Beware of False Prophets

A Word of Truth #168  

Jesus has given His Church on earth this commission and purpose: “Go and make disciples of all nations…baptizing them…teaching them” (Matthew 28:28-20). Satan, the enemy of God, works mightily against all who seek to spread the saving Word of Jesus. Through Satan’s efforts, the truth of God’s Word is attacked, altered, and twisted. God declares, “I am against the prophets who use their tongues and say [the Lord] says” (Jeremiah 23:31). Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly, they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15).

We need to stand guard lest we come under the influence of teachers who would lead us to believe errors concerning God’s Word. We need to beware of false teachers who appear to be harmless and perhaps even helpful, but are spreading soul damaging falsehoods. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits [with God’s Word] whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

Universal Justification

A Word of Truth #169  

God’s gospel message is intended for all people, for it reveals what He has done for all people through Jesus Christ. God’s law reveals that all people have sinned and deserve eternal punishment. God’s gospel, however, reveals that God has justified the world of sinners freely by His grace through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. God so loved the world that He sent His Son, Jesus, to save it by dying on the cross in our place. Jesus’ precious blood paid the ransom price necessary to remove the guilt of every sin of every sinner. In view of this, God no longer charges us with our sins, but rather calls upon us to return to Him and to believe in Him. Will you not come, listen, and believe God’s precious gospel message? It is, after all, a message intended for you!