False Doctrines

Since the beginning Satan has tried to introduce heresies into the church of God.

Then we can expect also today to see false doctrines being presented to us as truth. Unfortunately many do not discern the errors in these theories but believe them and are confused to the point even to lose their faith.

Sister White gave many warnings and counsels in regards to these heresies that will be presented to us.
“Heresies are now arising among the people of God, and they will continue to arise. As we near the end of time, falsehood will be so mingled with truth, that only those who have guidance of the Holy Spirit will be able to distinguish truth from error.” Manuscript releases #7 p. 359

“We are warned that heresy of every kind will be brought in among the people of God in these last days. One heresy leads to many other heresies hi the explanation of the Word of God and in departing from the Lord’s design and plans.” Manuscript Releases #760 page 14.

“These teachers spoken by Christ will come in sheep’s clothing, and will delude the people with their heresies, and this we shall see more and more as we draw nearer the end.

Consequently it is of the great necessity that we search the Scriptures for ourselves, and learn their contents.” Manuscript releases #3 page 89.

“In these last days many influences will arise to draw the worker from standing firmly for a Thus saith the Lord’. Men who themselves have departed from the faith, will seek to draw the workers into controversy, by this method attempt to present heresies that will lead souls astray. My brethren, do not be enticed by such influences. Engage in no debate.” Australian Record Dec. 30. 1907

“The time has come when we cannot depend upon the doctrines which comes to our ears, unless we see that it harmonizes with the Word of God. There are dangerous heresies that will be presented as Bible doctrines; and we are to become acquainted with the Bible so that we may know how to meet them. The faith of every individual will be tested, and everyone will pass through a trial of close criticism.” Evangelism p. 590, 591

“The Scriptures pointing forward to this time declare that Satan will work with all power and ‘with all deceivableness’ of unrighteousness.” 2 Tess. 2: 9,10 His working is plainly revealed by the rapidly increasing darkness, the multitudinous errors, heresies, and delusions of these last days. Not only is Satan leading the world captive, but his deceptions are leavening the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ” C.O.L. p. 414

Clear are the warnings that the Spirit of Prophesy has given us. Multitudes will be deceived by these heresies. What can we do to escape these deceptions?

The first thing is Bible study. We must be well rooted and grounded in the message. The second thing is presence of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit’s guidance we will be confused. The greatest intellect cannot figure out the truth alone.

Next comes the obedience to the truth and finally the love of the truth. Apostle Paul gives us a warning that all who do not love the truth will believe a lie.

Sometimes for the fear that someone may be offended we dare not correct them from the errors they believe. But the fear of God will not permit us to do that. Jesus spake the truth and many were offended and left Him. Sister White counsels us to do painstaking efforts to fasten the minds of the people to the truth.

“There must be painstaking effort to fasten the minds of all to the solid arguments of the truth; for everyone will be tested, and those who are rooted and grounded in the work of God will be unmoved by the heresies that will arise on all sides; but if any neglect to obtain the necessary preparation, they will be swept away by errors that have the appearance of truth.” Evang. P. 365

God is allowing those errors to arise for a specific purpose. These heresies instead of destroying the church will do the opposite; they will purify the church.

“My prayer is: Purify Thy church, O God…. God is shifting His people. He will have a clean and holy church. We cannot read the heart of man. But the Lord has provided means to keep the church pure.” Test. Vol. 1 p. 99

“God will arouse His people; if other means fail, heresies will come among them, which will sift them, separating the chaff from the wheat.” Test. Vol. 5 pg. 707

May the Lord help us to escape these heresies. Many will be shaken out by them, but the honest seekers of the truth will not be deceived.

As the church we must have a clear sound in our trumpet. Our publications must prepare the people to meet these heresies and remain firm in the truth.
AMEN

Timo Martin