The Subtlety of Heresy

For 36 years I have been singing the hymn, Not many wise men now are called, but it was only while singing it at services this afternoon, that I realised the word “now,” inserted in the tittle, perpetuates a subtle heresy.  You see, for years the leadership of The Worldwide Church of God believed and taught that God will call everyone, it was only a matter of timing.  So though he is not now calling many wise men, he will no doubt do so in the future.  It is therefore logical to believe that it was this heretical opinion, which led Dwight Armstrong, if he were responsible for adapting the words of the hymn, to insert the word “now” in the title.

However, the word “now” does not appear in the biblical text.  Paul’s inspired words are (1 Cor. 1:26-27).  And they do not imply that many wise men will be called at a later date.  The text explicitly states, without qualification or equivocation, that God is mainly calling the foolish people of the world, to confound the people of the world who think they are wise.  An example of God confounding the so-called wise of the world, is demonstrated by Peter on the day of Pentecost thus: (Acts 2:4-6).  Please note the phrase: “the multitude came together, and were confounded.”

This heretical teaching may appear insignificant to some people, but it is a classic case of “a little leaven leavening the whole lump”(1 Cor. 5:6).  For all of the divided splinter groups, that came out of WCG, still believe in the false doctrine that “everyone will have a chance for salvation.”   This false opinion is a clear denial of the sound doctrine of predestination.  But I don’t have the time or inclination to expose that fallacy at this point in time!