Five Traits of False Teachers
By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.
Copyright 1999
Following are five theological characteristics, traits or teachings of false teachers that run counter to Biblical Christianity.
False Christology
Definition: Christology is the doctrine of the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is the study of Christ's life and His ministry. It would include what He taught as well as what he did throughout His life on earth as well as His glorified life and actions in heaven presently.
Falsehood: False teachers will downplay the significance of Jesus. They will attack His character, mission, ministry, person and sacrifice. Sometimes their attack will not be obvious. Often their sharing in this area will be nebulous or may seem logical, when in truth it is completely contrary to Christian scripture.
Foundation: Jesus Christ is the central figure of both the old and new testaments and of the Christian faith. If any group misses the mark concerning the nature and mission of Christ, it has totally missed the mark of Biblical truth. We must test the spirits and teachings that we are exposed to, to be sure that they are the truth. (I John 4:1-3, John 3:16-21)
The Authority of Scripture and the Issue of Extra-biblical Revelation
Definition: The Bible claims to be God's Word and Truth. Extra-biblical revelation is the view that God has spoken in recorded words through other media since He gave us the New Testament scriptures. It is the belief that God speaks or has spoken outside, or apart from, the Bible.
Falsehood: False teachers will undermine the authority of scripture. Scripture is called the "sword of the Spirit." (Ephesians 6:17) In all of the "full armor of God" mentioned in this chapter of Ephesians, only the Word of God, the scripture, is listed as an offensive weapon. If you are engaging a foe in battle, what is the first thing they will try to accomplish...to disarm you. By degrading the authority of scripture, false teachers are attempting to undermine the foundation by which the Christian faith is built. By promoting extra-biblical revelation, they are attempting to add or subtract from God's Word so that their particular doctrine can appear to be acceptable as truth. Often they portray their extra-biblical documents as more accurate or better than scripture.
Foundation: The Bible is the ultimate authority on all spiritual issues to the Christian. Scripture claims to be the absolute Word of God. Hebrews 4:12, II Timothy 3:16-17 and II Peter 1:20-21 all speak of scripture as coming from God Himself and useful to direct one's life. For insight into extra-biblical revelation, read Revelation 22:18-19 and Galatians 1:8,9.
False Prophecy
Definition: A prophecy is a prediction or foretelling of something that is to come to pass in the future.
Falsehood: False teachers will often make many prophecies to impress or lead people astray. When the prophecies do not come to pass. Their interpretation of the events will explain away their error. False prophecy is one of the most blatant signs of a false teacher or cult.
Foundation: Fulfillment of prophecies should not be the only measure by which we judge a teacher. In the Old Testament a prophet had to be right 100% of the time or he was considered not of God and was promptly stoned to death.
A False or Inadequate View of Sin and Salvation
Definition: Sin is the nature of who we are and the deeds which are produced from this character. Salvation is the act of God bestowing grace on us in our sinful state and saving us from the penalty of sin when we accept Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection.
Falsehood: False teachers will teach that a certain amount of good deeds will assure salvation. They will deny that sin really exists and speak of it being only an illusion or delusion of our minds. Their purpose again, is to degrade the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross.
Foundation: We are sinful by nature and the most righteous deeds that we could accomplish are like filthy rags before our Lord. Only by faith in His death on the cross and acceptance of His sacrifice are we acceptable to the God of all creation. Galatians 2:16, Romans 5:8,9, and John 3:16.
Feeding of Our Narcissism
Definition: Narcissism is an abnormal tendency to admire one's own perfections.
Falsehood: False teachers promote the "Divinity of Man," that men are gods or can become gods.
Foundation: Scripture and history demonstrates that man's heart is basically depraved and sinful. Our hope does not lie within ourselves or in our abilities, but in the power of God to save us from ourselves. Ephesians 2:8,9 states that we are saved by grace that is made available by God alone. Read Romans 3:28, and John 3:16 for additional support.
The Old Lies Continue to Hide Behind New Masks
If you study and compare the teachings of many false prophets, what you will find is that they are simply alterations, twists and turns of the same old lies that were promoted by the serpent in the Garden of Eden.
God's character was attacked. The self-indulgent interests of Adam and Eve were promoted. The hope of eternal truth and life was said to be within the reach of Adam and Eve themselves, without any need for the Creator.
As you can see, a wolf in any kind of sheep's clothing is still a wolf. Be wary of false teachers.
I John 4:1-3
"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world."