But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their licentiousness, and because of them the way of truth will be reviled. – 2 Peter 2:1-10a
Peter is speaking to us when he warns, “false prophets arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.” In our time, destructive heresies are flourishing at the same time that others are questioning biblical truth. It seems we have come to the place in history where all truth is considered relative, as if there is nothing that is deemed objective truth. Yes, that’s the way of it.
Peter cautions that “the way of truth will be reviled,” and that’s the reality of our situation today. Jesus himself says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.” (John 14:6) Yet, even some who consider themselves Christians today reject Christ’s claim to be the unique Savior of the world.
It would be great if we could just ignore the “noise” of all the false teachers—but people are being led astray, to their own destruction. For this reason, we are called to stand for God’s truth, revealed in the Bible, as passed down to us from the apostles, to Luther, to faithful bishops, pastors and church leaders today. Not all adhere to the apostle’s teaching and fellowship—but thankfully, there are some. Thankfully, there are those who reject false teaching and false teachers, saying, with Luther, “Our conscience is captive to the Word of God. Here we stand!”
Prayer: Almighty God, keep us steadfast in your Word, rejecting those who would wrest your kingdom from your Son, bringing to naught all He has done. Amen.
Advent Action: Recite the Apostles’ Creed today, either by yourself or with others. Listen to the truth about God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The 2016 Advent Devotional, based on Year I of the LBW and written by Pastor David Wendel, is available for download/printing in two formats and as a daily text/email message.