For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
– Matthew 24:24
One of my favorite fairy tales from my childhood, probably because it is the one I remember most, is actually foundationally strong in Biblical truth. The Emperor’s New Clothes. It is a classic story by Hans Christian Andersen about a vain emperor who loves fashion. His desire for clothes is his weakness. This opens himself up to two swindlers, conmen who trick the king by claiming they can weave magical fabric that is invisible to those who are stupid or unfit for office. The emperor, his court, and the townspeople all pretend to see the non-existent clothes out of fear of appearing foolish. This goes on until a child overtly points out that the emperor is naked, revealing the collective delusion. The story is a parable about vanity, pride, ignorance and the importance of speaking truth in power. But I would argue that it is about something that is much more important.
Exposing and calling out bad theology and false teaching,
The parallels of the American church and this fictitious kingdom would be humorous if they weren’t so tragic.
Consider the similarities. The vain emperor represents those who desire “something more.” Those things that will move them emotionally and make them feel more “spiritual.” Like the emperor, their desire overrules their Biblical understanding.
The swindlers here are apparent. It is those who desire to mislead using unbiblical theology and teachings that are liberal in their context. They market or pray upon those who genuinely want to deepen their faith in Christ but stray from Biblical Truth. The real nature of the product they are peddling holds just enough truth to worm its way in. Like the two swindlers of our fairy tale, they trick by claiming they have unique knowledge or “fresh” prophetic insight that is invisible to those commoners, those with a religious spirit or those with lesser “spirituality.” These teachings are out of the view of Bible truth and scrutiny. In 1 John 4:1, the Apostle John gives overt instructions on the need to be on our guard and diligent to the Holy Spirit, because there are conmen about.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
In our story, the biggest error the emperor made was that in his arrogance, ignorance and desire for self-gratification, he didn’t question what the conmen were saying or selling.
The townspeople are the church. Those who, out of fear of looking less spiritual, accept the non-existent clothing, and in the churches case, the bad theology and false teaching that inherently only brings chaos, strife and division.
Alas, now we come to a child, who has the boldness to call out the obvious. The emperor has no clothes! The deception is verbally presented by someone who is willing to simply speak the truth. As a result, he exposes the swindlers, those conmen who prey upon others for selfish gain. As a result, the people are now free from those under the influence of peer pressure and fear.
The Epistle writers of the New Testament were very much the child in this story. We can read in multiple letters the calling out and warning of false teaching attempting to lead people and churches away from the genuine Gospel message. John goes so far as to present this warning in 2 John 10-11, If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching (the teachings of Christ), do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
What the conmen are selling within Christianity is enticing, but just like invisible thread, there is no true substance.
Jason Metz, Lead Pastor
