The Third Red Flag

Within the previous two articles, we examined two red flags to be mindful of when it comes to identifying false doctrine. The first red flag to be aware of is when the word of God is undermined. The second, is when God’s love is undermined. In our final article on this subject, we will identify the third red flag we must not overlook. That is receiving a promise, God did not make.

For the third red flag we return to the Garden of Eden. The devil is convincing Eve to partake of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. He said, “For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:5).

God actually said that the day they eat of the tree will be the day they die. The concept of becoming wise like God sounded good but was not according to God’s word. The bible is filled with such examples. False prophets have often promised good when God was pronouncing judgment. During Jeremiah’s day the false prophets stated that their captivity would only last two years. Jeremiah on the other hand stated that their captivity would last for seventy years.

Today, the third red flag is still evident. There are some religions that promise things in the afterlife that is foreign to biblical teaching. The Muslim’s teach if one dies in a holy war, they will receive seventy virgins in the next life. (Not a biblical promise). The Mormons teach that after death one can become a God of their own planet. The word of God teaches no such concept.

The bible teaches that after death is judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Those who are righteous will enter everlasting life and those who have not been cleansed by the blood of Christ will enter everlasting torment (Matthew 25:46). There is no mention of ruling our own planet. Jesus also taught that in heaven there is no one given in marriage, but we will be like the angels (Matthew 22:29-30). This is contrary to the misteaching of the Muslims.

Even within Christendom we must be mindful of what is being taught. Many souls are led to believe salvation is achieved immediately after faith. While the bible teaches that one must not only have faith, but he must repent (Luke 13:3), he must confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), he must be baptized for the remission of his sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), and he must continue to live faithfully to God throughout his life (Revelation 2:10; Hebrews 10:35-39).

We must continue diligent study of the word of God. We also must be mindful of false promises that God never made. The more we hold fast to God’s word, the more we will identify the red flags of false teaching.

God Bless each of you,

Eric Hicks