The Effects Of False Doctrines
Generally, when one takes a false doctrine, he must defend it at all costs. The things he reads or hears contrary to his false theory are wrong without investigation or doubt. The teachings of the Bible that are in conflict with his theory must be explained away to coincide and align with the false notion. The Apostle Peter said "ignorant and unlearned" men wrest the Scriptures "to their own destruction". (2 Pet. 3:16.) Do not confuse our modern usage of "ignorant" with that of the King James Version. Dodderidge translates it: "the unteachable and unstable torture" the Scriptures.
Of delusive doctrines, one of the most obnoxious, is what is commonly known of "once in grace, always in grace" or "once saved always saved". I noticed a prime example of just how this doctrine of the Devil caused one of it's adherents to "torture" and "wrest" the Scripture. In a very caustic Baptist paper, The Baptist Examiner, Feb. 20th., the "Editor-In-Chief" (Bob L. Ross — a very "ignorant" or "unteachable" Baptist) answered a question submitted to him as follows:
9. What Does Paul Mean In 1 Corinthians 9:27 By "Cast-Away"?
Answer: "He doesn't have reference to salvation (see John 6:37; 19:27-30) but to the ministry. He `crucified the flesh' and 'kept under his body,' for if he had not done so, God would not have used him in the ministry ..."
In order to justify his false idea that children of God are so eternally saved that it is utterly impossible for them to be lost, regardless of how they live or what they do, the esteemed "Editor-In-Chief" thinks that Paul was afraid that God wouldn't use him in the preaching of the Gospel, lest he exercise self constraint and control. This is just an assertion of Mr. Ross. The context plainly shows that Paul said he was figuratively running a race. He compares it with competitive games in which runners had to exercise great self-control or else lose the race and not earn the crown.
"And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible crown." — 1 Cor. 9:26
"And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible crown." — 1 Cor. 9:26.
Commenting on this, E. P. Gould, D. D. says:
"The anxiety and carefulness of the apostle to obtain the heavenly reward (emphasis by DRS) and to live a strenuous and sober life for this purpose, may well be contrasted with the overconfidence of many at the present time."
— An American Commentary On The New Testament (A Baptist Commentary.)
The word from which "castaway" is translated is found eight times in the New Testament. (Rom. 1:28; 1 Cor. 9:27; 2 Cor. 13:5, 6, 7; 2 Tim. 3:8; Titus 1:16; Hebrews 6:8.) The reader is urged to look up all of these passages and thoughtfully compare them. It is translated by either of these English words: "Reprobate" — "Castaway" — "Rejected". Paul was afraid that without proper care of his life he would become "Reprobate" from God as a "Castaway" suitable only for "Rejection" not from preaching, but from an incorruptible crown".
But don't you see how false doctrines effect people?
They are indeed dangerous!