Basic HTML Version
Let No Man Deceive You, June 4
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but
after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having
itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and
shall be turned unto fables.
2 Timothy 4:3, 4
.
Prior to and at the first advent of Christ, religious teachers set forth strange
ideas that were so mingled with portions of truth that they were full of de-
ceptive power, and led souls away from God, although they still preserved
the appearance of being His true worshipers. We find a similar condition of
society in these last days, and those who depart from the faith, mingle with
their belief diversities of human opinion. The Bible is brought into criticism.
Is it because the Scriptures are inconsistent and contradictory that ministers
differ so widely in their interpretation?—No, the trouble is that men are doing
today as they did in the time of Christ, and are teaching for doctrines the
commandments of men. Religious teachers are in the same condition as were
the Pharisees of whom He said, “Ye are both ignorant of the Scriptures and
of the power of God” (see
Matthew 22:29
). The very men to whom these
words were spoken were presumed to teach and interpret the Scriptures to the
people.
Are the Scriptures vague and inconsistent? Is there any foundation for the
conflicting opinions and various sentiments and doctrines that find credence
in the religious world? If so, then we may entertain doubts of their divine
origin, for it is not the inspiration of God that leads people to come to diverse
opinions. Those who undertake to interpret the Bible, have corrupted the
Word of God and wrested the Scripture from its true meaning, by seeking to
harmonize the truth of God with the inventions and doctrines of men. The
Scriptures are perverted and misapplied, and the gems of truth are set in the
framework of error. These teachers are blinded, and cannot clearly discern
what is the true meaning of the Scriptures....
Jesus, who gave His life to save men, has given us a warning as to what
shall come to pass in the last days. The disciples came to Him privately to
ask Him concerning the end of the world, and Jesus said: “Take heed that no
man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and
shall deceive many” (
Matthew 24:4, 5
).—Signs of the Times, June 4, 1894.
[165]
167