The curse of heresies

Knowing the truth and responding to it is the way of being set free from ignorance that leads to bondage of different kinds (Jn.8:32). We must face the harsh reality that we are all ignorant of many truths, and some things we believe may be wrong. Salvation starts with the forgiveness of our sins which used to keep us separated from God, and then we can find acceptance from God. The next part of our salvation is to grow into becoming more and more like Jesus. This is to be transformed from our actual sinful, selfish ways to godliness. This is where growing in the knowledge of God in contrast to understanding who and what we really are helps. Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and guide us into all this truth (Jn.16:13).

Satan hinders this work of the Holy Spirit by spreading falsehood, even using the word of God and misinterpreting it. Many people read the Bible superficially or merely listen to preachers, and simply believe what they understand, because they are persuaded that it is the word of God. They do not consider the possibility that their own interpretation or what the preachers say may be false.

Take the example of this extremely common false teaching known as word of faith. Preachers quote verses like Pr.18:21 to teach that we have power in what we speak, and that by speaking out what we want to happen, we can make them happen. Actually this proverb is only warning us to be careful with what we speak, because it has the potential to cause damage to the listeners. We do not have creative power, which is supernatural, and we must learn to think of ourselves not as God but only created beings.

Now let us look at the damage this false teaching produces. When people start believing this and start making declarations, sooner or later they will have to recognise that it does not work! Then comes disappointment, disillusionment, questing of the words in the Bible and its preachers, etc. On one side preachers tell them that it is because they do not have enough faith or because there is some sin in their life that nothing is happening, and on the other hand they feel condemned and hopeless because they have confessed every sin they are aware of and tried their best to believe that what they say was going to happen. This whole drama gives outsiders something to mock at.

Falsehood cannot produce good. We need to know the truth. Knowledge of true doctrine becomes important, not only for the salvation it offers, but also to protect ourselves from the damage that false doctrines can bring. We are in times where there are lots of false doctrines going around, and we cannot assume that every pastor knows his Bible. Satan has a vested interest in causing confusion among Christians, and we must be aware that if he would not hesitate to misquote words from the Bible to Jesus, nothing less can be expected towards us. We need to cultivate the habit of checking doctrines for ourselves to see if they are true.