Pilgrim Publications -

“ANOTHER JESUS”

By Bob L. Ross

2 Corinthians 11:3, 4, 13-15:

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

For if he that cometh preacheth ANOTHER JESUS, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive ANOTHER SPIRIT, which ye have not received, or ANOTHER GOSPEL, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him . . .

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an ANGEL OF LIGHT.

Therefore it is no great thing if HIS MINISTERS also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

False “gospels” are characterized by departures from the “simplicity” of the true Gospel of Christ.

False “gospels” appeal to the carnal appetite of man for the “new thing” (Acts 17:21), the “miraculous” (2 Thess. 2:9), and the “fabulous” (II Tim. 4:3).

False “gospels” appeal to “itching ears” (II Tim. 4:3), ears which “turn from the truth.”

False “gospels” have a “form of godliness” (II Tim. 3:4) and have a “bewitching” effect, even over some who have heard of and professed to believe in Christ (Galatians 3:1).

False “gospels” have always been the primary enemy of the Truth. It was true with John the Baptist and Jesus, who were opposed by the false religionists of their time. It was true with the Apostles and early churches in New Testament times. And it has been true in all the following ages. Our primary enemy is not outright sin and crime, but the false “gospels” which deceive men and keep them from the saving power of Jesus Christ.

These “gospels” promise “liberty” but they bring men into “bondage” (II Peter 2:19).

Paul pronounces a curse on those who bring a false “gospel”—

But though we, or AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN preach ANY OTHER GOSPEL unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be ACCURSED (Galatians 1:8).

“Another Gospel” preaches “Another Jesus.” A false teacher has to preach “Jesus,” otherwise he could not get a following from anyone who has an interest in Christianity. So the false teacher will certainly use the name of “Jesus.” He may even claim to “cast out demons” in the name of “Jesus” (Acts 19:13). He may even make a pretense of being on the “same side” as true Gospel preachers, like the demon-possessed woman of Acts 16:17. He may even be so deceptive that he can get into a “leadership” position and “draw away disciples” after him (Acts 20:30).

The “key” to discerning and exposing another “Jesus,” another “gospel,” and another “spirit” is the “SIMPLICITY that is in Christ.” The believer must be thoroughly grounded in the TRUTH OF CHRIST so as to withstand “the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16).

Satan’s task is to deceive, to mislead. He uses the Truth to the extent necessary, even quoting the Bible (Matt. 4:6); but at a very “convenient” place he will make his subtle “move” to depart from the Truth, leading his victim down the road of error. At that point, he will all-the-more emphasize “Jesus.”

Sometimes, those who preach “another Jesus” will have their followers to “say Jesus,” over-and-over again, to further enhance the false “gospel” which they teach in the name of “Jesus.”

The simpleton thinks that saying “Jesus . . . Jesus . . . Jesus” means that Jesus is really involved. They don’t realize that they are actually using the name of Jesus IN VAIN.

“Jesus” is used in prayers, sermons, in songs, in books, on tracts, on bumper stickers, on T-shirts, on cups and glasses, on just about everything. All of the “healers” use the name of “Jesus.” All of the “miracle-workers” use the name of “Jesus.” The priests serve the “mass” in the name of “Jesus.” Jim Jones preached “Jesus.” David Koresh preached “Jesus.” Every cult preaches “Jesus.”

But all these cannot be The Jesus of the Word of God. Paul refers to “ANOTHER JESUS.” The “other Jesus” is marked by teaching which departs from the “simplicity that is in Christ.”

“Simplicity” means clearness, plainness, and without complication. It doesn’t need “help” from “deeper” truth.

“Simplicity” is not marked by the mysticism, the “miraculous,” the “amazing,” the “special revelation,” the “God-told-me,” and other such claims which are often used to convince people to swallow the false teaching. Such devices are in the repertoire of many who use the name of “Jesus” but have “another Jesus” behind the name.

What is behind the “Jesus” being preached? Is it the Truth of God’s Word? Or is it something “special?” from a “vision?” from a “dream?” from a “voice?” from “fasting and praying?” from an “anointing?” from “the Holy Ghost?” from “an angel?” from an “experience?”

Men and women are capable of all manner of spiritual phenomena. This does not make something to be “of God.”

Stay with the “simplicity that is in Christ,” presented in the Word of God, and “try the spirits” by the Word (Acts 17:11; I John 4:1-3).

Pilgrim Publications

Box 66, Pasadena, Texas 77501

Publishers of C. H. Spurgeon’s Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit.

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