We know of a congregation that knowingly welcomed a man with a well-established reputation for teaching error. Not only was he accepted into their fellowship, but he has also been invited to teach. When one of the elders was questioned about this surprising decision, his answer was: “We’ll keep him on a short leash.” A short leash? That’s a novel idea - but it certainly didn’t come from the New Testament.

We’re familiar with another congregation that accepted a prominent false teacher into its fellowship and has even placed him in the teaching rotation. Concerned brethren were assured that he would not be allowed to teach on the subjects where differences existed. Really? Think about that for a minute. If the man believes the doctrines he has been promoting, he has a moral obligation to teach them. If he no longer believes them, then he ought to repent and publicly renounce the error he has spread. Either way, such an arrangement is indefensible. It says something troubling about the congregation - and about the teacher who is willing to accept such restrictions.

Contrast all of this with the apostle Paul. When false teachers threatened the purity of the gospel, he wrote: “To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour” (Galatians 2:5). Paul didn’t put error on a ‘short leash.’ He didn’t give it a classroom or a pulpit. He opposed it immediately and completely.

The instructions are plain. “Mark them... and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). “Receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed” (2 John 9-11). “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11).

False teachers must not be welcomed into positions of influence. Tolerating error has never strengthened a church. Giving a false teacher a place among God’s people only lends credibility to his influence and creates confusion among the faithful.

Brethren, the church needs shepherds with conviction, members with discernment, and all of us with enough spiritual backbone to stand for the truth without apology. Love for God, His word, and the souls of men demands nothing less. Think!