Word of warning to teachers of the gospel….
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed (anathema).” Galatians 1:8
This word anathema is literally talking about a curse or eternal separation from GOD.
Anathema is best defined as “a thing devoted to God without hope of being redeemed …. therefore a person or thing doomed to destruction.”
Paul is basically saying, as far as he is concerned, false teachers “can go to hell with themselves.”
I’m not saying, nor is Paul saying that a saved teacher will go to hell (lake of fire) for horrible or misleading teaching. But I would say, and so does James - that there is judgment (and unnecessary difficulty) upon those HERE who are teaching false doctrine.
“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” James 3:1
Yet Facebook and our pulpits are filled with teachers who say they are devoted to God, yet really need not have an audience.
Me. I’d be willing to teach with a sign hung around my neck that says “Galatians 1:8.” I stand openly before God both convinced and accountable for what I teach.
Wisdom says, follow those teachers and leaders who do the same.