jewish customs, culture and context. By the way, what do you know about the newer Aramaic translation - do you feel it is valid? A friend got a copy and thinks it explains much quite well. I read (online) some comments questioning that particular translation much.
Ahhhh, MARANATHA!
Still and all if things do not have a Bible basis or aren't found in the Word we are in big trouble - now to agree on the correct translation or any scripture/scriptures... (I am not talking about you and me here but the Body of Christ in general)
Thanks for interjection your thoughts!" False teachings rarely if ever emphasise the crucified Jesus." Totally agreed, Joel. I need to remember that, because any preacher can become a false teacher, even if for one teaching session! ~mogama~Thanks, Mogama. Good to hear from you. Blessings,
Joel
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