The Silk Purse

         There are a lot of things in this world that have the label, “faux” before them. In English, we might be more used to the word, “fake.” In advertising, to put the word “fake” in front of something would discourage a person from purchasing that item. I once got a watch from a company as a prize for purchasing a shirt from them. The watch was a “faux chronograph.” It had three extra hands on the watch that didn't move. They were permanently glued to that spot. In other words, it was a “fake chronograph.” Who in their right mind would purchase a “fake” watch. So, we use the word “faux” which sounds a lot more sophisticated. Now, who would try to pass off a “faux” gospel? Well, perhaps you have heard the expression, "You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear."  The obvious point of such a saying is that you can't make something nice out of something that isn't nice.  The quality of a pig's ear is such that it would never be good enough to be used to make a fine silk purse.  No matter what you did to it, the purse would still resemble the quality of a pig's ear.  There are religious groups around us today that are still trying to do the same thing.  While their beliefs are extreme and contrary to what the Bible says, they still try to gain respectability and thereby fool the people into believing that they are something that they are not.  In a sense, they are trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.   First John 4:13-15 says, "Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.  And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God."

         In the early church, this was a very important confession.  It was perhaps, broader in scope than we perceive in this present age.  To confess that Jesus is the Son of God is to confess that everything about Jesus Christ is true and that you have put your faith in Him to be your Savior.  No matter how you dress up a false doctrine or what works you do in order to make it seem good, it is still what it is.  All of the good advertising and promotion stunts won't change the fact of what it is.  False doctrine is exactly that, false doctrine.  You can try to candy-coat it but it still comes out to be the same in the end.  But, the truth is, many are being deceived as it seems to be respectable.  First John 4:1 reminds us, Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."  So, no matter how good something seems on the outside, remember that it is necessary to hold up the doctrine to the supreme standard, The Word of God.  Then you will know if it is a genuine silk purse or nothing but a sow's ear. Praise God today for the true Word of God.