REVEALING THE FALSE

There is clear warning from Jesus and others that the false will always exist side by side with the true. For example, Peter, an apostle writes, “false prophets were also among the people. And false teachers will be among you and will secretly introduce and bring in destructive opinions (heresies).” It is certainly no different today. There are false pastors, false priests, false churches, religious systems, doctrines, mixtures of religion and politics, methods and traditions.

A significant amount of scripture deals with distinguishing what is false from what is true. Peter further reminds us in this text that he was an “eyewitness to his majesty… and heard his voice on the holy mountain.” Then he tells of the sure ways to know the truth; “having a prophetic word made sure that it is like a lamp shining in a dark place.” (2 Peter 1) This is not some false light but light that reveals the words, message and methods of the gospel of Jesus. It is not the light of religion, church or synagogue, but the light of Jesus, the revealed Son of God. We know when something is false; it will reveal hearts, methods, humanistic philosophy, money emphasis, buildings and religious structures instead of Jesus and the Kingdom of God. Many things may not be completely false but neither are they completely true and that is exactly the problem. The only way to know the false is to be very acquainted with the true.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Jesus