Friday, January 8, 2010
Beware
(II Peter 3:17)
Bible knowledge is no guarantee that one will continue steadfastly in the faith. It is tragically possible for one to be a theologically educated reprobate; and many professional theologians fall into that sad category. Assurance of orthodoxy does not come from knowledge alone. Orthodoxy is maintained by unflinching vigilance regarding ones direction. Peter warns about the possibility of being “led away with the error of the wicked.” Even those who know the Bible well should check their theological direction from time to time.
The problem is not a failure in education. Rather, the problem stems from Satanic deception. When Peter uses the phrase “the wicked,” he is referring to the Wicked One—Satan himself. When the Devil can’t use enticements of the flesh to foil believers, he often resorts to religion and false theology.
The contemporary Evangelical movement is awash with such Satanic leading. Take, for example, the recent Manhattan Declaration. Though ostensibly a unified statement concerning basic Bible morality, the Manhattan Declaration—in reality—unifies its signatories in theological compromise. The preamble of the document recognizes Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Evangelicals as “Christians,” thereby granting tacit approval to the false doctrines of both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. When Evangelicals tacitly affirm the “Christianity” of Catholics and Eastern Orthodox, they confuse the central issue of salvation: grace through faith.
Most of the Evangelical signatories to the document know better. They have, however, followed Satan’s error and are in danger of falling from their steadfastness (17).
