Matthew 24: For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect
I struggle to understand this thin line we walk of being deceived by false prophets. Could you share a real-life example that might help me understand better? I'm a newly converted Christian.
The heart of the message is that salvation is to be found only through following God, and not those who would claim to be god-like. The Lord, in this case, is making the distinction that, while the trappings of godhood are easily available and easy to mimic, any who would clothe themselves in such garb are false, and seek to deceive. It's a warning.
Jesus was pretty clear in his messaging: following his teachings, and walking his path are the only avenue to becoming one with God. And along the way there will be many tests of character and many who will try to dissuade from staying righteous (ie remaining true to Jesus' words).
The Catholic Church would like a word with you... Jokes aside, how does the Catholic Church fare with this line of reasoning? I am a born-again Catholic (baptised, had my confirmation as a kid, etc.) and the institutionality of the Church is sometimss worrying. In this way I respect reformed denominations who put more emphasis on the Holy Book.
You will know them by their fruit.
So I would say some of the US Catholic Bishops in tying themselves so heavily to the Republican party and in their silence when those figures like Vance do racist fear-mongering and other things directly contrary to the Gospel are acting as false prophets or at the very least assisting Vance and others in that capacity.
They dress up their hateful actions in the guise of the teachings of Christ even when they are the complete opposite.
On the other hand I would say some of the stuff Pope Francis has done and what he is trying to do bears good fruit.
Although I do not think being a “false prophet” is a binary thing where you either are or you aren’t or an institution either is or isn’t necessarily.
I think it can be circumstantial.
Matthew 24: For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect
I struggle to understand this thin line we walk of being deceived by false prophets. Could you share a real-life example that might help me understand better? I'm a newly converted Christian.
The heart of the message is that salvation is to be found only through following God, and not those who would claim to be god-like. The Lord, in this case, is making the distinction that, while the trappings of godhood are easily available and easy to mimic, any who would clothe themselves in such garb are false, and seek to deceive. It's a warning.
Jesus was pretty clear in his messaging: following his teachings, and walking his path are the only avenue to becoming one with God. And along the way there will be many tests of character and many who will try to dissuade from staying righteous (ie remaining true to Jesus' words).
The Catholic Church would like a word with you... Jokes aside, how does the Catholic Church fare with this line of reasoning? I am a born-again Catholic (baptised, had my confirmation as a kid, etc.) and the institutionality of the Church is sometimss worrying. In this way I respect reformed denominations who put more emphasis on the Holy Book.
You will know them by their fruit.
So I would say some of the US Catholic Bishops in tying themselves so heavily to the Republican party and in their silence when those figures like Vance do racist fear-mongering and other things directly contrary to the Gospel are acting as false prophets or at the very least assisting Vance and others in that capacity.
They dress up their hateful actions in the guise of the teachings of Christ even when they are the complete opposite.
On the other hand I would say some of the stuff Pope Francis has done and what he is trying to do bears good fruit.
Although I do not think being a “false prophet” is a binary thing where you either are or you aren’t or an institution either is or isn’t necessarily.
I think it can be circumstantial.