WILL GOD KILL FALSE TEACHERS?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Once, a preacher declared he had received “revelation” that God would soon take the life of another preacher in his denomination because of false teaching. That preacher, of course, was also a false teacher (would God strike him dead too?!). Such nonsense is a failure to understand the Bible dispensationally. No. Unfortunately, since we live in the Dispensation of Grace, God does not remove false teachers by killing them: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

There were false teachers in the Apostle Paul’s day, but there is no hint God ever struck any of them dead. Rather than Him killing the false teachers, He let them continue with their error. However, we are not to suppose He approved of their evil. They were allowed to remain in order to appeal to those who also wanted Satan’s lie program. Never forget: God gives us over to what we want!

“[19] Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: [20] Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme” (1 Timothy 1:19-20).

“[16] But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. [17] And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; [18] Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some” (2 Timothy 2:16-18).

“[6] I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: [7] Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] 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. [9] As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9).

“[9] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. [10] For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: [11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. [12] One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, the Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. [13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; [14] Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth” (Titus 1:9-14).

“[17] Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. [18] For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17-18).

“[3] 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; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] 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).

“[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Once in Scripture, we are ordered to “avoid” false teachers (Romans 16:17). Twice in Scripture, we are commanded to “withdraw” from them (1 Timothy 6:5; 2 Timothy 3:5). Yet, we find millions upon millions of church members today happily sitting under the ministries of false teachers. It is said casually, “A ‘church’ is a church; all preachers teach pretty much speak the same thing. I go to all sorts of services and benefit a little from all meetings.” They do not study the Bible on their own, so they have no discernment to realize they should not be there and making such reckless claims! It is not God’s fault. He is letting them enjoy their lies, darkness, and confusion (Matthew 23:37-38; Romans 1:18-32; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). Brethren, let us be sure we are not comfortable in this regard—or we will wind up in the same dreadful predicament!

Also see:
» What is the greatest threat facing the Grace Movement?
» Does doctrine really matter?
» What is the “judgment” of Galatians 5:10?
» How can we identify false teachers?