Yes there is an idolatry of false interpretations that God shows to people through sound hermeneutics and they hold on to the false interpretation not because they really believe it is true but because it will cost them something to change their minds. For example a Baptist pastor might come to the conclusion through careful study of the scriptures that the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the gift of tongues is biblical and yet they will not tell anyone because they do not want to get kicked out of their denomination. This is idolatry because they are loving the praise of men more than the praise of God.
This is true. On the other hand a Charismatic pastor may come to the conclusion that the gifts have ceased, and that those practicing them are receiving a deluding influence from God to believe that they are true Christians because they love what they believe, and the signs and wonders they appear to have more than they love truth.
Th 2:10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11
For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, 12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness. 13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
Mat 7:22 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many works of power?' 23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'
The point is, if you do not love truth more than EVERYTHING else, every belief, every sign. every wonder, .... then you get whatever you need to believe that you are a true Christian... right with God, or, if you don't believe in a God, merely that your beliefs are fact.
“The Door to Truth Only Opens from the Inside.”
“Closed minds can never be opened from the outside.”
“Getting to the truth is not something others can do “for” you.”
“As a habit and way of life you can either prove your beliefs true and hold fast to them, or you continuously keep on proving all things, over and over again, as a habit and way of life, and alter your beliefs to fit what is true/good. Pick One.
"The Methodology you habitually use, for and by yourself, proves what you really love: The truth or your beliefs.”
“If you gather what you can “use” to “prove your beliefs” true and what you can “use” to prove all opposing beliefs false, and then interpret everything in the light of your beliefs, there is no way to get from lies to truth. All you can do is harden yourself into what you “want to believe” “as” truth.”
“That which you love least will always be made to conform to that which you love most.
You can love truth, or you can love your beliefs. Pick one. Everybody does.”
“No one can have a relationship with your spouse, kids … for you. No one can have a relationship with the Truth “for” you. Either you will habitually keep on doing what it takes to get it for yourself, and by yourself, or it won’t get done.”
“Belief groups do not exist to get anyone “to” the truth. They exist to teach, promote, defend, evangelize … the groups beliefs “as” “truth”. You can’t get “to” truth from there.”
“The Biggest obstacle to getting “to” the truth is the firm belief that you already have it.”
“If your eyes and ears are closed to considering any other view, everything anyone shares to the contrary becomes meaningless contention.”
(Mikeisms: Note: I’m Mike)
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