1950 This Means Everlasting Life - A2Z.org

PUTTING UP A HARD FIGHT 183
allowed plenty of time for the prophecies which
warn of the falling away from the pure, original
faith to take place . The divided, confused, groping
condition of Christendom proves it has taken place
and has entrenched itself in this world . The apostle
Peter warned : "Prophecy was at no time
brought by man's will, but men spoke from God
as they were borne along by holy spirit . However,
there also came to be false prophets among the
people, as there will also be false teachers among
you . These very ones will quietly bring in destructive
sects and will disown even the owner that
bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon
themselves . Furthermore, many will turn out of
the way and follow their acts of loose conduct,
and on account of these the way of the truth will
be spoken of abusively ." 2 Peter 1 :21 to 2 :2,
NW The apostle Paul warned in his day that
"the mystery of this lawlessness is already at
work" . And not long before he died, about A .D. 65,
he warned : "After my going away oppressive
wolves will enter in among you and will not treat
the flock with tenderness, and from among you
yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things
to draw away the disciples after themselves ."
-2 Thessalonians 2 :7 and Acts 20 :29, 30, NW.
5 How can we ascertain the true faith and prove
we are in it? By going back to those prophets who
Peter said were borne along by God's spirit. Yes,
by going back to the writings also of the apostles
and disciples themselves who were inspired to de-
5, 6 . To ascertain the faith and prove we are in it what
must we do? And why is that the right thing to do?