This is a true story: I was recently chastised because I pointed out that a favorite Scripture that is claimed as a promise from God for any believer is not a promise from God for everyone but, in context, was for a specific people at a particular time. Oh no! Too many sermons, too many devotionals, too many Sunday school lessons have taught people that they can acquire that passage for themselves. Would I hurt people if I told them the truth?
It makes no difference how pervasive a heresy is, it’s still a lie, and it cannot provide life. A lie cannot be transformed into truth even if some good may come from the lie. From the Church’s very inception, it has continually been called on to build up Christians to withstand heresy.
It has been said that the best lie is one that is mostly true. Church heresies incorporate Truth but then defile it by adding to Truth lies based on human desires.
Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6). Therefore, it is impossible for a lie to strengthen the Church. Truth maintains its integrity in all circumstances and situations.
Many modern churches seem to be acquiring heresies faster than Microsoft acquires companies. These feel-good lies can never feed people real nourishment. Many theologians know these lies, but they look the other way, fearing retribution or merely thinking the lies will make people feel better.
A lie cannot improve truth because it is born from the flesh. Only God’s Spirit can birth truth that strengthens the Church.
Photo by Obi Onyeador on Unsplash
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