Testing All Preachers And Teachers

At one time or another, many of us have been exposed to self-promoting preachers and teachers who claim to have had a special “revelation” or “word” from God. If so, we need to be careful. Unless what a person proclaims as truth can be verified by the clear teaching of the Bible, it is personal opinion at best and heresy at worst — not divine revelation.

The Scriptures warn us not to add to nor take away from what God has revealed to us in His written inspired Word.

Deuteronomy 4:2 tells us:

“You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it.”

Similar warnings are found in Deuteronomy 12:32, Proverbs 30:5-6, Revelation 22:18.

If someone attempts to teach a doctrine not found in the Bible, beware — no matter how polished and well-known the person is. Let’s be sure to test the preachers and teachers we hear by the standard of God’s Word (1 John 4:1-6; Revelation 2:1-2).

If anyone talks of receiving an additional “revelation” from God, make sure they aren’t violating God’s clear warnings.

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets