2020
How Can We Withstand False Teachings?
July 2020


“How Can We Withstand False Teachings?” Ensign, July 2020

Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon

Alma 30–31 (July 6–12)

How Can We Withstand False Teachings?

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article on withstanding false teachings

Korihor was an anti-Christ who preached “against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets, concerning the coming of Christ” (Alma 30:6). He preached other falsehoods and led “away the hearts of many” (Alma 30:18).

Even though this happened more than 2,000 years ago, many people today preach similar things. What can we do to fortify ourselves against false teachings in our day?

We Can Gain Our Own Testimony

Korihor taught people “that there should be no Christ” and “no atonement,” and he denied the existence of God (see Alma 30:12, 17, 28).

How can we know that God and Jesus Christ live? What scriptures and personal experiences have strengthened your testimony about Them?

We Can Rely on Revelation

Korihor denied the spirit of prophecy and revelation. He tried to get people to believe that “no man can know of anything which is to come” and “ye cannot know of things which ye do not see” (Alma 30:13, 15).

We can look to the prophets and apostles to receive God’s word for our time. How does following the prophet protect you against false teachings?

We Can Remember That Truth Is Truth

Korihor told people that there was no way that they could know what is true (see Alma 30:24), but President Russell M. Nelson has taught: “Some things are simply true. …

“… Truth is based upon the laws God has established. … Eternal laws operate in and affect each of our lives, whether we believe them or not” (“The Love and Laws of God” [Brigham Young University devotional, Sept. 17, 2019], speeches.byu.edu). How can we discover God’s truths, and how do they bless our lives?