Istvan Varga & Rozalia Makai website
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DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY IRMA F. MATRAI

False teachers and teachings were, and will always be found in Christian circles. Some, purposely mislead others for selfish reasons or benefits. Others do so; due to their lack of Biblical knowledge. Such was the case in the first Christian churches already. That is why the apostle Peter, and others, found it necessary to forewarn Christ's followers to be cautious. In 2 Peter 1:20 - 2:19 (NKJV) we read: ...knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the holy Spirit.
But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber... They are presumptuous, self willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries... like natural brute beasts, made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand... count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you...whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. For, when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness the ones that have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.
Based on these Scriptures, let us examine the following questions: Who are the false teachers in our days, and what do they teach? How can we recognize them? And how can we protect ourselves from them?



WHO ARE THE FALSE TEACHERS IN OUR DAYS,
AND WHAT DO THEY TEACH?

First of all, false teacher are those, who call themselves Christians, but actually represent cults or sects. For, they do not believe that Jesus Christ came down to this earth in the flesh. In 1 John 4:1-2 and 2 John 7 we read: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist... For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist."
Several years ago a young lady visited me and with her Bible in her hands tried to convert me to her religion. I asked her: "Who do you believe Jesus Christ to be? The Son of God, who came down to this earth in flesh? A wise philosopher? An excellent teacher? Or someone else?"
"O, we believe in Jesus!" - She replied.
But she didn't reveal what she or they believe about him; or who they think he is. And since she was unable to declare that Jesus is the Son of God, who came down to this earth in flesh to pay for our sin; I realized that she was a member of a cult. Not even mentioning that the before mentioned Bible verses didn't even interest her.



Similarly, there are those who believe that Jesus Christ is/was a created being; not God, who always was, is, and will be. That is a horrible false teaching also. Then, there are those - so called Christians - who believe and teach that everyone will end up in heaven. Or at least those, who follow their religion.
Although the Bible clearly declares that "God so loved that world that he gave his only begotten son, that (ONLY) whosoever believeth in him; shall not perish, but HAVE everlasting life." Furthermore, (ONLY) "if we confess our sin, is he faithful and just to forgive... and cleanse us..." And ONLY if we "receive him;" will he make us the sons or children of God and citizens of Heaven. (John 3:16, 1 John 1:9, and John 1:12.)
In other words, only those of us will go to Heaven, who believe in the deity of Jesus Christ; confess their sins to him; and invite him into their heart. The rest will end up in hell forever and ever; regardless of what religion they followed. For God made it possible for everyone to go to Heaven. But his gift has to be received. Else we don't have eternal life; no matter how religious we may be.
In addition, even others teach that all good people will go to Heaven. That is a false teaching also for, according to the Bible no good, or sinless people can be found on earth, who may deserve a place in Heaven. Therefore, we all have to take the before mentioned steps in order to receive eternal life, by grace trough faith in Christ. Moreover, these days the teaching of Christian prosperity seeped into our churches also.
People who spread this belief teach that every Christian, who wholeheartedly follows Jesus, should prosper. As if that was a sign of true discipleship.
Yet Jesus said: "...you have the poor with you always..." (Mark 14:7) And although he promised to take care of his own; yet he never promised to make all his followers rich. Personally - thus far - I have repeatedly experienced his care, when he supplied my needs by satisfying me through one or two meals/day. But never by making me rich. For, he knows better, what I TRULY need, or what I would benefit from the most.
I may continue to mention more false teachings of our days. But I will not do so for, the ones we discussed are enough to show us the false teachers and teachings of our days.



In other words, THAT FALSE TEACHERS ARE ALL THOSE, WHO - WHETHER DUE TO LACK OF BIBLE KNOWELEGE, OR ON PURPOSE - TEACH THINGS THAT ARE CONTRARY TO THE BIBLE'S DOCTRINES. FURTHERMORE, THAT THEY CAN BE DETECTED BY RECOGNIZING THAT WHAT THEY TEACH THEY ARE UNABLE TO PROVE FROM THE BIBLE.



THEN, HOW CAN WE PROTECT OURSELVES FROM THEM?

Only through regular, serious Bible-study, growth and prayer. For, God's children can only become ready to protect themselves, recognize and reject false teachings, and be watchful by learning about Biblical doctrines and truths, through sincere, daily, vigorous Bible study and a powerful prayer life.


False teachings and teachers were and will always be found amongst Christians. Some spread such for personal, selfish gain; others due to lack of Biblical knowledge. Therefore it is very important that we develop a regular, sincere, daily Bible study and prayer life. Then, we will be able to recognize the false teachers and teachings, and protect ourselves against them. Or, stay on the right track and prevent their dreadful influence on our lives and on our churches. Let us do so!