The Seriousness of False Teachings

In the Bible, the matter of false teachings is so serious that harsh language is used against false teachers:

• Jesus used offensive terms for false teachers like “offspring of vipers” (Matt. 12:34; 23:33).
• False teachers are called “dogs” (Phil. 3:2; Rev. 22:15).
• The Apostle Paul wrote about some false teachers, “I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!” (Gal. 5:12 ESV)
• The Apostle Peter described false teachers as “waterless springs and mists driven by a storm” (2 Pet. 2:17).

In the Bible, harsh language is also used to warn people about the ultimate end of false teachers:

• Paul wrote about any false teacher, “Let him be accursed!” (Gal. 1:8–9) The word “accursed” means doomed for destruction.
• Peter wrote about false teachers, “Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep,” and, “For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved.” (2 Pet. 2:3, 17)

Christian teachers are often criticized for using harsh language against false teachings and false teachers. However, in the Bible, harsh language is used because false teachings are a serious matter—of everlasting death!