Many centuries ago, the apostle Peter issued a written warning to the Church. Such a warning was given in the second chapter of his second letter, telling us of false prophets who had come, and who will continue to infiltrate, spreading their toxic teaching. I use the word "infiltrate" because the Scripture says that these counterfeits will secretly bring in destructive heresies.... and that they will even "deny the Lord, who bought them". (II Peter 2:1)
Even after reading this again and again, it is difficult to fathom how any mature Christian would be duped or fooled into believing in a teaching that would actually "deny" our great Redeemer, Jesus Christ. But sure enough, the very next verse informs us that "many will follow their deceptive ways". Our immediate response may be similar to that of Peter himself, when much earlier (several years previous) , he had declared: "Even if all are made to stumble.... I will NEVER be made to stumble." (Matt. 26:33) But Jesus' immediate response was very telling: "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." And guess what happened? You already know. It happened, just as our Lord had outlined.
Let me remind the reader of this article: We are not immune to stumbling. But we need to be rooted and grounded in such a way that we are watchful and aware of Satan's devices. Look at the inspired warning of the veteran disciple: He says, "MANY will follow". And what is it that is being followed? "DECEPTIVE ways." This is to say that the methods of the kingdom of darkness are both subtle and clever. Genesis 3:1 reveals that man's downfall came through a very cunning adversary. And I am led to believe that neither Adam nor Eve were ignorant. They were intelligent, innocent, and had an intimate relationship with their Creator. And yet, they fell, as the serpent spoke his destructive heresy, using deceptive ways.
So then, as we are being warned of false teachers, both present and future, we must be spiritually alert and full of God's Word and Wisdom. That is to say that we must never tire of pouring our hearts into the Scriptures, and allowing the Scriptures to be poured into our hearts. "How does a young man cleanse his way?...By taking heed according to Your word." (Ps. 119:9) God has made this clear, and we must absolutely receive and follow His counsel. Especially during these days of economic turmoil, wars, immorality, and profound world events.
It is utterly amazing to me that one man can produce so many followers, after announcing such an unbiblical "prophecy", stating that the Rapture of the Church will take place on a given date (May 21, 2011), and that the destruction of the earth and the universe will take place exactly five months later, on October 21, 2011. This flatly contradicts the Word of God for the following reason: In Matthew 24:35-36, we hear the inerrant words of Jesus Himself, declaring: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only."
In my opinion, it is quite presumptuous for any man to set a date for the Rapture of the Church, when in fact, our Lord said that we are not ABLE to be specific in regard to this event. Therefore, I would conclude that this prophecy is not what Peter had in mind, since it runs so blatantly against the grain of biblical truth. There is nothing "subtle" or "cunning" about this. Although, this certainly reminds the serious Christian that we must nonetheless be "ready" at any moment for our Lord's return.... and not simply May 21st, or October 21st, or whenever. But as our Free Church ancestors once urged, live "as if" He might return today! Not merely in pretense, but in all reality and with every urgency!
But what of Peter's warning of false teachers, using deceptive ways? The warning, I believe, pertains to the more subtle issues of those who declare the Word, but without rightly dividing its contents, or declaring it in God's power. While I believe that the Scriptures are "quick and powerful" and have a profound effect on the hearer, it is possible to communicate them in a way that does not seek the Will of God, nor His Glory. In fact, you will recall that Satan attempted to quote the Word to Jesus during the time of temptations (Matt. 4:1-9). But such quotations were not with God's Will in mind. But instead, it was the opposite....
A false teacher will do the same, whether it is through intentional twisting of the Word, or by careless handling from a careless heart. Are these easily recognized and rejected? Not always. There are a great many movements (with many followers) based on careless and/or intentional mishandling of the Word of God. I will not list them in this article , although I may share a few examples with those who ask. Suffice it to say that false doctrines lead to false movements, and many people are thereby led into tangents and "rabbit trails" that are neither helpful nor central to God's actual plan. The result is tragic, which includes, at the very least, a great waste of time, and at the worst, followers who end up in a Christless eternity.
But what is extremely important is that you measure what you hear...with careful study and prayer. Continue to hold your pastors and teachers accountable concerning their life and doctrine. Pray for them, and for yourselves. Keep digging into the Scriptures, asking the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you daily wisdom and discernment.
Let me remind God's people that a time is coming when "strong delusion" will come upon the earth. (II Thess. 2:11) Many will believe the wrong things, but God's People are called to continue in the truth of His Word, not merely in belief, but especially in practice. May God strengthen each of you to remain firm, and continue growing in Him!!
