False Teachings/Teachers

[rahmiyn]

What are some false teachings? What do the scriptures say about false teachings/teachers, and how would we apply that to today?

 

[rcorlew]

Some of the most prevalent false teachings would include but are no way the only teachings:

The Gospel of Prosperity - God/Jesus wants you to have your best life today
Universalism - All will get to Heaven because Jesus died for all sins
New Agism - Many paths to the one you call god (little g)

 

[Alhamdulilah]

rcorlew is right.

Some of the teachings in islam are wrong, i would say mohammed did some good, but his teachings where not all good, he did encourage some very unholy things.

 

[MrPolo]

One of the more famous ones was Arianism, which denied that Jesus was with the Father from the beginning, i.e. Arianists denied the Trinity. The Church had to hold many councils to squash out the influence of the heresy. Took a number of years.

 

[Mister_Al]

The biggest false teaching in the Church today is Salvation by saying the "Sinners Prayer." The Bible doesn't have any Scripture(s) that tells you to say a prayer to be saved.

Alan

 

[rahmiyn]

The biggest false teaching in the Church today is Salvation by saying the "Sinners Prayer." The Bible doesn't have any Scripture(s) that tells you to say a prayer to be saved.

Alan

This one is difficult. If someone prays this prayer with sincerity, I do believe the process begins, and sometimes the gates to salvation to open. But, I've often thought before that just preaching one is saved by saying the prayer is misleading. The emphasis has to be on seeking God first, on praying for a repentant heart (as I personally found it impossible to feel guilty of anything. I didn't understand guilt, me being so young when I first began to seek God. Now, by His leading, I understand it so much more.)

Anything that begins a person seeking God with all their heart, soul, and mind is good. We can only open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, but He does the rest.

 

[Mister_Al]

Salvation is a covenant promise to Abraham and His seed (Galatians 3:16). The gentiles have no rights to any of Gods promises and don't have any right to Gods promise of salvation becaust they are not part of Abraham's bloodline (Ephesians 2:11-12). This means that God has no covenant obligation to give a gentile salvation just because they ask for it, neither does he have any reason to listen to their prayers asking for it.

However, Galatians 3:27-29 says:

Galatians 3:27-29 (Amplified Bible)

27)For as many [of you] as were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah] have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ.

28)There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

29)And if you belong to Christ [are in Him Who is Abraham's Seed], then you are Abraham's offspring and [spiritual] heirs according to promise.

Notice that verse 29 says that after you are baptized into Christ "THEN" you are Abraham's offspring and heirs according to promise.

Blessings,

Alan

 

[daydreamergurl15]

This one is difficult. If someone prays this prayer with sincerity, I do believe the process begins, and sometimes the gates to salvation to open. But, I've often thought before that just preaching one is saved by saying the prayer is misleading. The emphasis has to be on seeking God first, on praying for a repentant heart (as I personally found it impossible to feel guilty of anything. I didn't understand guilt, me being so young when I first began to seek God. Now, by His leading, I understand it so much more.)

Anything that begins a person seeking God with all their heart, soul, and mind is good. We can only open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, but He does the rest.

That's not fair to say that if you pray the prayer with sincerity it is a beginning process. Why? Because it is not scriptural. Only what is scriptural should be the beginning process. Some say that once they pray this prayer, they receive the Holy Spirit and their sins are washed away, again not scriptural, we can only receive the Holy Spirit as scripture had described it, which for the general population, it is through baptism, which consequently washes away our sins. If one starts to seek, that's great, it means that we Christians need to teach them God. But remember, a person seeks before saying a prayer (hopefully, otherwise how did they get there?) so that seeking have started before they are asked to say the sinners prayer (which again is not scriptural at all). I think it is important to tell them what scripture says.

 

[daydreamergurl15]

I think one of the false teachings is the idea is telling people that the bible should be a guideline not an authoritative book.

 

[rahmiyn]

That's not fair to say that if you pray the prayer with sincerity it is a beginning process. Why? Because it is not scriptural. Only what is scriptural should be the beginning process. Some say that once they pray this prayer, they receive the Holy Spirit and their sins are washed away, again not scriptural, we can only receive the Holy Spirit as scripture had described it, which for the general population, it is through baptism, which consequently washes away our sins. If one starts to seek, that's great, it means that we Christians need to teach them God. But remember, a person seeks before saying a prayer (hopefully, otherwise how did they get there?) so that seeking have started before they are asked to say the sinners prayer (which again is not scriptural at all). I think it is important to tell them what scripture says.

But there are so many scriptures where Jesus himself simply requires belief.

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

He does not include baptism here, not because it isn't important, as he does mention it in other scriptures, but because water baptism does not transform the human heart. The Holy Spirit does.

If baptism were critical to all salvation, I would think Jesus would include it in every reference to it.

 

[MrPolo]

If baptism were critical to all salvation, I would think Jesus would include it in every reference to it.

Why is that your criteria? Would not belief entail all that Jesus teaches without having to mention each act of obedience every time?

This thread may interest you.

 

[rahmiyn]

Why is that your criteria? Would not belief entail all that Jesus teaches without having to mention each act of obedience every time?

This thread may interest you.

I was only trying to respond to daydreamgurl's response regarding the altar call being unscriptural. I do agree that there is nothing in the New Testament such as an altar call, but my reason believing there is a process comes from different scriptures that call for seeking, belief, repentance, and baptism, and few list them all together (if any.)

At the very least, it leaves open a bit our ability to define precisely how a person is saved (other than through the Cross of Jesus.)

 

[daydreamergurl15]

But there are so many scriptures where Jesus himself simply requires belief.

But His disciples were going around baptizing people, John the baptist said He will come and baptize with the Holy Spirit, so I think people were understanding the connection.

He does not include baptism here, not because it isn't important, as he does mention it in other scriptures, but because water baptism does not transform the human heart. The Holy Spirit does.

If baptism were critical to all salvation, I would think Jesus would include it in every reference to it.

Baptism (which is water baptism) is where we are told we get the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38

Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."​

Acts 19:2-6

2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?”
So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”
4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.​

If you look throughout the book of Acts, you see those who profess a belief in Him get baptized almost immediately.

 

[MrPolo]

how a person is saved (other than through the Cross of Jesus.)

Indeed. As a note, we Catholics (and probably others, perhaps like daydreamergurl) teach that baptism imparts the power of the Cross. There is no disparity for us. There's no saved-through-Christ vs. saved-through-baptism. They are the same.

Romans 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (cf. Col 2:12)​

There is no salvation apart from Christ.

 

[freeport]

What are some false teachings? What do the scriptures say about false teachings/teachers, and how would we apply that to today?

1 John 2

26I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

There are many teachings about false teachers. Many Christians who are otherwise good receive these people and then pass on false teachings. We should be very careful to compare to Scripture anything anyone teaches.

Some "false teachers" are very false, some are just otherwise ordinary Christians passing on something they heard which is incorrect.


Notice above it goes even further and says: 'you do not need anyone to teach you' and 'his anointing teaches you about all things'.

Now, one considers that in the light of Scripture, but the point is that 'people in those days will not listen to sound advice'. Obviously, Christians have an obligation to 'feed' other Christians, if that is so put on them: but make no mistake, if you lived in a cave you have all you need in terms of teachers.

Christ alone is 'the Teacher', any teaching that does not agree with His teaching is false teaching.

Many teachings lead people away from God and His truth, so one should be careful with anything: 'test all things, hold fast to that which is true'.

 

[rahmiyn]

Good post, freeport. Thanks for it. I really agree about the "lived in a cave" part. I have received a great deal of truth from listening to others, but ultimately, I sense the Holy Spirit quickening me, leading me to a confidence that this is truth. Having said this, I find my center in scripture are the teachings of Christ. It is this alone that led me away from the prosperity doctrine, the doctrine of demons, name-it-and-claim it (Copeland's) teachings, and a host of others that seemed an exaggeration or distortion of Jesus' basic teachings. I began to see all of Paul's teachings (in their full context) as agreeing with Jesus' teachings as well. In particular, your signature quote means a great deal to me.

So, for me, anything that veers away from the contextual teachings of Jesus, I avoid.

Mr. Polo, I do hear what you are saying. It is why I've never argued against Catholics on their beliefs about the Eucharist or baptism. I just believe the fullness of what you receive can be received on a spiritual level, such that those whom life throws into a cave also have the hope of salvation without direct contact with these things. Or, those who have been taught they are saved (without the ritual) can be saved, because the Cross of Christ can transcend all ritual.

 

[freeport]

Good post, freeport. Thanks for it. I really agree about the "lived in a cave" part. I have received a great deal of truth from listening to others, but ultimately, I sense the Holy Spirit quickening me, leading me to a confidence that this is truth. Having said this, I find my center in scripture are the teachings of Christ. It is this alone that led me away from the prosperity doctrine, the doctrine of demons, name-it-and-claim it (Copeland's) teachings, and a host of others that seemed an exaggeration or distortion of Jesus' basic teachings. I began to see all of Paul's teachings (in their full context) as agreeing with Jesus' teachings as well. In particular, your signature quote means a great deal to me.

So, for me, anything that veers away from the contextual teachings of Jesus, I avoid.

<snip>

The Holy Spirit brings to mind Scripture, even as Jesus used Scripture to explain His points. And we know the words of Jesus are Scripture, as are all of the Old and New Testament.

And I am glad to hear your testimony on the matter, same situation for me.

 

[Mister_Al]

I'm always baffled that people ignore, and even argue against, water baptism as being an integral part of being saved considering there are so many scriptures, and examples, in the Bible to back it up. Yet they believe the sinners prayer will save them just because somebody they may not even know told them it would.

Jesus even commanded us to baptize those who believed in Him so they would be saved:

Mark 16:15-16 (Amplified Bible)

15)And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race].

16)He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned.

By the way, Jesus didn't have to mention baptism in every reference to salvation He made because all the people back then knew what baptism was and what it did, as well as how to do it.

Be Blessed,

Alan

 

[SpiritDriven]

What are some false teachings? What do the scriptures say about false teachings/teachers, and how would we apply that to today?

The Bible actualy gives warning about False teaching or Demonic Doctrine, there is even one Chapter I know of that actualy declares what is the correct teaching....for those being sucked in by False teaching or Demonic Doctrine.

The word of God is very specific about what is to be taught....there is no escaping it...and no better source than directly from the word of God.

The Classic I Timothy 4....note warning against false doctrine, and correct teaching are highlighted.


Chapter 4
1 Now the spirit is saying explicitly, that in subsequent eras some will be withdrawing from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and the teachings of demons,
2 in the hypocrisy of false expressions, their own conscience having been cauterized;
3 forbidding to marry, abstaining from foods, which God creates to be partaken of with thanksgiving by those who believe and realize the truth,
4 seeing that every creature of God is ideal and nothing is to be cast away, being taken with thanksgiving,
5 for it is hallowed through the word of God and pleading.
6 By suggesting these things to the brethren, you should be an ideal servant of Christ Jesus, fostering with the words of faith and of the ideal teaching which you have fully followed.
7 Now profane and old womanish myths refuse, yet exercise yourself in devoutness,
8 for bodily exercise is beneficial for a few things, yet devoutness is beneficial for all, having promise for the life which now is, and that which is impending.
9 Faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome
10 (for for this are we toiling and being reproached), that we rely on the living God, Who is the Saviour of all mankind,
11 especially of believers. These things be charging and teaching.
12 Let no one be despising your youth, but become a model for the believers, in word, in behavior, in love, in faith, in purity.
13 Till I come, give heed to reading, to entreaty, to teaching.
14 Neglect not the gracious gift which is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the imposition of the hands of the eldership.
15 On these things meditate. In these be, that your progress may be apparent to all.
16 Attend to yourself and to the teaching. Be persisting in them, for in doing this you will save yourself as well as those hearing you.

It really hits you right between the eyes about just how specific the word of God is about what is the correct teaching....and that anybody who goes against that teaching.....

Is teaching Demonic Doctrine.....scary eh!

 

[rahmiyn]

I really don't think it's that clear at all. Even Jesus said that the very elect might be deceived, if it were possible.

So, if we're talking about Demonic Doctrine in Christian clothing, then how can we gather from this chapter in 1 Timothy whether the prosperity doctrine is among them, or many of the Christian/political movements here in America, or even teachings that rally prejudice between Christians and non-Christian members of society?

How can we know for sure? I believe the answer has more to do with Jesus' teachings, that every teaching must square with the teachings of Jesus, and if it doesn't, then it is false.