Counterfeit Preachers

Did you know that counterfeiting of money is one of the oldest crimes in history? Here in America it became a serious problem during the 19th century when banks issued their own currency. In fact, by the time of the Civil War, it was estimated that one-third of all currency in circulation was counterfeit.

So in 1863 the United States adopted a national currency in hopes that it would solve the growing counterfeit problem. But before long, the new national currency also became the victim of widespread counterfeiting. So on July 5, 1865, the United States Secret Service was established to suppress counterfeiting.[1]

Through the years, many techniques and tests have been formulated for the purpose of identifying counterfeit currency. One such test that is used today is a Counterfeit Detector Pen like this one. With the use of a pen and other counterfeit detection techniques, bankers and other businesses can discern between genuine currency and counterfeit currency.

Spiritually speaking, Christians often find themselves in a similar position as bankers and others who have to be able to discern between that which is genuine and that which is not. And like currency counterfeits, spiritual counterfeits are nothing new. In fact, the Bible is filled with warnings about false teachers and their counterfeit doctrines. And the Bible says that we are to be able to discern between doctrines and religious teachings that are biblically sound and those that are not.

John is calling on believers to continually be alert to the danger of spiritual deception, which is an ever present danger.

Matthew 7:15; 16-note " Beware (present imperative, calling for continual state of spiritual alertness) of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.“

Matthew 24:4; 5 "And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it (present imperative) that no one misleads you. “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many."

I John 4:1a - "Test the spirits to see of they are of God."

- Precept Austin