Contrary to believing in imaginary feelings, Christianity believes in objective, historical, revealed, actual, rational truth from God. – John MacArthur
If you’ve ever talked to someone about your faith, or religion in general, you’ve probably heard the words, “Well, that’s not what I believe.” And when you prod the person who says this, you ultimately come to the understanding that their belief is based upon nothing but their own feelings. It is an illusion. The god they believe in is a fabrication, a mixture of truth, mythology and outright lies. Their god has been created in their own imagination. To put a sharper point on it, they have created a god in their own image.
On the other hand, you may have talked to someone who used the words, “Well, that’s not what the bible says.” This is a person that you should listen to because they are referring to an unimpeachable source of truth, rather than their own thoughts and feelings. But you still have to have discernment skills.
Fred Phelps can tell you that the bible says that God hates homosexuals so we should all go protest at the funerals of American soldiers . Joel Osteen can quote 3 John 1:1-2 and tell you that it means that God wants you to be rich, healthy and beautiful; and that your earthly happiness is God’s greatest goal. Both these men claim to be Christians, but their twisted theology contradicts the truth.
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. – 2 Peter 3:17-18
But you, beloved, build yourself up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” – Jude 1:20
The only way to stay out of the snare of false teachers is to know the truth. Not ‘my’ truth or ‘your’ truth, but the ‘true truth.’ The truth of the Bible that comes from God. Pray for wisdom and discernment, spend time in the Word and in prayer.
