Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). The problem is a lot of people dont know truth when they see it. They settle for a mixture of truth and falsehood that is far deadlier.
In the Old Testament, there was a mana strange sort of prophetwho earned his living telling fortunes and putting hexes on peoples enemies. His name was Balaam, and he lives in infamy because of his strange mixture of truth and falsehood. Balaams name has become synonymous with false teachers.
Balaam caused Israel to stumble because he enticed Balak, the king of Moab, to send women to tempt the men and introduce them to their gods in the name of religion.
When teaching has a mixture of truth and falsehood, people often by into it, not knowing that the pollution is damning. How do you know the difference? Balaams teachingalong with a wide array of religious choices todaywas marked by some tell-tale signs. To be forwarned is to be forearmed:
1) Teachers who keep Balaams error alive today are strong, forceful personalities with a charismatic manner. Consistently they claim new spiritual insights. It was Balaams reputation as a spiritual guru which first sent Balaks men to seek him out. "If it works, it must be OK, " they reasoned, as people still reason today.
2) The false teaching of Balaam appeals to the good side of human nature. Who wants to believe that a loving God sends people to hell? Dont we like to believe that a loving God couldnt possibly reprov us for what we are doing?
3) Balaams error usually allows the devotee to do what he or she wants to do, usually giving him a great deal of sexual latitude, something which traditional churches will not tolerate.
4) The teaching of Balaam rejects tradition and the teaching of the Bible, in favor of a new creed or new insights which (if you care to research) are as old as Balaam himself.
5) Balaams teaching is a strange mixture of truth and error. One of the features of New Age literature and the writings of cult leaders, is that they quote long passages from the Bible, usually lifted out of context.
6) Teachers in the spirit of Balaam usually become wealthy of Balaams way and warns Gods people against being deceived by their charming ways. Jesus was right that the truth sets you free. But make sure you use the Bible as a standard for truth, and when anything contradicts its clear teaching, beware. The spirit of Balaam is alive and well today.