This morning I was reading article 12 of the Belgic Confession. This article deals with the creation of the world and of the angels. The article goes onto state that some of the angels have fallen and that even now “devils and evil spirits are watching to ruin the church and every member thereof, and by their wicked stratagems to destroy all.” This is a sobering thought, and precisely the reason why God has ordained the office of elder to protect the church and her sheep during this present evil age.
Throughout the New Testament we are told to be on watch for false prophets inside the church. Think about Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 4:3-5; 1 John 2:18-25; 4:1-6; 2 John 7. Whenever false prophets come into the church they are going to be well disguised and will even say some true things and use the right words. But they are going to twist the meanings of those words, and ultimately depart from the singular truth of the Gospel and lead people to look to something or someone other than Christ.
J. Greshem Machen early in the 20th century wrote this, “The enemy has not really been changed into a friend merely because he has been received within the camp” (Christianity & Liberalism, p.19). It is not hard to see that Machen’s words have not been heeded and that throughout the church the enemy has been considered a friend. We need to constantly pray that God will give us (and especially our elders) the wisdom to discern these false prophets, antichrists, deceivers, evil spirits, who are within our midst even in good and solid Reformed churches.
No church is immune and the history of the Reformed churches in America shows how slowly and quietly the devil works in the church seemingly benign until the church has strayed so far from the Biblical faith thinking it is still faithful when, in fact, it has abandoned everything of value. May the Lord continue to raise up courageous men who will lead his church with conviction, resting only on the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Gig Harbor Reformed Bible Study 
October 15, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Very timely and well said, Mark. I am thinking of a very well known and widely heard preacher in Seattle, who calls himself reformed, and who has named emergent/emerging church leaders as his ‘friends’. Can we call those who preach a false gospel our friends? Is it right to do so?
October 15, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Susan –
Good question. I believe that we can and should call such people as our friends. Considering we can have friends who are unbelievers or friends who are Christians who go to churches that believe widely different things. What better way to try and convince people of the truth of the Gospel than to have them as a trusted friend.
For a pastor, such as the one you are referencing, having such friends might become a liability if people start to equate the errant views of the “friends” with the pastor’s views, even if there is no true connection. Sort of a “guilt by association.” Of course a situation such as this is a lot more complex, and a “Reformed” pastor should definitely have some Reformed friends to whom he is to be held accountable.
Finally, having such friends might also allow a Reformed pastor to warn them of the “enemy within the camp” when they might not be able to see it themselves. This also means that courage is necessary to confront fellow pastors with the truth of the Gospel and Scripture when appropriate. If a Reformed pastor is weak and unsure, then he definitely shouldn’t be counting as friends those who might be moving down the track of “false prophet” lest he fall into the same trap. Once he is more mature, then these other friends might be sought out.
I hope that makes sense!
Mark
October 16, 2009 at 2:48 pm
I think there is a difference in church officers and the congregation. There is also a difference between public and private friendships. Our friends do reflect on us. When especially we are a pastor and we are friends with those who preach a false gospel then I believe we need to be careful.
The pastor Susan is speaking about has incorporated some emergent ideas into his church (although the biggest beef would be his using more Willow Creek ideas) into his church. I believe he is being influenced by his “friends” and therefore should say more I personally am friends with these people but I disavow their beliefs, practices and piety.
October 16, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Alvin –
I would be interested in discussing more the distinction between church officers/congregation and public/private friendships. I think I understand where you are going, but I don’t know if there is such a clear difference. I do mention that a pastor does take on a liability for associating with friends who preach a false gospel. But if said pastor faithfully preaches the text of Scripture and is fully committed to the Confessions in faith, piety and practice, then any connection between him and his friends will not be a liability. The problem comes when the pastor cedes to the falsities of his friends. Dr. Horton has some really whacky friends, but we don’t impune his Reformed convictions.
I believe the pastor you and Susan know was not wise in recognizing the influences his friends were having on him (which is why you need other friends to hold you accountable). This doesn’t mean it was wrong for him to have these friends, but he was not strong enough to resist and to correct them in their thinking.
I don’t know if that makes any sense. It is late on a Friday!
Mark