But shun profane and vain babblings;
for they will increase unto more
ungodliness. And their word will eat
as a canker....
2Timothy 2:16-17a
In our everyday speech probably we would not use the word "profane" although we use its cognate, "profanity." What does "profane" mean? The Greek word means "unholy", or as our dictionary defines the word: Showing irreverence toward God or sacred things, blasphemous, coarse or vulgar, unholy. The word "shun" means to keep from, or to take pains to avoid. We must actively stay away from those who are teaching ungodly things, heresy for their teaching will eat away at your faith turning your faith from that which is of God to another gospel, another faith. This requires study, study of God's word, prayer for God will answer this prayer and as you study will guide you to the truth, that is, if you are really open to know the truth, if not: do not expect God's help.
Many people have turned from the true faith to a faith that is ear tickling, pleasing, easy to accept, and have little knowledge of the truth for they have blindly accepted what they want to hear. Oh, we may see them as what they are, frivolous, and we see them increase and if look at intently, with true investigation what is found that they are teaching ungodliness while professing Christianity.
One problem that stands out is that those heretics use Scripture and if you are not studying Scripture you will accept their version of Scripture as truth. Far too often these heretics are given sanction by other Church leaders so long as they at least teach about the Trinity, and do other things that most Churches do, but in fact these heretics are frauds plotting our heresy under a name not its own, and often attempt to use ancient worthy documents that have some vagueness, some obscurity by means of the writer's own doctrine. Some of these heretics teach that they are the first or even the only ones who believe that vague belief that they are advancing, as though they but some providential guide they now have a "secret," or, some "key" to the Scriptures that have been long lost. An example is Mary Baker Eddy, who wrote "Key to the Scripture" promoting her doctrine that is not Scriptural, rather is founded upon some mysticism. Another example: Jehovah Witnesses who follow Charles Taze Russel who promoted his form of doctrine that taught against Scripture when it comes to the subject of hell, and other reasons that led him to teach a heretical view even of Jesus Christ who he has led people to believe that He is not God, but a god, a created being, and have rewritten the Bible using the Critical Text, because that text supports their doctrine. It is interesting that when I ask current Jehovah Witnesses who is Charles Taze Russel they do not know. Mormons are another example for they teach that God has a body, in other words, they anthropromorphize God making Him a man, and that the soul has existed forever (Doctrine and Covenants), and have misled many to this heresy that is not found in the Bible.
We ought, with great fear, to dread the sin of altered and polluted faith, a crime from which we are deterred not only by the teaching of the Church's constitution but also by the authority of apostolic censure. We can know how serious this is, how grave, how vehemently, the blessed apostle Paul inveighs against certain doctrines and people who are promoting their theology who are calling people into a gospel that is not the Gospel (Galatians 1:6-7). Paul even mentions the names of some who were teaching heresy. We too can mention names of those who are teaching a gospel that is not the Gospel of Scripture. We we know this we are to shun them and teach against them, helping people to return to Authentic Christian Faith. Those who are following such heresies are making a shipwreck of their faith and rejecting a good conscience.
These men who teach falsely, heresy, are filling their bellies, and filling the minds and ears of those who are seeking the truth with cancerous facts as though they are truth. These men are capturing weak people, often weak women, weak men, weak children, and this they do with fair acceptable to the ears speeches: "For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of he truth" (2Timothy 3:6-7). Men, you are to be the leaders of your home, your wife, your children must learn the truth and this is your responsibility. Paul is clear about this: "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but no to doubtful disputations" (Romans 14:1).
These men who teach heresy are not going to go far, no, God will judge them, as He will judge all men, (Revelations 20). These men who are gathering wealth, fancy cars, airplanes, mansions, with all the finest and expensive furniture and trappings, all making them feel good about themselves at your expense if you are following them. What about that preacher of a small congregation who too is teaching heresy? Shun him, run from him, run to the truth, take time to study to show yourself a workman of God.
As we go about life, working on our jobs, taking care of home, family, going on vacations (Which is a good thing from time to time to do), live according to Scripture then and then only will you have blessings unfolded, manifold, full of meaning, and when you will be of use to God for your conscience is clear, you are guided by the Holy Spirit as you study and apply His word.
Who is the wise man?
and who knoweth the
interpretation of a thing?
a man's wisdom maketh
his face to shine, and the
boldness of his face shall
be changed. I counsel thee
to keep the king's commandment,
and that in regard of the oath of God.
Be not hasty to go out of His sight:
stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth
whatsoever pleaseth Him.
Ecclesiastes 8:1-3
Run, run, from error
Richard L. Crumb
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