NOT EVERYONE ...

Toward the end of the sermon on the mount Jesus warned of the subtlety of false teachers. He stated that they would come in sheep's clothing, and he challenged the faithful to tell the difference by their works. Then he warned:

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Mt. 7:21). This verse indicates that many false teachers will not even know that they are going against the will of God.

Is it possible that some get so caught up in their own self-righteousness that they cannot imagine that they could be wrong? Jesus answers this question: "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many might works" (Mt. 7:22). Indeed, would they attempt to argue with the almighty Judge if they did not believe that they had a case?

When we see how convincing the many false teachers are on the radio and TV, it seems quite clear that they are totally convinced that they are right. The apostle Paul described some of his countrymen who were like them: "They have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge" (Rom. 10:2-3).

But we dare not excuse their actions by ignorance. God's word can be understood (Eph. 3:4), and it is a message of simplicity and purity (2 Cor. 11:3). When a person becomes a teacher, his errors "shall receive heavier judgment" (James 3:1). No greater injustice can be done than to convince people that they are saved when, in fact, they are lost.

We must conclude that these wolves in sheep's clothing remain willfully ignorant (2 Pet. 3:5), since God's plan does not fit their desires. Or, what is worse, exalting themselves to the place of God, they believe they speak truth into existence, and thus are in no way constrained.

We can certainly better understand the motivation of others by studying Jesus' words in Mt. 7:21-23. The full impact of His words cannot be realized, however, unless we apply them to ourselves. For, to feel that we are immune from the faults of others is a sure invitation to disaster (1 Cor. 10:12). Let us beware lest we hear these words: "depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Mt. 7:23).