Be Ye Doers. . . Of The Word!

Whatever happened to false teachers? Where could they all have gone? Perhaps, like a rare and endangered species, they have become extinct. Maybe they are just a figment of my New Testament imagination. Do false teachers no longer exist, or have they just become unfashionable? Have they been eradicated, or have they just been whitewashed and absolutely avoided? Then again, the truth could well be that we of the Restoration Movement have become so complacent, so ignorant of New Testament doctrine, and so mesmerized by successful programs that we have thrust our heads firmly into the ecumenical sand and convinced ourselves that false teachers no longer exist!

Consider the case of the Galatians Christians. They had obeyed the gospel commands to be saved (Galatians 1:6; 3:2-27; 4:9). But when the apostle Paul wrote to them, a problem had surfaced. Influenced by the Judaizers, some of the Galatians Christians had begun to practice some doctrines and customs of the Jews. They observed special Jewish holidays (4:10) and were receiving circumcision (5:2; 6:12). Some would say, "These seem to be rather harmless practices, and they might even have some spiritual value!" Besides, those advocating these practices did not attack or oppose Christ, His atonement, baptism, the Lord's Supper, or any other doctrines. The Judaizers only sought to add a couple ideas to what was already being practiced.

The reaction by the apostle Paul was strong, swift, and pointed. No doubt some considered it an "over-reaction" when he wrote: "I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:6-8) or, "You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace." (Galatians 5:4) And was Paul going too far when he wrote: "Would that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves?" (Galatians 5:12)

Actually, the Scriptures are laced with warnings about tolerating or associating with false teachers. We are told that many have gone out into the world (I John 4:1); we are told to mark and avoid them (Romans 16:17); we are told not to greet them or receive them (II John 9-11); and elders are to be on guard against them (Acts 20:28-31).

In light of these New Testament facts, and some late trends among some Restoration Movement congregations and preachers, we need to revive the warnings about false teachers in sermons, lessons, and publications and we need to apply them to modern-day situations. There are myriad voices today who advocate "faith only" salvation. By this they mean that baptism has no significant role in one's salvation (even though they may practice it). Such teaching is clearly false in the light of all our familiar Scriptures teaching that immersion for the remission of sins is essential for salvation. But the response of some in the movement has been largely anemic, compromising, and even accommodating to those who falsely teach salvation apart from baptism. Should we glamorize their books, glorify them in sermons, and give them honored status at conferences, conventions, forums, or preachers' meetings? Many treat them like brothers in Christ with no questions asked?

New Testament warnings cited against false teachers were not about pagans, mystics, or emperor worshippers. They were about those who piously followed Christ but added to or deleted from His commands. In fact, Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23 that many who call Him "Lord" will be rejected for not obeying the will of the Father!

Some excuse false doctrine under the cloak of zeal or sincerity. To them sincerity is the key ingredient in pleasing God rather than correct, specific doctrines and practices. But the whole Bible argues against this erroneous position! From the forbidden fruit (Genesis 2:17), to Saul's disobedience (I Samuel 15:22), to the Galatians problem (Galatians 4:17,18), correct doctrines and actions have always been indicators of true faith and zeal. (See James 2:18; Romans 6:17; and John 4:24)

Those in denominations are not our enemies, but neither are they our "erring brothers." They are in error all right, but they are not brothers until they have by immersion for the remission of sins been born into the family of God. We must view them as lost and in need of evangelism and accurate teaching from God's Word. If they persist in advocating these doctrinal positions that are contrary to God's Word, then they are false teachers. We need to exercise the New Testament attitude toward them instead of embracing them with open arms and viewing them through rose- colored glasses.

If we are really intent on restoring and practicing New Testament Christianity, we must follow the Word accurately and accept no more and no less than what the Bible says from all followers of Christ.

So, whatever happened to false teachers?

1. Faith ........................................... Romans 10:17
2. Belief .......................................... John 3:16
3. Repentance ................................ Luke 13:3
4. Confession .................................. Matthew 10:32
5. Baptism ...................................... Mark 16:16 & Acts 2:38
6. Faithfulness ................................. James 1:12

Questions to Ask: Do You Know ...

The Bible is God's Word?
2 Timothy 3:16,17 & Genesis 1:1,2

Jesus is God's Son?
Matthew 16:13 & 3:16,17

The Judgement Day is Coming?
2 Peter 3:10-13 & Revelation 20:11,12

All Are Sinners and Lost?
Romans 3:23 & 3:10
The Result of Sin = Romans 6:23
That Death = Revelation 20:14,15

There Is a Savior?
2 Corinthians 5:21 & 1 Corinthians 15:3

What to Do? You Obey!!
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, Hebrews 5:9 & Acts 2:36-41

All Scriptures quoted are from the New American Standard version unless otherwise noted.

Home | Article Series - Be Ye Doers! | Poetry | Inspirational Stories | Search | Plan of Salvation | Links of Interest | Contact Us!
Stephen Kingery & Associates | USA MegaMall