Welcome to The Reasons to Believe podcast, episode #203. My name is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International.
Our Reasons to Believe Scripture Passage for today is II Corinthians 11:13-15. It reads, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
Our Reasons to Believe quote for today is from John MacArthur. He said, “Precisely because it is so powerful, the Bible has always had its enemies. Unbelievers challenge its credibility. Skeptics question its accuracy. Moral revisionists depreciate its precepts. Religious liberals dispute its supernatural character. Cultists twist its meaning.”
Today we are continuing the topic of scripture, its inerrancy, infallibility and inspiration using “Our God-breathed Book: The Bible – The Verbally Inspired, Eternal, Inerrant Word of God” by John R. Rice. Our Reasons to Believe powerpoint today comes from Chapter 2: “Beware of “Scholars” Who Do Not Believe the Bible Is God’s Word” Part 7.
1. Jesus Warned of False Prophets, Wolves Who Come in Sheep’s Clothing
In Matthew 7:15, Jesus says, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” He says that we can know these false prophets by their fruits, that is, by their teaching. And in verses 21 to 23 following He plainly says that many of these claiming to prophesy in Christ’s name, cast out devils and do good works, will hear the sad words of Jesus, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Jesus says that false teachers on these great essentials of the Christian faith are wolves, though they claim to be sheep. And they deceitfully put on sheep’s clothing to deceive others.
2. False Teachers Are “Deceitful Workers, Transforming Themselves Into the Apostles of Christ”
In II Corinthians 11:13-15 the Apostle Paul said: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
Note the moral guilt involved here. These are “deceitful workers” who claim to be apostles of Christ when they are not, just as they are ministers of Satan, then. So, those who are enemies of the Bible as the very Word of God, are wicked, deceitful men.
3. Paul Warned Timothy of Such Wicked Unbelief
In I Timothy 4:1 and 2 are these plain words: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” Notice the sharp denunciation of these that give “heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy.” Their conscience is seared. This is the state of those who do not believe the Bible and teach against the infallible authority of the Word of God.
And in II Timothy 3:5 Paul warns Timothy again about those “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”
Lord willing, we will continue this topic in our next episode.
—PRAYER—
Now, if you are listening today, and you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, allow me to show you how.
First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”
Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Also, the Bible states in Revelation 21:8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Now this is bad news, but here’s the good news. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will.
Romans 10:9-13 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Until next time, my friend, please keep in mind these reasons to believe. God bless!
BCNN1 WP 