2007-10-30 13:11:18 · 32 answers · asked by Nina, BaC 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
10 Indicators of a False Teacher
1. Grace Perverters
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. - Galatians 1:6-8.
2. Lovers of money/selfishness
And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. - Luke 16:14.
3. Pride
Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. - 1 Corinthians 3:21-23.
4. Truth opposers
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.- 2 Timothy 3:1-8.
5. Lovers/inventors of fables
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. - 2 Timothy 4:3,4.
6. Deprived of the truth
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. - 1 Timothy 6:3-5.
7. Doctrines out of the mind of man
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. - Matthew 15:9.
8. Strange doctrine/fruitless discussion
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.- 1 Timothy 1:4-7.
9. Exposed by false predictions
Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie. - Jeremiah 28:15.
And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee. 32 For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass. - 1 Kings 18:2,32.
10. Crafty/Decietful
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: - Ephesians 4:14,15.
2007-10-30 13:14:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 9⤊ 2⤋
The rise of the cults (counterfeits)
Counterfeit Christianity is probably the best description I can give for a cult. Counterfeit Christianity is an imitation of real Christianity. Bible terms like "Jesus Christ, Resurrection, Salvation, and Atonement" are used by the Cult, but the various cult groups have assigned entirely different meanings to these terms.
Like counterfeit money which is sometimes difficult to detect, so it is difficult to detect counterfeit Christianity, since it looks like the real thing. Experts examining counterfeit money often hold it up to a strong light and look for identifying marks. Counterfeit Christianity also has identifying marks, which can be seen when, held up to an even stronger light, the light of God's word, the bible.
We are at an advantage if we know what to expect from a cult. Cultists are very well trained to appear "Christian", and indeed believe they are the true churches, and you need the deliverance! Therefore, be bold and ask the question, "do you believe the group you represent is the only true church on the face of the earth?"
If they reply that they are, or if they are evasive, making remarks like "Well, every church has a measure of truth but...", you have made an early detection of a Cultist.
Every true Christian, if asked the same question, regardless of his denomination, would reply that the true church is comprised of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, and HE (not some organization) is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE, (John 14:6). No legitimate denomination would claim that they alone and their members have salvation exclusively, but the cults (the counterfeits) do.
2007-10-30 14:41:59 · answer #2 · answered by Freedom 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
A sign of False teaching of the "Word of God"
Would be the thought that Jesus Christ is not Son of God; Jesus Christ is the Son of God and every
thing in Heaven and Earth is being put under that Name;
Also False teaching The Word ; Will be one that has Form-Rictual;Elegant ---But it is Powerless to
Save-Heal and Deliver;
False teaching is just a motivational speech,
2007-10-30 13:31:37 · answer #3 · answered by section hand 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For Christians(Since you didn't specify "what" God) Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." ... And also, 1 John 4... "1Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. " P.S... in a quiet time, seek and you shall find... Ask and you will be answered; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you! (Simple!) :-)
2007-10-30 13:20:53 · answer #4 · answered by GeoffHubbard 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit if you are in question of a teaching....but as far as "signs" of it, I am not good at discerning this other than if it seems right to me, I go along with it and if it doesn't, I don't. Since I can be mistaken though, as all humans can be, then this may not be enough to tell the difference - that's why praying for guidance is needed. Also you may discuss any teaching with others if you are in doubt - sometimes others' opinions will be helpful.
2007-10-30 13:15:48 · answer #5 · answered by joni38 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
-The church can change god's law. Biblical support?none
-The church has the authority to change the 10 commandments. Including the 4th commandment Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday. Biblical support?none
-The saints can also be mediators. Biblical support?none
-Christians must do penance and other works in order to be saved. Biblical support? none
-Priests can forgive sins. Biblical support? none.(Only God)
-When we die, we go traight to heaven or hell to receive our reward according to our life actions. Biblical support?none. (The Bible is clear that we sleep until resurrection morning, therefore, the dead are not in hell or heaven)
-There will be a secret rapture. Biblical support? none Every eye will see and hear The Lord return in all His glory.
-The antichrist is a person. Biblical support? none. The antichrist is an organization that has usurped Jesus' authority and attempted to change His Law.
-After a rapture,the lost will have 7 years to repent. Biblical support? none. Once The Lord returns there will be no more chances. For the elements will be destroyed with fervent heat. Only the saints will survive the day of The Lord. Just like Noah's day, anyone who did not get in the arc, lost their lives, no second chances.
-The Pope is God on earth. Biblical support?none. "You shall have no other Gods"
*These are only a few of the deceptions that can cause us to lose our salvation. This is why it is so important that we study the scriptures diligently. Only then will we be able to separate the truth from the deception
2007-10-30 14:16:53 · answer #6 · answered by delmar 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Remember that when trying to learn about God and His word, that we are dealing with the perfect being so it's impossible for us to really completely understand (at least here on Earth) everything about him.
A red light should go off in your head whenever someone strays from the core messages of hope, peace, love, grace, forgiveness, patience, and the like substituting those with "going to war for God", not treating people like you'd want to be treated and the like. Mostly, just pray if you feel unsure.
2007-10-30 13:16:08 · answer #7 · answered by Js_5 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The main sign is anything that teaches a lesson other than love of God, others and self.
2007-10-30 13:15:03 · answer #8 · answered by Acorn 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When the preacher focuses more on the offering and material prosperity than Jesus dying on the cross to save us from our sins.
When Jesus is not the center of the church and when other things take the place of prayer meetings like financial seminars.
In closing if Jesus is not first and foremost it is time to start looking for a new church.
If there is not genuine love among the brethren.
When intercessory prayer becomes a option not a priority.
2007-10-30 19:27:09 · answer #9 · answered by encourager4God 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Believing in the Word of God (as opposed to some previous posters) ... how is it possibel to "false teach" or "teach falsely"?
The Word is the Word is the WORD!
2007-10-30 13:16:11 · answer #10 · answered by David F 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
There is only one who should judge, God Himself, and we should follow His judgement.
For this purpose he has send us His Holy Spirit. Besides asking the Holy Spirit to guide you you can also observe if the Holy Spirit is with the person doing the teaching. I don't care if one is catholic or protestant, atheist, buddhist or pagan as long as they listen and are in harmony with the Holy Spirit and many of them are. It is not a Chistians only club the Creator has judged suitable to represent His will.
In case of Christians I usually observe when they are blessing the bread and the wine if God indeed transforms them energetically on his/her request.
2007-10-30 13:29:29 · answer #11 · answered by han_ko_bicknese 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋