False Teachers Are Damned

2 Peter 1:1; 1. As Joseph Smith said, a teacher who does not have the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy, is a false prophet. (Teachings, p. 269.) And as there were false prophets and teachers in ancient Israel, so there were among the Meridian Saints, and so there are in both the world and in the Church today.

2 Peter 1:1; False prophets, . . . false teachers] See Commentary I, pp. 251-253; Commentary II, pp. 456-460.

2 Peter 1:1; Heresies] See Commentary II, pp. 362-363.

2 Peter 1:1; Denying the Lord that bought them] Our Lord pays the price for the sins of all those who believe in him and obey his laws (D&C 19:16-20), thus saving them from spiritual death. Accordingly, those who belong to the Church have been "purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28); they have been bought with a price—the life blood of the Lamb. And what more abominable heresy is there than for them to deny the atoning sacrifice of their Lord?

2 Peter 1:2-3; 2-3. Many of the early Christians were destined to be led away by false teachers, teachers who would be damned for their "pernicious ways" and teachings.

2 Peter 1:4-8; 4-8. If God cast one-third of the hosts of heaven down to eternal damnation, for their rebellion; if in the flood he destroyed all but Noah and his family, for rejecting the divine will; if he rained brimstone and fire upon Sodom and Gomorrah, utterly destroying all, save Lot and his family only, that dwelt therein, for their sins and abominations—why should false prophets and teachers expect to escape the wrath of Him who is no respecter of persons?

2 Peter 1:4; 4. The angels that sinned] See Revelation 12:1-17.

2 Peter 1:4; Hell] See Revelation 20:11-15.

2 Peter 1:5; 5. Noah the eighth person] Noah and seven others were the only ones saved in the flood. (1 Peter 3:20.)