“Then said He unto the disciples,
‘It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.’ ” Luke 17:1-4 (KJB)
Offences
Words for Christian Living 060513
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” Romans 16:17-20 (KJV)
We, as Christians are told to “Love one another”. As you can see in Paul’s writing above we are also to “Mark them which cause divisions… contrary to the doctrine”. This surely means the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Anyone, therefore, who would cause division and offenses or a departure from the gospel is to be marked. That would mean not to even fellowship with such an individual. Also see Galations 5:14-15.
The ones whom Paul speaks of is most certainly false teachers, teaching things which distract from the gospel of Christ. Are there false teachers teaching a false gospel today? Most certainly. Any teaching which distracts from the glory of God through the death, burial and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is a false gospel.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 