Heresy hunting. Wolves among the Sheep By James Baird.
No one likes to be called a heresy hunter. It is a stigma that is attached to those who seek to warn other Christians that there are enemies in the camp. Unfortunately in Christians ranks there are those who refuse to see anything wrong, they speak of loving everyone though they are enemies of God, but grace does not forgive presumptuous sin. Psalm 19:13; 2 Peter 2:10. These are spiritual pacifists who refuse to see that the Devil has his workmen out to destroy the Christians witness. Concern for their souls is one thing but their sin if left unchecked will create havoc in the church. Exposure and discipline is absolutely necessary.
Paul warns the church at Ephesus in its very early days to expect false teachers to develop from within and without. These are called “grievous wolves,” not pretty words but strong enough to give a warning about them. They are not to love them and forgive them without genuine repentant heart. Allowing them to spread their wicked teaching in the church is to betray our Lord and to subvert weak Christians. Acts 20:27-31. Paul as an example encourages the church to “watch and warn, with tears, night and day,” not just an occasional message.
He also warns his son in the faith Timothy that in the end times “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3: 13. This had already started in their day but as time moved on it became more evident that greater defections would yet occur.
Evangelicals began with an accommodation toward apostates seeking to win them back to an orthodox position. This has failed miserably. The opposite has occurred as many evangelicals have been affected by the liberals. The next step is compromise creating an active fellowship and co-operation with those who are God’s enemies. Lastly we see an embracing of their ideals. From this we see today a slow but gradual movement by evangelicals toward an official union in ecumenical endeavors.
Instead of joining in an unholy union called Christendom, God calls His people to come out and be separate. Revelation 18:4; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, 7:1.
This type of message is rarely or never preached in evangelical circles leaving the sheep for an eventual wolf’s dinner! I would not want to have to answer for this at Jesus’ Judgment Seat!