In a world where Christians might fall prey to false theology, the value of truth, reason, and clear thought cannot be overstated. The passage in Ezekiel 34:1–7 makes it evident that the sheep of God can be mistreated and led astray by evil shepherds. In addition, Jesus cautioned His disciples to be wary of false prophets who could give the impression that they were doing good on the surface but were wicked inside (Matthew 7:15–16). Why would Jesus urge those who followed Him to be careful if there was no way they might be misled?
Jesus issued a second warning to His disciples, saying, "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many... Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people" (Matthew 24:4, 11). Why would Jesus warn His disciples against such deceit if it was impossible for them to be fooled and believe a lie?
Similarly, the apostle Paul cautioned the Christians in Corinth in 2 Corinthians 11:2–3 that it is possible for one's true and unadulterated devotion to Christ to go away from the intended path. Paul thoroughly understood the potential for Christians to be led astray by erroneous theology. Paul cautioned the elders of Ephesus (Acts 20:28-30) to keep a close watch on the assembly and specifically to be on the lookout for false teachers who preach "twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them" (Ephesians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:3–4).
Scriptures regarding false teachers:
"For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive." - Romans 16:18
"Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them." - Hebrews 13:9
"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. "- Ephesians 5:6
"Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, "- 2 Thessalonians 2:3
"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." - Colossians 2:8
"But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, "- 2 Timothy 3:13-14