Repeatedly, in the scriptures, we are warned of false prophets who come in our midst as ravenous wolves in sheep's clothing. (Matt. 7:15).
Indeed, this is a regular topic here, primarily because so much of the religious culture today is based on long-standing traditions and church philosophies, instead of the Word, as personally delivered by our Lord God our Saviour.
But today, as I was reading a scriptural passage from another website, I realized that it isn't enough for me to encourage believers to beware of false prophets. These same believers must embed the Word deep into their minds and hearts. We need to get to know Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour, seeking His righteousness day in and day out -- the One who is the Bread of Life.
Jesus said, "He that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst." (Matthew 6:35, 48-51) This is why we "study to show [our] self approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
It similarly explains why we "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 1:1)
So why is this important? Because in this day and age, we consume endless mounds of information, and if we don't know the truth, we will be swept away by eloquent teachings and doctrines that have no scriptural basis. Yes, admittedly, verses are cited but the contents therein do not reflect the original scriptural message. In fact, twice this week I have had to look up a verse in the Bible, simply because the message I was reading did not align with the Word.
Today, as I read yet another blog that I had trusted for years, I realized that had I not already known the Word, I would not have recognized that the tale that was being spun did not centre on the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.
So, for the record, I have copied below the entire message in II Peter chapter two -- taken from the King James version. Read the chapter in its entirety and know that the Lord Jesus loves us so much that He would shed His precious blood on the old rugged cross -- for you and I. Stand in the offering plate.
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) ...
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the [God-serving] out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government, presumptuous are they, self willed -- they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord ... but these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption.
And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 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
But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 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 for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." (II Timothy 22:1-22)
Very good and well said.
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