False teaching and errors regarding spiritual truths are not anything new–they have always existed. And, woe is unto the preacher who dares to denounce them. He is sure to be hated by the world and criticized. Stand for the truth and you will be accused of being too narrow minded, and unloving. So what shall we do? “Stand” is the answer and let the chips fall where they may. J. C. Ryle expressed the right attitude when he wrote this in 1878:
“Christian love does not consist in approving everybody’s religious opinions. Here is another most serious and growing delusion. There are many who pride themselves on never pronouncing others mistaken–whatever views they may hold. Your neighbor may be an Atheist, or a Buddhist, or a Roman Catholic, or a Mormonite, a Deist, or a Skeptic, a mere Formalist, or a thorough Antinomian. But the “love” of many says that you have no right to think him wrong! “If he is sincere–then it is uncharitable to think unfavorably of his spiritual condition!”
From such love–may I ever be delivered!
At this rate, the Apostles were wrong in going out to preach to the Gentiles!
At this rate, there is no use in missions!
At this rate, we had better close our Bibles, and shut up our churches!
At this rate, everybody is right–and nobody is wrong!
At this rate, everybody is going to Heaven–and nobody is going to Hell!
Such love is a monstrous caricature! To say that all are equally right in their opinions–though their opinions flatly contradict one another; to say that all are equally in the way to Heaven–though their doctrinal sentiments are as opposite as black and white–this is not Scriptural love. Love like this pours contempt on the Bible, and talks as if God had not given us a written standard of truth. Love like this, confuses all our notions of Heaven, and would fill it with a discordant inharmonious rabble.
True love does not think everybody right in doctrine. True love cries, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world!” 1 John 4:1. “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.” 2 John 1:10 ” (Scripture references changed to KJV).
