S. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE IN ERROR?
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE IN “ERROR”?
“Error” comes from the Greek word plane meaning “a wandering or forsaking of the right path,” whether in doctrine, or in morals (See James 5:20). In Scripture, doctrine and morals are never divided by any sharp line. “Errors” in doctrine are not infrequently the effect of relaxed morality, and vice versa (Vine’s Greek Lexicon).
False teaching and teachers “deny the Lord that bought them” (2 Peter 2:1), that is, they deny the Lordship, his right to control one’s life. Although a person may be religious, their life and actions can deny Him. “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:16). The Greek word “deny” is arneomai and means “to contradict” (Vine’s Greek Lexicon). False teaching contradicts Jesus as Lord, Master, Ruler and King. False teaching contradicts Jesus words, teachings and lifestyle. A teaching of justification (being right with God) without sanctification (being under his rule) is false and should be avoided. A teaching of “grace” that says, “after we become Christians we can do just as we like” (Jude 1:4, Living Bible) is a false teaching on grace that is addressed by the Apostle Paul in Romans 6:1-2; Romans 6:15 and Titus 2:11-13.
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (no restraints), and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4).
“[1] What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? [2] God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? [15] What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid (Romans 6:1-2; Romans 6:15).
“[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12]
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13).
Consider the “error” of Balaam: Balaam spoke the true words of God. Later in his ministry his heart changed through greed. He ended up becoming a false prophet. Please take the time to look up these scriptures and see for yourself: Numbers 22:8; Numbers 22:17-18; Numbers 23:3; Numbers 23:5; Numbers 23:12; Numbers 23:16; Numbers 23:23; Numbers 23:26; Numbers 24:13 compare Numbers 31:16; Numbers 31:8; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11; Revelation 2:14. This is a warning for us today that needs to be heeded! (See 1 Corinthians 10:6-12). Is there hope for those in “error”? “Error” demands a change of heart but can be corrected by repenting and acknowledging of the truth (See 2 Timothy 2:25-26; James 5:19-20).
“[25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [26] And that they may
recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
“[19] Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him (turns him back); [20] Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).