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Notice that we’re not to make snap judgments about those who are reported to be leading the people of God astray. We are to “inquire, search out, and ask diligently” concerning what is being said or taught or otherwise done to entice the faithful to turn from the Lord and His ways.
Over the past several years the forms of worship have changed dramatically in many churches. Gone are the traditional hymns, the creeds and confessions, and the long-standing liturgies. In their place are all things contemporary. Is this a turning away from the Lord and succumbing to the allure of pop culture?
At the same time, new teachings have emerged from the pens and teaching of pastors and theologians – about the validity of eternal punishment, the reliability of God’s Law, the scope of our salvation, the nature of sin, and the continuing validity of certain long-standing moral convictions. Are these also acts of rebellion, cloaked in smooth words of cultural relevancy, understanding and tolerance, and of love for all?
Before you decide be sure to study and consider thoroughly, measuring new practices of worship and what you may regard (I do) as strange teachings against the clear teaching of Scripture concerning the pattern of sound worship and words. Only thus will you be able to make a sound judgment and to keep from being led astray.
But not only must you keep yourself from being contaminated. We don’t go around burning heretical churches or stoning false teachers these days. In this age of grace, where the Spirit is always available to change hearts, those ancient punishments required of Israel must now take other forms, such as public condemnation and breaking of fellowship. But even these must be taken in the spirit of love for God and neighbors, with a view to preserving the honor of God and of recovering straying brethren to the truth which is in Jesus.
T. M. Moore
The Law of God is the soil which, fertilized by the rest of God’s Word and watered by His Spirit, brings forth the fruit of Christian life. If you’d like to understand this process better, and how to make best use of the Law in your walk with and work for the Lord, order the book, The Ground for Christian Ethics, from our online store.
Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.