Admiral said:
It is interesting to note that Jesus entrusted us with Himself and gave this instruction to us....
John 12:32 (The Message)
32And I, as I am lifted up from the earth, will attract everyone to me and gather them around me."
Jesus is not lifted up when you argue doctrine...Jesus is ONLY lifted up when you present Him as a suffering savior, who died to set you free from your sins.
That is the principle in correcting all people of thier views. And it can be abused if placed in the wrong hands and used in the wrong way. Heaven help the person who crushes a child of God when correcting/rebuking them...Because no one can help you if you have God against you.
Jesus is speaking of his crucifixion on the cross. Here is the entire scripture:
23 And Jesus answered them, saying,
The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. 30 Jesus answered and said,
This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die. 34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? 35 Then Jesus said unto them,
Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. John 12:23-36
Jesus said,
"Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many" (Matthew 24:4).
Should believers allow false teachings to deceive their brothers and sisters in Christ, or should the false teachings be reproved, rebuked, and shown to be against the Word of God?
What does Paul say about those that teach false doctrines?
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Romans 16:17-18
The Word of God is given by God for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. The Word of God is NOT for false doctrines, allowance of false living, ignoring those that need correction, instruction in unrighteousness.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:16-17