Leaving Beyond – Grounded In Scripture

Twisting Scripture to Avoid Correction

In an effort to avoid biblical correction and accountability, those who preach false doctrine will often cite verses—sometimes only in part—like John 15:20 to make themselves appear as victims of those warning of their false teachings.

John 15:20 says,

“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.”

John 15:20 is regularly misused by false teachers who know their followers will not test their claims against Scripture. They weaponize Jesus’ words, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you”, to maintain loyalty and avoid scrutiny.

Richard Baxter:

“The greatest cruelty is to pervert the Word of God, turning it into a snare for souls rather than a guide to life.”

The Victim Narrative of False Teachers

False teachers love to claim that those who warn against their false teachings are “persecuting” or “attacking” them. They often cite John 15:20—“If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you”—to defend themselves, followed by applause and amens from their followers.

Notice the last part of that verse that they do not explain and often fail to mention: “if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.”

• “It is a comfort to the greatest sufferers, if they suffer for Christ’s name’s sake. The world’s ignorance is the true cause of its hatred to the disciples of Jesus. The clearer and fuller the discoveries of the grace and truth of Christ, the greater is our sin if we do not love him and believe in him.” ~ Matthew Henry Commentary

Jesus had much to say about false teachers, and this verse was not given to protect false teachers from rebuke; it was given to comfort true disciples who will indeed face persecution for proclaiming the truth.

Charles Spurgeon:

“We are not persecutors because we warn men of their errors. To be silent would be cruelty; to speak is the truest charity.”

A Heartbreaking Deception

It is heartbreaking! These deceived people have no idea how deceived they are. They think themselves wise, more spiritual, even validated by the criticisms of faithful believers.

Like Paul’s words to the Galatians, “O foolish Galatians!” (Galatians 3:1), my heart echoes: “O deceived followers!” You think our warnings are proof you are on the right path. But I have no pleasure in your deception—I am grieved for you.

Martin Luther:

“Nothing is more poisonous than to pervert the Word of God; for then the soul perishes under the guise of truth.”

Appeals to the Deceived

I know how my appeals fall on deaf ears. I was once there. And I know it must take a work of God to separate you and bring you out of such delusion. So, I write and pray that God may bring you out and into the truth.

Should you think in your heart, “Don’t waste your prayers on me; I’m not going anywhere—if anything, I’ll go harder and deeper,” I believe you. I do. And that is why I pray! Because God is sovereign. I trust Him, and I care for you.

John Owen:

“Only the Holy Spirit can dislodge the mind from the snares of error and bring it under the power of the truth.”

Grace and Peace, y’all

Soli Deo Gloria

April J. Buchanan