2 Peter 2:1-3 “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, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. (2) And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. (3) By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time, their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.”
Again in the above passage of scripture, the Holy Spirit gives us further insight regarding the false prophets and teachers that will arise in the church in the last days. The Holy Spirit tells us that because of these individuals, the way of truth will be blasphemed. In other words, their destructive heresies and lifestyles, practiced in the name of Christianity, will convince many unbelievers that Christianity is for hypocrites and therefore the gospel message cannot be believed. The Holy Spirit goes on to tell us, that because of covetousness these individuals will exploit the church with deceptive words. In other words, their main motivation will be financial gain and nothing else. Notice that Peter states that they will bring in destructive heresies, “even” denying the Lord who bought them. That word “even”, indicates that not all who bring in these destructive heresies will deny the Lord that bought them. Nevertheless, the doctrines that they will teach will lead those who follow them into destruction. There will however, also be false prophets and teachers who have never known the Lord, and will be secretly brought in to mislead the church (Galatians 2:4). These also will lead many astray from following the Lord.
Michael E.B. Maher
Comments