Yes, it is essential to compare all teachings with the Word of God to avoid being deceived by false teachers, as Satan himself transforms into an angel of light.
Les Feldick emphasizes that ministers of Satan can appear as apostles of Christ, using familiar Christian terminology while being empty of true doctrine. The only safeguard is to search the Scriptures and compare what is taught with what the Bible actually says, as God will judge us by His Word.
2 Corinthians 11:13-14 — Directly warns of false apostles and Satan's transformation into an angel of light, justifying the need to compare teachings.
The Bible warns that false apostles and deceitful workers can transform themselves into apostles of Christ. It also states that Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-14). This indicates that not all who claim to speak for God are genuine, and their teachings may be misleading. Furthermore, the Bible says that no Scripture is of private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20), meaning doctrine must be built on the whole counsel of God, not isolated verses. Believers are encouraged to search the Scriptures to verify what they hear (Acts 17:11).
Les Feldick stresses that comparing Scripture with Scripture is the best way to study the Bible, as no single verse should be used to build a doctrine. He encourages believers to search the Scriptures to see if what they are taught is true, rather than relying on denominational traditions or personal opinions. He also warns that many teachings use familiar Christian language but are empty of true doctrine, just as false apostles used similar terminology to Paul. The Word of God is the only standard by which we will be judged, so we must know what it actually says and run from anything that cannot be found in the Bible. Les himself prays to be kept from error, knowing the responsibility of handling the Word correctly. He encourages people to study the Bible on their own so they can discern what is truly in the Word and what is not.
Les explains that false apostles use much of the same language as Paul—referencing Christ, His death, burial, resurrection, and the Holy Spirit—but their teaching is totally empty of doctrine. They appear as angels of light, but they are still driven by Satan. The only way to recognize them is to compare what they say with what the Word of God actually teaches.
Les teaches that handling the Word of God must be done with the leading and directing of the Holy Spirit. He prays daily, 'Lord, keep me from error,' and relies on the Holy Spirit to open the Scriptures to his understanding. He also acknowledges that there may be legitimate differences of opinion, but the Holy Spirit guides believers into truth.
False Apostles and Satan's Deception
Les teaches that false apostles use Christian terminology but are empty of doctrine, and that Satan transforms himself into an angel of light to deceive.
Compare Scripture with Scripture
Les teaches that no Scripture is a private interpretation, and believers must use all of Scripture to build doctrine, not isolated verses.
Search the Scriptures
Les encourages people to search the Scriptures to verify teachings, because God will judge us by His Word, not by denominational opinions.
Responsibility of Handling the Word
Les teaches that we must treat the Word with care, relying on the Holy Spirit, and that he prays to be kept from error so as not to mislead anyone.
What the Bible Really Says About the Antichrist — Daniel 8 & 11
After all, why do you think that the Bible is more right in what it teaches than the Koran or the Book of Mormon or anything else that they may say is their guideline for doctrine? Well, I'll tell you why. There is no other book written under heaven that makes prophetic statements like our Bible does.
What the Holy Spirit Reveals to Believers - 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 Explained
And boy, I showed her verse after verse after verse, and it was for the benefit of the whole class. And we just compared Scripture with Scripture. Well, now all the wind was out of her sails, and you know what she said? Well, she said, if I had a salvation like that, I guess I could be as sure as you are. Sad, isn't it? But yet, that's where multitudes are tonight.
What the Bible Really Says About the Lord's Table — 1 Corinthians 10:16
Some don't like it, and we can't help that. But fortunately when I first went on television, this was my biggest fear, was all the hate mail that I'd be getting. And in six years we've only gotten two, and they weren't all that bad. So I have to just count it a real blessing that we're not making people downright nasty. But if you disagree with me, that's your privilege.
Study the Book on Your Own
Les encourages people to study the Bible on their own, noting that many think things are in Scripture that aren't, so it's important to see what is actually there.
2 Corinthians 11:13-14: 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.
Paul warns of false teachers who appear as apostles of Christ, and of Satan's deceptive appearance as an angel of light.
2 Peter 1:20: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
Peter emphasizes that Scripture cannot be interpreted by a single verse but must be understood in the whole context of the Bible.
Because false teachers can appear as apostles of Christ, and Satan transforms himself into an angel of light. The only way to avoid deception is to search the Scriptures and confirm that what is taught aligns with the Bible.
Les advises that if you can't find it in your Bible, you should run from it. Compare all teachings with what the Word of God says, and rely on the Holy Spirit for understanding.
Watch the Teaching: Why Paul Warned About "Another Jesus" — 2 Corinthians 11:4