What other scriptures warn against false teachings like those of the Nicolaitans? The False Teaching of the Nicolaitans Revelation 2:6 names a group whose “works” the Lord hates—teaching that excused idolatry and sexual immorality (cf. Revelation 2:14-15). Scripture repeatedly sounds the alarm against the same kind of deception. New Testament Warnings That Echo Revelation 2:6 “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.” “I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will arise and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.” “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ… it is no surprise if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.” “…there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!” “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to human tradition… rather than on Christ.” “The Spirit explicitly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons.” “…people will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” “For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception… They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching for dishonest gain.” “There will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies… Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.” “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.” - Jude 3-4 “…contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed… ungodly men who turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” Old Testament Echoes - Deuteronomy 13:1-4 warns that even miracle-working voices must be rejected if they entice God’s people to idolatry. - Jeremiah 23:16-17 exposes prophets who “fill you with false hopes… speaking visions from their own minds.” The Thread That Ties These Passages Together - False teachers disguise themselves with religious language and apparent spirituality. - Their doctrines license sin or add human ideas to God’s Word. - God’s people are called to recognize them by their fruit, test every message against Scripture, and hold fast to the pure gospel of Christ. |
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