There are some who will say that it does not matter what we believe in the various teachings/doctrines as long as we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. While this may seem true and certainly of most importance, there is a real danger in not realizing that a False Teaching can lead you down a path that can eventually cause you to forsake Jesus Christ and His teachings.
1Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some WILL DEPART FROM THE FAITH, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
Paul now lists a couple of examples. These are only examples and not an inclusive list.
3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
The point is that in the last days people are going to "Depart from THE Faith." This is serious business! Now let's examine how or why this can occur besides what Paul listed above and what Paul said in Hebrews about a sinful life leading to Apostasy.
2Tim 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.
17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,
18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they OVERTHROW the faith of some. NKJV
It is interesting to note that these two people were teaching that "The Resurrection" had already occurred. This is just a small part of Eschatology and yet....it was dangerous enough to cause the faith of some to be "overthrown". What does overthrow mean.
From G303 and the base of G5157; to overturn (figuratively): - overthrow, subvert.
To overthrow or subvert is liken to destroying. So think about this. A little piece of doctrine dealing with End Time stuff was sufficient enough of a False Teaching that it could and did overthrow/destroy the Faith of some. Consider this below.
1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. NKJV
Satan and his Demons are going about trying to destroy CHRISTIANS. Notice that this warning is given to Christians. Why? Because Satan does not need to waste his time going after the unsaved as he already has them. He knows that Christians can forfeit their Salvation otherwise he would not waste his time.
Jesus said in the last days that
Mat 24:12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
Mat 24:13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
The LOVE of many in the Greek is actually "the love of THE many. The word "love " here is "AGAPE" this is the love for God/Christ. Jesus said that the majority of Christians love for God will wax cold. This is not something hypothetical but a certainty. The majority of Christians are going to "fall Away" from the faith and commit Apostasy. This is a forfeiture of their Salvation...permanently.
Paul said the same thing in 2 Thess. 2Thess 2:3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless THE FALLING AWAY comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
The phrase Falling Away" here means APOSTASY. A divorce of one's faith in God. Divorcing from God. An utter rejection of Christ.
The point here hopefully will be seen by all. Challenge what you believe and don't get all upset and bothered when someone challenges your beliefs. It could save your life one day!
Look at what Jesus said about those who challenged some who claimed to be Apostles.
Rev 2:2 "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those WHO ARE EVIL. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and HAVE FOUND THEM LIARS. NKJV
Strong words here from our Lord but true words. You see, Jesus knows that He only picked 12 Apostles and yet there are those even today who claim to be Apostles of Jesus Christ. Jesus said that they are liars. Let no one deceive you my Brothers and Sisters.
So I hope that you can see why I am so passionate about getting Doctrines correct! If something we believe is not correct, it may be serious enough to lead us down the wrong path and the end of the path....well...if we get to that point...it's too late. For those of you who think that you are just too strong and so convinced that you are right....well...meditate upon these scriptures.
1Cor 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
2Peter 3:17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;
2Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears AWAY FROM THE TRUTH, and be turned aside to fables. NKJV
Statistically speaking, Jesus and Paul both said that the majority of Christians are going to fall away from the Faith and perish. This means that the majority of those Christians sitting in the Churches will fall away. This means also that the majority of Christians who are on Christian web sites will be among that majority. So let us pray that none of us will be among them but let us not be so sure that we become so haughty that we think it is impossible for any one of us to be in that statistic.
Do you see why I am so passionate about seeking God's truth and try to get others to do so even if it means ruffling a few feathers? If I didn't love you all I wouldn't be tough on you sometimes. This is the end game. No time to waste.
There are a number of false teachings occuring today. Just as it has always been and always will be. Jesus said you will know the truth and the truth will make you free...End times you have pre tribulation -mid tribulation - post tribulation. Two of the three are lies. The truth is in there (The Word)line upon line, precept upon precept. KJV Isiah 28:9-10 So all you have to do is study. Don't listen to what someone is trying to tell you and hence maybe believe a lie. Study to show yourself approved. After all He knew you before you were in your mothers womb. Now its your job to get to know Him...His name is Jesus, God, The Holy Spirit. And when you get to know Him (Studying His Word, prayer, asking for wisdom) when the time comes He won't say i never knew you...Because you had a relationship, and isn't that whats its all about. The Jesus that others see in you might be the only Jesus that they will see. And they will see it because you are a disciple of Christ...God bless...
Klmartain62 I belive in pretrib.I also understand that the anti christ comes 1st then jesus returns.It is not possible to be tricked into taking the mark of the beast.You are maling a statement saying that you will renounce god and follow satan. Do not be confused you can not follow christ and the anti-christ.
You:Klmartain62 I belive in pretrib.I also understand that the anti christ comes 1st then jesus returns.It is not possible to be tricked into taking the mark of the beast.You are maling a statement saying that you will renounce god and follow satan. Do not be confused you can not follow christ and the anti-christ.
Me: I am sorry if I misunderstood, but I could have sworn that my bible says many will be deceived. It also calls Satan the great deceiver.
Without deception, Satan can't pull that many people in the last days. Deception is his favorite tool. He will come disguised as an angel of light. Sound familiar? Abomination of desolation? Many will fall away? The man of perdition will be exposed? Sorry, but my explanation fits like a glove.
