| 2 Peter 2:1-3,18-10 1 But just as there were false prophets among the people in those times, so there will be false teachers among you, who will subtly and elusively introduce destructive, distorted teachings, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring swift destruction upon themselves. [It is not what one says that makes Jesus their Lord or Master, but their deeds — disregard and disobedience of His teachings and commands denies him as Lord and Master. From the Word of the Lord within: "Remember, every person who sins denies Him as Lord and Master."] 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, and because of them the way of truth will be maligned. 3 And in their covetousness they will make merchandise of you with deceptive words; from long ago their judgment has not been idle, and their damnation has not slumbered.1 [For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially of the circumcision whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things they ought not to teach for filthy lucre's sake. Titus 1:10-11.] | |||||||||
1 in their covetousness they will make merchandise of you with deceptive words. What is one easy way to identify a false prophet? They ask for money; contributions, gifts, salaries; in their covetousness, they see you as means of selling their services for your money. What is another way? They use deceptive words. They speak with their carnal mind, which is enmity to God; they do not speak words from the Holy Spirit. Paul said: we speak, not in the words, which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit instructs. 1 Cor 2:13. As Peter said: If any man speaks, let him speak with God's words [oracles], 1 Pet 4:11.
even denying the Lord who bought them.. These men were subtle, so they obviously would have to call themselves Christians; probably even excellent at quoting scriptures. They would not deny that Jesus is the Lord in heaven. They deny him to be their Lord in their sinful conversation and conduct, which is being disobedient to his teachings; and they would deny that it was possible for the anointing of Christ to rule in their hearts as their sovereign Lord in word and deed. From the Word of the Lord within: "Remember, every person who sins denies Him as Lord and Master."
their judgment has not been idle, and their damnation has not slumbered. They are judged and damned by remaining in their fallen nature, living in the flesh, failing to be reunited with God with the light of life from God. Those who do not believe the gospel of freedom from sin, union with God, and entrance into the kingdom of heaven while on earth, remain in their condemned state inherited from the first Adam.
See George Fox's Excellent Writing on The False Teachers in Christianity.
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