0095. Apostates From the Faith–Foretold
Apostates From the Faith–Foretold
"But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
"How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts" (Jdg_1:17-18).
Some may doubt the advisability of studying a Book like this. They will fear lest it will shake the faith of some to learn that there are so many deniers of the faith. However, when one reads in the Bible, clear and positive predictions of the apostasy during the last days, their faith in the integrity of the Scriptures will be strengthened.
To be fore-warned is to be fore-armed. God wanted to tell us where the hidden rocks would lie, so we could steer our barks away from danger. No one can live today without coming full face into heterodoxy. One meets it in the public schools, in the daily newspapers, in the novels and magazines, in college life, in the church and on the street.
The prophesied apostates, who mock and who scoff the true sayings of God have come. The believer will find in the following quotation from J. Clyde Stillions, a splendid word on how he should turn away from the false prophets:
It is God’s Word: Flee from the voice of the "False Shepherd," and follow the voice of the "Good Shepherd;" stop gazing at the "clouds without water," and watch for the "cloud of glory;" refrain from feeding upon the "trees, autumnal, without fruit," and feast upon the "tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth His fruit in His season."
It is God’s call: Abandon the barren shores where the "raging waves of the sea foam out their shame," and abide amid the "green pastures where the still waters lie;" renounce the pursuit of "wandering stars," and patiently await the appearing of the "Morning Star;" forsake the men who "speak great swelling words" and sit at the feet of Him, whose words "are Spirit" and "Life."
It is God’s plea: Turn from those who hold "men’s persons in admiration," unto Him, with whom there is "no respect of persons;" cease from running "after the error of Balaam for reward," and press forward to the day of rewards, when He comes and brings His reward with Him; withdraw from men who deny "the only Lord God," and trust in "The Lord Jesus Christ."
Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR