Perhaps the most persistent enemy of the church throughout
its existence has been false teaching infiltrating its ranks. False teaching is
teaching that is not based on a solid reading of scripture in its context.
Typically, the most dangerous false teachings contain some truth, but do not
maintain fidelity to that truth. Rather they use that truth as a hook to lead
the faithful into accepting the false teaching which diverges from the truth
that initially appealed to the listener.
For example, the Bible clearly shows that God has the power
and willingness to physically heal, yet what it does not say is that God plans
to heal every individual who has a physical malady while they are here on Earth.
There are pastors, teachers, and Christians who cite the verse in Isaiah 53:5
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed”
as evidence that all those who petition the Almighty for physical healing will
receive it. Unfortunately, the context of this verse shows it is not talking
about physical healing, but rather is talking about how through Christ’s
sufferings, believers receive salvation. This understanding of the meaning of
Isaiah 53:5 is not new. It has been consistently interpreted as dealing with
salvation, rather than physical healing, throughout the history of the church,
and the verse’s true meaning has been documented in a plethora of Biblical commentaries,
Bible study notes, and books on the subject (for more on this see this link: https://www.gotquestions.org/healing-Bible.html).
Yet, even though the true meaning of this verse has been acknowledged, these Pastors, teachers, and Christians continue to erroneously cite it as having to do with physical healing. Books have been written on the subject, and ministries have been created that revolve around this false premise which have attracted millions of followers, many of whom are hoping for a physical healing for themselves, or a close friend or family member. Typically, these ministries stress that one must truly believe and have faith in Isaiah 53:5 if they want to see a miraculous healing. Yet, as has been demonstrated throughout hundreds of years of church scholarship, they are encouraging people to have faith in something that God does not promise. Typically, despite what these ministries claim, people are not healed and when they are not they are encouraged by the ministry to “have more faith” if they want to see a miracle. Typically, the miracles never happen, and those who follow these ministries either become dejected and leave the church, or they become increasingly fervent in the belief that they need to have more faith, and because of their fervent belief they cease any growth as a believer and merely become acolytes for the ministry they follow. Their fervent belief in the ministry’s teaching they follow replaces their faith in almighty God. At the direction of those who lead the ministries they follow, they ignore the parts of the Bible, including I Peter 4 (the whole chapter) which instructs Christians that suffering is often a part of the Christian life on Earth, the benefits of suffering which include developing a stronger faith in the Almighty (2 Corinthians 12), and that true healing is only promised to all believers in Heaven (Revelation 21). So, by simply taking one verse out of context, and by ignoring all the evidence that shows the verse is being taken out of context, these ministries can propagate a belief that is not Biblical and are able to shipwreck the faith of many believers.
Yet, even though the true meaning of this verse has been acknowledged, these Pastors, teachers, and Christians continue to erroneously cite it as having to do with physical healing. Books have been written on the subject, and ministries have been created that revolve around this false premise which have attracted millions of followers, many of whom are hoping for a physical healing for themselves, or a close friend or family member. Typically, these ministries stress that one must truly believe and have faith in Isaiah 53:5 if they want to see a miraculous healing. Yet, as has been demonstrated throughout hundreds of years of church scholarship, they are encouraging people to have faith in something that God does not promise. Typically, despite what these ministries claim, people are not healed and when they are not they are encouraged by the ministry to “have more faith” if they want to see a miracle. Typically, the miracles never happen, and those who follow these ministries either become dejected and leave the church, or they become increasingly fervent in the belief that they need to have more faith, and because of their fervent belief they cease any growth as a believer and merely become acolytes for the ministry they follow. Their fervent belief in the ministry’s teaching they follow replaces their faith in almighty God. At the direction of those who lead the ministries they follow, they ignore the parts of the Bible, including I Peter 4 (the whole chapter) which instructs Christians that suffering is often a part of the Christian life on Earth, the benefits of suffering which include developing a stronger faith in the Almighty (2 Corinthians 12), and that true healing is only promised to all believers in Heaven (Revelation 21). So, by simply taking one verse out of context, and by ignoring all the evidence that shows the verse is being taken out of context, these ministries can propagate a belief that is not Biblical and are able to shipwreck the faith of many believers.
Certainly, there is more to say about these ministries, but that is for another post. The point of this post is to demonstrate how easily a false teaching can develop from a Biblical truth. As Christians, we must be able to recognize the charlatans who work to infiltrate the church and propagate false teachings. The best way to ensure we will be able to do this is to spend a significant amount of time both reading and meditating on the Bible, and to utilize helpful resources such as reputable Biblical commentaries and Christian books, conversations with our pastor, and Bible studies with other believers who are grounded in the true meaning of scripture. We must also trust the leading of the Holy Spirit who will lead and guide us in ways that are consistent with the scriptures and will also sound a warning to us when we encounter Charlatans who would lead us astray.
Wayne
