Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

Some false teachings come from secular sources (e.g., the theory of evolution1), but sadly (and shockingly), most of the ones that I have identified for you in this book2 come from what appear to be “Christians” and so-called “Christian” churches. This can be very confusing to those coming new to the faith, as they hear so many different “gospels” and instructions on “how to be saved” being preached.2a

FROM AMONG YOUR OWN SELVES MEN WILL ARISE

We see it written that false teachers will arise from within what appear to be Christian churches (my italics):

“From among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.” – Act 20:30

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them … and in their greed they will exploit you with false words. – 2Pe 2:1–3

That is why Jesus calls them “ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing” (see Mat 7:15; cf. Act 20:28–30; 2Ti 4:3–4; 2Co 11:14–15). It is also written, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds” (2Co 11:13–15).3 It is these servants of Satan4 who pretend to serve Christ, appearing (dressed up) as “Christian” ministers and pastors (or other men of God), but they are actually “of their father the devil” (Joh 8:44). These “wolves,” “vipers,” “false prophets,” “false teachers,” modern-day “Pharisees,” and “unprincipled men”5 appear in churches that seem (and claim) to be Christian, and they may even use Jesus Christ in their names—but they are not of Christ.

Understand also that these “savage wolves” come in many shapes and sizes, from someone standing on the street corner to friendly, innocent-looking old ladies, to the casual hipster preacher, or even the powerful pastor, elder, or author of apparent authority behind the pulpit at a large and famous church, all dressed up in an expensive suit with lots of initials, abbreviations, and titles placed before and after their name—even having doctoral degrees in divinity!

These “wolves” are teaching wrongly for various reasons:

1. Some are doing so out of “ignorance” (see Act 3:17; 1Ti 1:13; 2Ti 2:23; Act 18:24–28),
2. Some are intentionally intending to “deceive” (see Rom 16:18; Eph 5:6; 2Ti 3:13; 1Jn 2:26; 2Th 2:3; Tit 1:10), and
3. Others are doing so “for the sake of sordid gain [filthy lucre KJV]” (Tit 1:10–14; Rom 16:18; 1Ti 3:3; 3:8; 6:5; Tit 1:7; 1Pe 5:2; 2Pe 2:2–3, 14–15; Jud 11; Isa 56:11; Jer 6:13; 8:10; Mic 3:11).

They use trickery and deception to deceive the unsaved masses into following worthless man-made religious rites, rules, rituals, false doctrines, traditions, and other feel-good rubbish and nonsense that lead to eternal death instead of eternal life. I hope you are taking this warning seriously!

ALL CHRISTIANS SHOULD “JUST GET ALONG”

Please realize that I am just reminding and warning you about what Scripture warns us about. Nevertheless, some may object to me doing this. For example, you will hear the retort “We should all just get along” being shilled from professing Christians,6 usually accompanied by the statement that “minor doctrinal differences” should be ignored.

However, one sees a recurring theme in the Books of 1, 2 Timothy and Titus, which is the need for pastors, teachers, and preachers of the Word to find the right balance between all of the following:

1. Closely guarding their “flock” (Joh 21:15–17), the souls of whom they have been entrusted to “steward” (Tit 1:7; 1Co 4:1–2; 9:17; 1Pe 4:10; Col 1:25) to eternal life by keeping them in “the faith that was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jud 3; cf. Col 1:23) and by “admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ” (Col 1:28; cf. 2Pe 3:18; Col 1:9–12; Php 3:12–14);
2. Warning about false teachings and fake gospels by “pointing out,” “exhorting,” “admonishing,” “rebuking,” “refuting,” “reproving,” “opposing,” and “correcting” teachings which can cause one to be lost or “led astray” (see Act 18:28; 20:31; Rom 15:14; 2Co 11:3; Gal 2:11; Col 1:28–29; 3:16; 1Ti 1:3; 4:6, 16; 6:20–21; 2Ti 1:13; 2:24–26; 3:16; 4:2, 15; Tit 1:9, 13–14; 2:15);
3. Standing for and “declaring” the “whole purpose of God” and the truth of the Gospel as a “good steward” who is “accurately handling the word of truth” (Act 20:20, 26–27; 1Pe 4:7–11; 2Ti 2:14–15);
4. “Bearing with one another … put on love,” being “like-minded,” and “being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” with “a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Col 3:12–14; 2Co 13:11; Eph 4:1–6; cf. Joh 17:21–23; 1Co 1:10–13); and
5. Not “wrangling”7 needlessly over words (see 2Ti 2:14, 23–24) or about differences that Scripture tells us do not affect salvation (e.g., genealogies, foods, feast days, etc.; Rom 14:1–6).

It is an honor, a privilege, and an awesome responsibility to be asked to handle God’s Word, and I have striven to find the right balance between the five items above. I have also explained to you the tools you will need to “grow,” “mature,” “persevere,” “endure,” and “stand firm in the faith.”8 For every false teaching identified in this book, I’ve explained why it can either directly or indirectly cause souls to be lost, so I ask: “So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Gal 4:16; cf. Gal 2:5, 14; 5:7; Ecc 3:7).

And while Jesus prayed for unity (Joh 17:11, 19–21; Eph 4:3–6; cf. 1Co 1:10–13), He also knew that “ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing” (paraphrase) would come in and distort the pure Gospel and introduce false teachings that would, in fact, divide the Church and lead many astray. Furthermore, it is written that those who teach wrongly and lead people astray to destruction are to be “accursed”9 (Gal 1:8–9) and that even further, we are to “turn away” (Rom 16:17–18; cf. Php 3:18–19; Gal 1:8–9; 2:4–5; 2Jn 10; 2Th 3:14–15) from those who don’t (or won’t) take correction!10

And did not Cain, in this same way, go astray (Gen 4:3–5)?11 He knew what the Lord had commanded regarding how men must worship Him and what type of offering was acceptable. Yet Cain disregarded that and followed his own opinion as to what he thought was acceptable and what he thought was a “minor difference”—and he suffered the consequences. There are consequences for teaching wrongly, and there are consequences for being led astray by false teachings, whether you think they are minor or not. Should not God’s Word stand as it was given, not having selected verses12 chosen or ignored based on the whims and opinions of man?

Further to the point, did the apostle Paul just “get along” with Peter when he was acting hypocritically with respect to the Mosaic Law in the mixed company of Jews and Gentiles (see Gal 2)? No, he didn’t just “get along”—he confronted Peter, and he did so boldly! Peter’s actions and example might have caused others to stumble, be “bewitched” (Gal 3:1), and become “severed from Christ … fallen from grace” (Gal 5:4). These are matters of utmost seriousness, for it is a battle for eternal souls. Paul further states that the brethren must be “filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another” (i.e., correct one another; Rom 15:14).

Wayne Jackson writes on this matter, in response to a question he received:13

“I am sincerely asking whether we need to be loving and accepting towards all religious groups. I have never believed God to be exclusive or vindictive towards those who have different understandings of Him.”

Occasionally it is necessary to dispute certain doctrines that are taught within the religious community. But some people feel that any religious disagreement with anyone who identifies themselves as a Christian is mean-spirited. They believe opposition to certain teachings is unkind and narrow. We would respond to this sincere question in the following fashion.

Love and the Acceptance of Error

First, it should go without saying that the Christian is to demonstrate love towards all—even those who resist the truth in the most militant fashion. The love of God for rebellious mankind is portrayed repeatedly in the Scriptures. The Father commended his love toward us by giving his Son for our sins, even while we were hostile and sinful toward him (Rom. 5:8). That does not mean, however, that he ignores how we live or what we teach. In this same context, the lost are described as being weak and ungodly, as sinners, and enemies worthy of divine wrath. (Rom. 5:6, 8, 9–10). Love offers a remedy for humanity’s sinful condition, but it does not close its eyes to reality.

The Consequences of Rejecting God’s Loving Rebuke

An understanding of Old Testament history forever demolishes the erroneous notion that God is unconcerned with whether men and women entertain “different understandings of Him.” For example, many of the nations of the antique world understood God to be identified in various idol forms, which they devoutly worshiped. But the prophets rebuked these base activities. And Jehovah destroyed nation after nation that persisted in this evil ideology and practice.

The Honest Compassion of Christ

No informed Bible student will deny that Jesus Christ loved men and women supremely. When they ignorantly languished under the effects of sin, he tenderly sought to reclaim them (cf. Lk. 7:36ff; Jn. 8:1–11). The Savior came not to crush the bruised reed, nor to quench the smoldering wick (cf. Mt. 12:20).

Jesus was the compassionate Christ!

On the other hand, the Lord could be (and was) very severe in dealing with corrupt religious leaders, who should have known better (and frequently did) than to act and teach contrary to truth. He cast out of the temple those who trafficked in religion for commercial purposes (Mt. 21:12–13; Jn. 2:13–17). He informed the corrupt Pharisees that they were not legitimate heirs of Abraham; rather, they were devilish in their actions (Jn. 8:33ff). One can scarcely read the twenty-third chapter of Matthew without feeling the heat of Christ’s rebuke of certain corrupt Hebrew leaders. It is not, therefore, wrong to oppose error. Further, it is a gross inconsistency to rebuke someone for being a rebuker. Why is it that folks cannot see the flaw in their argument when they are intolerant of those with whom they charge intolerance?

May We Disagree About God?

The most stunning component of our reader’s complaint, however, is the allegation that it is permissible for people to entertain different understandings of divine truth that pertain to the salvation of one’s soul! We must call attention to the following. God is infinite in his knowledge (Psa. 147:5). He is a God of knowledge (1 Sam. 2:3), who knows all things (1 Jn. 3:20). The riches of his knowledge is a reality too deep for human conception (Rom. 11:33). It is never accurate to say or even to imply that God is unconcerned with disagreements among men relative to the eternal truths that he has revealed to the human family.

Disputes regarding what the Lord requires men and women to believe and practice is not the result of different understandings. It is because of misunderstandings on the part of misinformed people, even though they may be very sincere. God is a being of truth (i.e., faithfulness; cf. Deut. 32:4, ASV). All his words are pure (Psa. 12:6). He cannot speak that which is untrue (Tit. 1:2; Heb. 6:18), because his word is truth (Jn. 17:17). Any disagreement as to what God requires, therefore, is a disagreement over the difference between truth and error. To suggest that God is not concerned with the difference between truth and non-truth is to cast serious reflection upon the God of truth.

It is a dangerous thing to suggest that folks may disagree about what God teaches and at the same time stand approved in his sight. In his letter to the Roman saints, Paul discussed the advantage that historically had been granted to the Hebrew nation. For one thing, they had been entrusted with the “oracles of God” (i.e., the sacred Scriptures; cf. Rom. 3:1–2). The question then is raised: “What if some were without faith?”

The meaning of that question is this. What would be the case if some of the Jews proved to be unfaithful to Jehovah’s plan on their behalf? What if some of the Hebrews decided to chart their own course. In other words, they entertained disagreements with the faithful about what the Lord required of them? Would their disagreement or misunderstanding have nullified the divine plan? Would they have exposed God as being unfaithful? Absolutely not! This stinging rebuke is then offered: “Let God be found true, though every man be found a liar” (Rom. 3:4).

Conclusion

Here is what the inspired apostle is affirming.

Any theory, opinion, or doctrinal position that is adverse to the revealed will of God is a lie. And those who teach and broadcast such are liars, whether they intend to be or not. Is that strong language from Paul? Most assuredly it is, but the force of it is designed to preserve the integrity of the Almighty. By implication this text teaches that those who profess to be Jehovah’s people, especially teachers (Jas. 3:1), must agree with him and among themselves. The Lord expects us to strive for submission to him and a united teaching on fundamental truths. It is exceedingly foolish to suggest that God does not care whether people understand his will or not. It is a grave danger to develop the mindset that it really doesn’t matter whether what we teach is truth or error. “Be not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17).

Lastly, I want to point out something that the “we all should just get along” crowd don’t seem to realize, which is this: Many of the false teachings (and false prophecies) are outright disrespectful to the Lord Jesus Christ14 in one way or another—either expressing infidelity or denying Him and His blood on the cross. Just “going along” with these false teachings indicates a lack of understanding of what Jesus did on the cross, of Christ’s commands as given in the New Testament, and of the nature of the kingdom of God.15

A CALLOUT TO FELLOW BELIEVERS

To the Christian reader who may have fallen victim to false teachings and to sincere brothers and sisters in Christ who find themselves in churches that teach wrongly, may God grant you grace and wisdom to now see the truth. May you “let these words sink into your ears” and have “eyes to see” and “ears to hear” the truth of the Gospel as it “was once for all handed down to the saints” in Scripture (see Luk 9:44; Mar 8:18; Rom 10:1–2; 11:8; 2Ti 2:24–26; 2Pe 3:14–18; Col 1:9–10; Joh 4:23–24; Jud 3; Rev 2:29; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9; 18:4–5). You should also be learning Scripture yourself every single day so you know it as well as (or even better than) your “pastor” or preacher does, so you are not deceived.16

Please understand that I have written this book not to “judge” or “condemn” you, for that is not my place (Mat 7:1; Luk 6:37; Joh 7:24), but to help guide you back into truth. Remember, as I have indicated, I also previously succumbed to many of these false teachings and fake gospels (Mat 7:3–5). You, too, can come out of them into truth as I have—but only if you want to and are willing to put in the hard work necessary to do so through serious Bible study.

A CALLOUT TO PASTORS, TEACHERS, AND ELDERS

Dear Christian pastor, teacher, or elder: Are you teaching the pure truth of the Gospel as it was given in Scripture (Jud 3), or have you been “tricked” and “deceived” yourself? And to those pastors and teachers who choose to continue to preach and teach falsely despite now reading (hearing) and knowing the true and correct Gospel, please read and pray over these verses (Gal 1:8–9; 2Co 11:13–15; Jas 3:1). May you also “let these words sink into your ears” (Luk 9:44) and have “ears to hear” (Mat 11:15; Mar 4:9, 23; 7:16; 8:18; Luk 8:8) and “eyes to see” (Rom 11:8; cf. Mar 8:18) the truth of the Gospel as explained in this book.

While I do believe that God has children in the many churches and denominations that will be saved to eternal life (for He is a God of great grace and mercy), the situation for those church leaders (pastors, teachers, and elders) who knowingly continue to teach wrongly after having heard the truth will be quite another matter (see Jas 3:1 again). If your teaching causes souls to be lost, you will be held accountable.17 Also, note that you can sincerely believe that what you are teaching is true, but that doesn’t actually make it true. If you are teaching wrongly, you are still a false teacher (false prophet), regardless of the cause or motive, even if you are teaching in ignorance simply because that’s what you were taught and you are just repeating it.

In this book, I have effectively “taken you aside and explained to you the way of God more accurately,” so please prayerfully reexamine any areas in which you are teaching incorrectly, humbly take instruction and correction—as the mighty Apollos did (Act 18:24–28), as Peter did when he was sternly admonished and corrected by Paul for teaching (and acting) wrongly (Gal 2:11–14), and even as Paul himself did when Jesus very dramatically pointed him in the right direction (Act 22:6–10)18—and then go forth boldly again, winning souls for the Lord by instructing and teaching others “in spirit and truth” (my emphasis; Joh 4:23–24; cf. Psa 145:18; Jud 3).19^, 20 Don’t be like those of whom this was written about, “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2Ti 3:7; cf. Pro 10:17). Yes, even some of the pillars of the faith had to take correction at some time;23

it is not something to be embarrassed about!

CLOSING EXHORTATION AND PRAYER

Please do not fall victim to imitation gospels, such as this one, for example (I’m paraphrasing): “Just say this one-time little prayer inviting Jesus into your heart, and you are saved all the way to eternal life.”21 I’m sure you’ve heard and seen something very similar to this preached at the end of a sermon to tens of thousands in a crowded stadium (or on TV). These fake, feel-good, imitation gospels are nowhere to be found in Scripture!22

In this book, I have faithfully, accurately, and completely explained to you the Gospel as it was “handed down” to the apostles in NT Scripture (Jud 3; cf. Mat 28:19–20; Joh 4:23–24; Psa 145:18), and I have given you Scriptural support for everything I have written. I’ve also done everything I possibly can to warn and prepare you to “be on guard” against false teachers and false prophets. As Paul writes:

“Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.” – Act 20:26–27

I pray that we all make it to Judgment Day with our crowns intact and in our possession. In the next chapter, I outline some of the false teachings and imitation gospels which are popular today, so you can beware of them.

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your great name. Thank You for the gift of Jesus on the cross and for Your amazing love, mercy, grace, kindness, compassion, and patience with me while I was a rebel and also while I was trying to find the truth—Your truth, not man’s opinions. Father, I pray that those who are reading this book, and this section in particular, will reexamine any beliefs they hold that are not in accord with the simple and clear instructions You have given us in Scripture as to what we must do to be saved and to worship You in spirit and truth. I pray that You will give them wisdom, guidance, and understanding so they can hear and see the pure Gospel as it was delivered to the saints. I pray that anyone who has been deceived by the false teachings and fake gospels of man may awaken from their slumber, as You have warned us in advance that ravenous wolves and false prophets have gone out into the world and that we must be on the alert. It is only by Your amazing grace and the blood of Christ that I approach Your throne and make this petition. May this prayer find favor in Your sight. Amen.