There seems to be a growing number of “progressive Christian pastors” on social media these days claiming that they have discovered the true meanings of controversial Bible passages. These so-called theologians allege that long held church teachings concerning homosexuality and other practices are based on false interpretations of Scripture.
Of course, we can easily show in Scripture that there is zero basis to their assertions.1 Corinthians 6:9-10 states, “Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites…will inherit the kingdom of God.” However, rather than debunking all the false teachings, why don’t we instead look to the Scriptures and see how we can identify these false theologians?
It should be no surprise to us that we are seeing a rise in false teachers on social media. Paul warned in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” Social media is the perfect breeding ground for false doctrine. By its very design, it amplifies the most popular opinions and silences those who dissent.
Thankfully, identifying false teachers is pretty easy if we know the Scriptures. In 1 John 2:3-4, the apostle whom Jesus loved shows us, saying, “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” In other words, if they aren’t living according to the Scriptures, then they cannot be trusted.
What then do we see from these social media preachers? Those advocating for the church to change and accept all kinds of sin are practicing them. And, they flaunt their sin from their pulpits. “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be” (Rom. 8:7). Paul says here that they cannot help themselves. They advocate for sin because they love their sin. This is not the heart of someone who knows God.
So, how do you know if someone is a trustworthy source for Biblical truth? They have to know God. If they don’t keep His commandments and preach against sin, then you will know with certainty that not only do they not know the Lord, but He never knew them (Matt. 7:21-23). Don’t be swayed by these wolves in sheep’s clothing. Their end will be according to their deeds (2 Cor. 11:15). Seek the counsel of those who delight in the law of the Lord (Psa. 1:1).