Did Jesus say to leave error alone?

Welcome to Midway Church of Christ

What’s Your Question? for Feb. 17, ‘10

John criticized a man for casting out demons in the name of Jesus, but not following with him. Jesus said “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is for us” (Lk. 9:49,50). Some conclude that if a person is doing something unscriptural we should leave him alone. That man was acting “in the name of Christ” which means by His authority (Acts 3:6; 4:7). At the judgment, some who claimed to have “prophesied, cast out demons and done many wonders” in His name will hear “depart from Me” (Mt. 7:21,22). Jesus ran buyers and sellers out of the temple twice (Jn. 2:14-17; Mt. 21:12-13) because their practices were unauthorized. Whatever we do must be done “in the name of the Lord” (by His authority) or it will not be pleasing to Him (Col. 3:17).