the Rev. Henry Huenemann
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves (Matt. 7:15).
Bible Reading
Deuteronomy 13:1-11:Devotional
It is of the utmost importance to know the true doctrine of salvation; to know what to believe in order to be saved. Christ warns against false prophets, who come in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. They can be as meek as a lamb outwardly; but when you oppose their doctrine, their wolf nature manifests itself. They hate you with a deadly hatred. We must not be deceived. All men may speak well of them, but that is no sign that they preach the right doctrine. Christ says, "Ye shall know them by their fruits." "A good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." We must not be deceived by their large number. Christ says, "Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." We must not be deceived by their enticing words, fair speeches, and a false philosophy. And finally, we must not be deceived by signs and lying wonders, and miracles wrought by false prophets. John tells us, we must "try the spirits, whether they are of God." And He gives us the criterion, how we can tell: "Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God." The Word was made flesh. Christ in our flesh made full atonement for our sins, and obtained for us righteousness and eternal life. Whosoever believes in him has eternal life. That is the true gospel. If a man preaches, and does not preach that, he is not of God. Do not listen to him: He is an antichrist. Only the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, cleanseth us from all sin. Nothing else!
Prayer
Our heavenly Father, keep us from being led astray. May Thy Spirit teach us, and lead us into all truth. May Christ dwell in our hearts by faith. May we be rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Hear us for Jesus' sake, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Scripture in Devotional: Luke 6:36; Matt. 7:16; Luke 6:43; 1 Cor. 2:4; Col. 2:4; Rom. 16:17, 18; Col. 2:8; 2 Thess. 2:9; Rev. 29:20; 1 John 4:2, 3; John 1:14; 3:16; 1 John 4:3.
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