Liars...in the Church?

     Inasmuch as Satan is the father of lies, and rules the world in this present age, it could be expected that he is very busy during this gap between Daniel’s 69^th and 70^th week, i.e. the age of the church.  And so it is.

     The primary Greek word used in this column will be pseudos or its derivatives which means basically to lie or tell a falsehood.  Therefore the passages referenced will contain the English words ‘lie’ or ‘false.’

     A liar in the present context is one who deceives others by tempting them into idolatry by rejecting the truth as previously defined.

     “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…false witness, blasphemies…”  Matthew 15:19

     Jesus was reiterating that to bear false witness was in the heart of a natural man, i.e. it was a natural thing to do.  Such could only be overcome by the power and presence of the Spirit.

     In the early church there were those who were more concerned about personal gain than spreading the gospel.

     “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.  And no wonder!  For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”  2 Corinthians 11:13-14

     The following is a wonderful passage that contains several profound and relevant truths.

     “Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but in due time manifested His word…”  Titus 1:1-3

     Even though Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ, he humbly referred to himself as a bondservant.  He acknowledged that Jesus was the truth that was promised before time began, but was kept a mystery until the age of the church.

     The current relevant point is, however, that Paul acknowledged that God could not lie.

     While God is truth and cannot lie, Satan is the father of lies.  It’s no wonder that the world is in chaos today.

     The writer of Hebrews reiterated that great truth when describing God’s promise to Abraham.

     “Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie…”

Hebrews 6:17-18

     The two immutable things were that God swore by Himself, and it was impossible for Him to lie.

     Peter also said much about false prophets in the past and false teachers during the present age.  He spoke of their methodology and their fate.

     “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies…and many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.  By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words…”  2 Peter 2:1-3a

     Key points are that there will be false teachers in the church and the truth will be blasphemed.  Deceptive words would include such promises as health and prosperity in the present age.  Such teaching is rampant in many churches today.

     Christ had a good word for the church in Ephesus in His message to the churches in the final book of the Bible.

     “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil.  And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars…”  Revelation 2:2

     The church at Ephesus, with Spiritual discernment, tested the doctrine of those claiming to be apostles of God.  The church must not give credence to such, but be prepared to deal with them.

     The ending for such false teachers and false apostles is found in the final chapters of the Revelation.

     “He who overcomes shall inherit all things…but the…unbelieving… idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone…”  Revelation 21:7-8

     “But outside (New Jerusalem) are…idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.”  Revelation 22:15

    

     Everyone has the choice of accepting the truth or the lie.  Either choice is forever.

     Check out Walt’s new book entitled: God’s Plan for His Chosen: the Cost and the Conflict