Toleration of grievous error or even heresy in order to not offend isn’t loving and isn’t Christian. If you were correct, Christians would never be able to clearly state the truth lest they appear prideful. I didn’t declare my own spiritual discernment. I did, however, take a clear and unequivocal position based on more than 40 years of Bible study and Christian education. I said what I said as clearly as I did so that those attracted to Joel might heed the alarm and avoid some of the sideroads I traveled as a younger and less mature Christian. Thankfully I had a few wise and clear-thinking men with God-given boldness who cared enough to warn me and help me get back on track. It was those strong and certain voices in my life that got my attention.
If you knew me you would know that I have great concern for those trapped in aberrant movements (like word faith) and false religion. I am quick to admit my own mistakes and frailties and I know that we all see through a glass darkly. That said, I also know the Bible is the inerrant Word of the living God and it can be trusted. Where it speaks clearly we must be equally clear. I know that this country is full of people who have had religious experiences and made false professions of faith. In the South I know very few people who don’t believe they are saved. Everyone has some sort of hope, but not everyone has Christ and He is the only hope. They must be told the truth. Nothing is worse to consider than a religious man standing at the final bar of justice only to hear those words “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
—Matthew 7:21-23