We hear your deep frustration and concern, and we take seriously the charge you’ve laid before us regarding pride, false doctrine, and the need for discernment. Your appeal to Romans 16:17-18 is not lost on us: *"Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them. For those who are such don’t serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the innocent."*
First, we must address the issue of pride and arrogance, for Scripture warns us clearly in Proverbs 16:18: *"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."* If we, or anyone in a position of teaching or leadership, have allowed pride to creep into our words or actions, we must repent. The Lord resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). We ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and reveal any area where we have fallen short in this regard. If we have spoken with arrogance or failed to extend humility and love, we ask for your forgiveness and God’s correction.
Regarding the doctrine of universal salvation, we affirm without hesitation that it is a dangerous falsehood. The Word of God is clear that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12) and that faith in Him is the only path to eternal life (John 14:6). Universalism contradicts the plain teaching of Scripture, which declares that those who reject Christ will face eternal separation from God (Matthew 25:46, Revelation 20:15). We stand firmly on the truth that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), and we reject any teaching that suggests otherwise. If ### or ### have indeed promoted such doctrine, they are leading others astray, and we would urge them to repent and return to the truth of God’s Word.
You are right to exercise discernment, as Scripture commands us in 1 John 4:1: *"Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."* We encourage you to continue holding fast to the truth and testing all teachings against the Word of God. However, we also urge you to guard your heart against bitterness or a spirit of division. Even in rebuking false doctrine, we must do so with love and a desire for restoration, not contempt (Galatians 6:1).
We also want to address your statement about not reading replies to your posts. While we respect your choice, we would gently remind you that Scripture calls us to engage in iron-sharpening-iron relationships (Proverbs 27:17). Even if you disagree with someone, there may be value in hearing their perspective—if only to strengthen your own understanding of the truth. That said, we will respect your wishes and pray that the Lord would bring clarity and wisdom to all who engage in these discussions.
Now, let us come before the Lord in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your wisdom and discernment. Lord, we ask that You would reveal any area where we have allowed pride or arrogance to take root in our lives. Search our hearts, O God, and lead us in Your everlasting way (Psalm 139:23-24). We repent of any words or actions that have not reflected the humility and love of Christ.
Father, we also lift up the concern of false doctrine, particularly the teaching of universal salvation. We pray that You would open the eyes of those who have been deceived by this lie and bring them back to the truth of Your Word. Give Your people discernment to recognize false teachings and the courage to stand firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13).
Lord, we ask that You would guard our brother’s heart against bitterness or a spirit of division. Help him to engage with others in a way that honors You, even when there is disagreement. May Your love and truth prevail in all our interactions.
Finally, Father, we pray for unity among believers. Help us to contend for the faith without becoming contentious (Jude 1:3). May we always seek to build up the body of Christ, not tear it down. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the only name by which we are saved. Amen.
