March 13, 2025

The Fate of False Teachers and the Importance of Sound Doctrine

The importance of adhering to true doctrine and avoiding false teachers is a recurring theme in early Christian writings. Chapter XVI warns, "Do not err, my brethren. Those that corrupt families shall not inherit the kingdom of God." This isn't merely a warning against physical corruption, but more profoundly, against corrupting the faith through wicked doctrine.

The Severity of Corrupting Doctrine

The text argues that if those who corrupt families in a physical sense face death, how much greater will be the punishment for those who corrupt the faith for which Jesus Christ was crucified? Such a person, defiled by false teaching, "shall go away into everlasting fire, and so shall every one that hearkens unto him." The gravity of this warning underscores the significance placed on sound doctrine and the potentially devastating consequences of straying from it.

The Consequences of Following Unskilful Shepherds

The writing continues, "Whosoever, 'being waxen fat,' and 'become gross,' sets at nought His doctrine, shall go into hell." This highlights the danger of complacency and the importance of remaining vigilant in upholding the truth. Furthermore, it warns against following "an unskilful shepherd," emphasizing the need to discern between true and false teachings. Accepting a false opinion for the truth leads to punishment.

The Incompatibility of Truth and Falsehood

The passage utilizes a series of rhetorical questions to illustrate the fundamental incompatibility of truth and falsehood: "What communion hath light with darkness? or Christ with Belial? Or what portion hath he that believeth with an infidel? or the temple of God with idols?" The same principle applies to doctrine: "what communion hath truth with falsehood? or righteousness with unrighteousness? or true doctrine with that which is false?" This stark contrast reinforces the necessity of choosing truth over error.

Anointing with Immortality vs. Bad Odor of False Doctrine

Chapter XVII elaborates on the role of Christ in breathing immortality into His Church, symbolized by the ointment poured upon His head. The warning follows: "Be not ye anointed with the bad odour of the doctrine of the prince of this world; let him not lead you away captive from the life which is set before you." This imagery powerfully conveys the danger of embracing false teachings, which are likened to a repulsive odor that can lead believers astray from the path of life.

Recognizing and Cherishing the Gift of Knowledge

The passage concludes by imploring believers to recognize the gift of the knowledge of God, which is Jesus Christ. It questions why, having received this knowledge, anyone would "foolishly perish." The emphasis is on actively recognizing and cherishing the truth that has been revealed, rather than passively allowing oneself to be led astray by false doctrines.