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Fundamental
Evangelistic Association
selected
articles from:
©FOUNDATION
A MAGAZINE OF BIBLICAL FUNDAMENTALISM
Dennis W. Costella, Editor; Karel Beyer, Production Manager; Matt
Costella,
Copy Editor
M.H. Reynolds, Jr. (1919-1997), Founding Editor
A Subtle Shift
©FOUNDATION Magazine
Editorial, July-Aug 2002
History
proves and God's Word declares that heresy and apostasy do
not infiltrate the church of God overnight. Jude reminds the church
that, concerning the infiltration of false teachers and apostates into
the church, "certain men crept in unawares" (Jude 4). This text reveals
two truths: (1) false doctrine has entered the church through the words,
actions and attitudes of men, and (2) these men have slipped secretly
into the assemblies of believers, pretending to be something they were
not. The word unawares means to "slide in along side of." The
apostates have entered the church stealthily and deceptively. They crept
into the church by saying one thing and believing another (2 Cor.
11:13-15). Churches, Bible colleges, seminaries and other Christian
organizations have changed over time because certain men occupying
leadership positions brought subtle change that was often unnoticed by
the undiscerning and eventually tolerated by all! Professing believers
today have now built up a tolerance for false doctrine and unbelief and
are ready to accept almost anything that comes their way. What is
accepted among professing Christians today would have been quickly
rejected ten or fifteen years ago. As a result of this slow and subtle
infiltration of error and false doctrine into the church, Christendom
today is plagued with apostasy, unbelief and reprehensible programs and
philosophies of ministry.
As Bible-believing Christians, what should be our response to
the words of Jude 3 and 4? First, we must be aware that not every
pastor, teacher or layperson who labels himself as a Christian is truly
a Christian. Men are not always what they seem. Second, we must measure
the words and actions of all professed believers by the Word of God
alone. This involves diligent study and discernment. Third, we must
reject the doctrine of those who are ungodly, pervert God's grace and
deny the doctrine of Christ. Fourth, we must support Christian
ministries that seek to "earnestly contend for the faith" just as we, as
individuals, are commanded to do. Finally, we must keep in mind that
this command to "earnestly contend" applies to every individual
believer. Jude wrote his epistle to all believers, not just pastors or
church leaders. We cannot hide behind the idea that it is only up to our
pastor or our church association or denomination to take action and
separate from other unfaithful, compromised men or ministries. No, each
individual is held accountable by God to faithfully heed God's Word,
separate from error, and warn about false doctrine. The infiltration of
apostates and false doctrine into the church has been slow, quiet and
subtle, but our exposure of false doctrine and separation from
compromise should be quick, loud and clear!
M.D.
Costella
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