The perception that unsophisticated ne’er-do-wells are responsible for the church drifting off into apostasy can hardly be supported by history. Though such men do exist, they are more likely to use long-established teachings to cement their positions, rather than invite discussion that might change the leadership landscape; the churches they lead are more apt to die before they get around to changing their doctrines.
The Red Flags that signal apostacy are more likely to appear in churches that have long since abandoned any concept of “the one true church.” When a congregation decides that they are “just another denomination,” then it can be rightly assumed that that is exactly what they have become.
A church that has stopped striving to be the “church of the Bible,” to become “just another denomination,” has travelled a well-worn path. Though early changes in doctrine and practice may have been slow and subtle, the astute would have seen the Red Flags appear along the way.
One of the first things to appear in a church that has lost sight of its unique mission is the attitude that core doctrines are negotiable. When a congregation stops telling the lost that one is only saved when their sins are washed away in baptism, then they are lost and in need of repentance.
Another Red Flag that presents itself to those who are watching is the presence of “lovelessness.” A congregation that goes-through-the-motions may have the doctrines of Salvation and Worship in place, but if their faith is not expressing itself in acts of sacrificial love, then that church is dead.
Now, least I be misunderstood, I must stress that God has his saints working wherever He wants them to be. I have known Bible-loving saints in unscriptural congregations, and I have known soul-loving saints in loveless congregations—God knows what he is doing!
As for those Red Flags…?
“Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16).
John Staiger