True and False Teachers


I enjoy science fiction movies, particularly those attempting to predict the future. Probably my favorite is the “Planet of the Apes” franchise. Since the original came out in 1968, numerous sequels have been produced plus two television series (including a Saturday morning cartoon). Starting in 2011, a reboot of POTA films was released. The central character is an intelligent chimpanzee named Caesar, who led a multitude of apes from human captivity to form a civilization of their own.

Three days ago, I watched the newest release “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” One part I found interesting was an orangutan named Raka who talked about following the true teachings of Caesar. Another ape named Proximus Caesar had formed a colony, which perverted what Caesar originally taught them. That had me thinking about how some believers talk about following the true teachings of Jesus.


Critical Christians are quick to label ministers they don’t agree with as false teachers. Some focus too much on doctrines that have no bearing on a person’s eternal destiny. One minister who briefly friended me on Facebook went so far as to label those who promote a pre-tribulation rapture “heretics.” That’s a strong accusation considering it would include the late Tim LaHaye (the co-author of the “Left Behind” series), Perry Stone, John Hagee, Hal Lindsey, and numerous other men of God who accurately preach the plan of salvation.


As a Spirit-filled Christian, I could go to an extreme by calling ministers who preach against healing or speaking in tongues “false teachers.” Scripture clearly says those things are available for us today. On the other hand, Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:2, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” Therefore, I won’t judge brethren as nonbelievers as long as they profess that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)


Occasionally, I encounter religious folks who try preaching erroneous doctrine to me. Usually, I’ll respond by sharing at least two Scriptures that counter their false beliefs. If someone won’t receive correction, then I walk away. Titus 3:10-11 says, “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.”


Consistent study of the Scriptures helps protect believers from deception. False teachers will not acknowledge Christ as having come in the flesh (1 John 4:3). We must have fellowship with God and other Christians. However, we must not have fellowship with false teachers.


“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” - 2 John 9-10


Portions of this article are taken from T. R. Post’s book “Crying Wolf: Recognizing and Responding to False Prophets, Teachers, and Apostles” (available on Amazon).

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