“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,” 1 Timothy 4:1

This passage, as some would claim does not teach that Christians can lose their salvation. In the Greek, depart refers to a purposeful, deliberate departure from a former position. In the spiritual sense, it refers to those who come very close to the truth that saves, only to leave. Jesus used this word when He described some who hear the gospel as being like seed falling on soil that has rock-bed below the surface, “Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away” (Luke 8:13).

An apostate (one who professes Christ but never belonged to Him) is not someone struggling to believe, but one who willfully abandons the biblical faith he had once professed. The faith refers to the content of divine revelation that constitutes what Christians believe.

Demons are called deceitful because they cause men and women to wander from the truth. The Holy Spirit leads people into saving truth, while these unholy spirits lead them into damning error. Apostates are not actually the victims of false religious leaders or false teachers. They are the victims of demonic spirits, spreading lies from the depths of hell through such people. False teaching is nothing less than the doctrines of demons. To sit under false teaching that contradicts the truth of Scripture is to be taught by demons, and to put one’s mind and soul in jeopardy. It is no wonder, then, that the Bible cautions against exposing oneself to false doctrine.

Here at Grace Harvest, we take seriously the teaching and preaching of correct doctrine and theology. As your pastor, I teach you with fear and trepidation. The Elders of GHBC understand the importance of what we do and the warning from God about our responsibility, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1), “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Hebrews 13:17).

As this world moves to its inevitable climax when Christ returns lets us never give up standing for the truth of Scripture. With the Lords help, we will strive to be faithful until the end and be able to say as Paul, “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Your shepherd, Pastor Mark