‘But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed’. (Galatians 1:8)
As the curtains of the last days blows with the gentle but inviting wind of grace to all men, we shall also continue to see a deepening darkness of false doctrines that seek to muddy the clear water of salvation.
By throwing down the gauntlet with a curse in Galatians 1:8, Paul the Apostle foresaw this threat to the gospel and the danger it portends to the body of Christ.
Following in the steps of Paul, Jude an Apostle also warned about those ‘who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ…’ while encouraging believers ‘to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people’. (Jude 1:3).
It has always been Satan’s purpose to attack the body of Christ and he does this by casting mud into the water of salvation with half-truths down to outright lies.
To this end, there are not a few preachers who continue to preach and practice the doctrine of popular culture of leisure, licentiousness and liberty as opposed to the holy and immaculate standard of God.
What does the scripture say about the dangerous pull towards these doctrines that muddies the clear water of salvation? Galatians 3:14 warns: “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another’.
How does Satan really loosen our grip on sound doctrine of Jesus Christ? He does this by promoting heresy, opposing the truth, and sometimes adding to it.
Even though there are many satanic agents who assault the body of Christ from outside the Church the most dangerous agents who keep muddling the waters of salvation are preachers that are already deeply embedded in the body of Christ.
We shall examine some of these agents and their characteristics against scripture.
The misbeliever are the undisguised false prophets who openly or secretly introduce destructive doctrines, even denying Jesus as the sole author and finisher of our salvation (2 Peter 2:1).
The impostor are the ones who preach the gospel to feather their nest, while conjuring up all sorts of doctrines to dip their hands into the pockets of the rich and poor believers and thinking that the gospel is a means to financial gain and personal fortune. (1 Timothy 6:3-5).
The false Prophet, who would always speak even when God has not spoken using soulish prophesies to manipulate believers.
Our churches and airwaves are overflowing with soulish prophesies, speaking, and leading astray while claiming to be through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Of such prophets the Lord warns, ‘This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD’. (Jer. 23:16).
Jesus equally warns, saying “For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many’. (Mathew 24:5).
The rustler takes advantage of his leadership position to dominate the weak, and the simple-minded. He appears like a shepherd, but he is indeed a cattle rustler ravishing the body and soul of his followers and victims in the name of ministry. Of such the Bible warns: “And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed”. (2 Peter 2:2).
The celebrity preacher does not care about the undiluted word of God but more about muddy waters, he spends his energy preaching about what appeals to men and not to God.
Like a salesman he is adept at selling to his numerous audience the aspect of the Bible that appeals to their senses thereby fueling his own fame and fortune.
Of such the bible plainly declares: ‘“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Beloved, as the last days come upon us we must be vigilant and watch out for the fruits of these leaders. Jesus already gave a litmus test to guide us in our dealings:” By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit’. (Matthew 7:16-17).
Reading
Mathew 7:13-23
