Let's Go Back to the Bible

Avoid the twist!

As Peter neared the end of his second epistle–in which he emphasized the need for brethren to grow in knowledge, in order to stand against false teachers and doctrines that would plague the church–Peter warned that certain individuals would come along and “twist… the Scriptures” (2 Pet. 3:16). The word “twist” means that something is distorted, warped or turned in a different direction. What a disturbing thought–that someone would distort God’s Word from its intended message, meaning and purpose to have a different message, meaning and purpose! Who would do that? Peter says that they are “untaught” (or ignorant, having not been properly taught) and “unstable” (or unsteadfast, not being firmly set or fixed on Divine revelation). Such twisting results in (by bringing upon oneself) “destruction”–eternal consequences.

This should be a warning to all of us! First, let us not be guilty of twisting God’s Word to say what we want it to say! Second, let us teach others and firmly set them upon God’s truth, so that they may not be guilty of twisting God’s Word to their own destruction!