By: Scott Adkins, Sling ‘n Stone Ministry
Carter County Times
Jesus warned “many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many,” (Matthew 24:12), and described their coming to us “in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly (being) ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15). Peter explained these wolves, out of greed, “make merchandise of” the Lord’s sheep with “feigned words.” (II Peter 2:3). What does Peter mean by “feigned words?” False doctrines – lies.
The Lord condemned such lies among Asia Minor’s first century church. Why? Because wickedness, like idolatry and fornication, followed those lies. (Revelation 2:14, 15, 20). Paul warns us not to “think beyond what is written.” (I Corinthians 4:6). Nor does the Lord tolerate those who add to, or take away, from His Word. (Revelation 22:18-19). Those who do end up being “liars,” (Proverbs 30:6); (Revelation 2:2), and condemned to Hell. (Revelation 22:19); (Jude 13).
But how do these wolves succeed and deceive so many? The sheep – that’s us – fail to “test” them with the truth; with God’s Word. (Revelation 2:2); (John 17:17). Proverbs says the “simple believe every word.” (Proverbs 14:15). But the “noble… search the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11) to discover if those preaching proclaim truth. Today, millions “heap to themselves (false) teachers, having itching ears(.)” (II Timothy 4:3).
Hence, millions flocked to see “Heaven Is For Real,” a 2014 movie that depicted a boy dying, going to Heaven, and coming back to tell his tale. He said that while in Heaven he talked to his dead sister and great grandfather, and saw Jesus riding a “rainbow colored horse,” as angels sang the boy songs. Full stop! Deuteronomy 18:10-14 declares those who talk with the dead “detestable.” Talking to the dead brought a death sentence. (Leviticus 20:27). Yet this movie told folks God allows in Heaven what He forbids on Earth. God never does that. (Matthew 6:10) (“Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.”).
God says His Son rides a white horse, and wears blood-dipped robes. (Revelation 19:11-13). He says nothing about Jesus galloping around Heaven on some “rainbow colored horse.” Nor do God’s angels serenade humans. Revelation 4:8-9 says fearsome Heavenly beings “rest not day nor night, but cry Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, which is, and which is to come.” Revelation 21:11-22:3 describes Heaven and its happenings in great detail. Nothing there, or anywhere else in holy scripture, confirms anything about “Heaven Is For Real.”
The movie misled millions and defied God Himself because it added to, and took away from, God’s Word about His Son and Heaven itself. Why? For money! Co-produced by a renowned television preacher, “Heaven Is Real” grossed over $100 million. This greedy, well-dressed wolf made merchandise of folks because they chose to believe a movie’s every word rather than test that movie against God’s Word.
We cannot let wolves, and their lies, eat our Lord’s flock – not if we love Him. (John 21:15-17). We must shield His sheep, and expose today’s well-dressed wolves by fighting against those wolves with “the sword of (His) mouth.” (Revelation 2:16).
