When You Believe a False Gospel from a False Preacher of a False Church
The adversary of humanity is the devil, who is called, “the father of lies (Jn 8:44).” Many follow his “sweet” deceptions into a false version of Christianity. “God is love (1 Jn 4:8),” quotes the enemy of our souls. Satan need not venture much further. He has found the allure for people to follow a very limited Christ.
The “all we need is love” follower of Jesus Christ is a very real candidate for apostasy (Heb 6:4–6; 1 Jn 2:19). What pressures the shallow faith of the fair weather friend of God is the introduction of sufferings, afflictions, and persecutions. Faith is tested and tried in the furnace of adversity.
The trajectory of the true believer, in this life, is decrease (Jn 3:30). This truth alone would dissuade many from imagining their faithful discipleship. The problem we are highlighting is the false conversion to a false version of Christianity. It often masquerades as human potential development.
The world hates Jesus Christ (Jn 15:18). He is the arch enemy of the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4), who is busy blinding the minds of those who are not believing the Gospel, seeing as they are not lovers of the truth (2 Thess 2:10). He keeps them enslaved in his domain of darkness (Rom 6:6; Col 1:13).
The Christian can say, “Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, yet I do not turn aside from Thy testimonies (Ps 119:157).” The saint endures his hell on earth, while the betrayer of Jesus returns to the wretched company of those appointed for eternal punishment (Jude 1:7).
As Hezekiah turned to the promises of God, his opponent turned to the people of Jerusalem and warned them not to trust in the Lord, as their king would compel them (2 Kgs 18:30). Suffering the siege of their city, would they trust the voice of their violent oppressor? Would they remain faithful to their beloved, yet beleaguered king?
In the generation of David, the test was the same (1 Sam). Those who followed their persecuted warrior, his suffering both friend (e.g. Saul) and foe (e.g. Philistines), meant that denial of self was mandatory. David’s mighty men had to count the cost, and this is true for those who will follow his most famous descendant, Jesus Christ (Lk 14:25–33).
The false church candy-coats the Christian life, when it sells Jesus as a talisman for attaining worldly treasures. The true church points the sojourner to the cross, not the crown. We preach Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor 2:2). We, too, have a cross to bear, which removes pretensions and presumptions (Mt 16:24). “In the world you will have trouble (Jn 16:33),” is the promise of the One and only Leader of His church (Mt 23:10).
Sooner or later the Christian is thrust into spiritual battle (Eph 6:10–20). A line will be drawn and allegiance will manifest, “Choose this day whom you will serve (Jos 24:15).” Will you return to the pleasures of Egypt? Will you covenant with enemies of Israel?
Sexual sinners, even predators, will enter your assembly demanding the status of righteousness, as they celebrate wickedness at the altar of Yahweh. Will you succumb to their sensualities, in the name of equality and universal love? Or, will you resist the wiles of the devil and call sin, “sin”?
The treacherous have no regard for the truth of God’s Word (Ps 119:158). Women pastors will deceive those who are ignorant of the Scriptures (1 Tim 2:9–15). Politicians, to the right and to the left, will enter your house and declare the divine right of their party to rule. They will claim Scripture, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Ps 33:12).” We ask, “And which nation is that?” Invariably, they have the wrong answer. Whether it is worldly prosperity, power politics, or promiscuous presumptions, the Christian must know and love the Word of truth. The Word of God will cut and divide. As the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17), it is the only rule of spiritual discernment (1 Cor 2:16).
The psalmist is never shy in declaring his love and confidence, “Consider how I love Thy precepts (Ps 119:159).” That is the equivalent of David’s men willing to risk their lives to secure a jar of sweet water from occupied Bethlehem (2 Sam 23:15–16). This is life and truth. God’s Word is truth and it gives life and revival (Ps 119:159b-160). It is worth fighting for (2 Tim 4:7).
Friend, behold the false gospel you have embraced. It is tested and found wanting, by its promise of heaven on earth. There is no such thing. Consider the Bible you have long neglected. You remain in a war zone, until the day of your bodily death. Loss and poverty are likely. Slander and ridicule will find their way to you. Enemies in the world and in the church will encircle you all the days of your life (2 Tim 4:14–15). This is the true lot of the born again. Blessed are you (Mt 5:10–12)!
Christian, rejoice in the grace of your preservation (2 Tim 4:18). The ordinances of God are everlasting (119:160b), and you love them (119:159), because they revive you (119:154, 156, 159). The salvation of the Lord is near to you (Ps 85:9; Rom 13:11), and you know this truth because it is affirmed by the Spirit of truth (Jn 16:13), who dwells in you (Rom 8:9, 11).
May the zeal of the Lord, maintained by the knowledge of Christ, ever deliver you from the false gospels, and the false preachers of false churches. Knowing the great mercies of God, in the midst of all your afflictions, remember the Word of God that assures you that your salvation is near. Press on.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
August 22, 2022
