Every true heresy places some man or organization between God and man. David Koresh said that he was the branch of Revelation, who would open up the sealed scroll to bring judgement upon the world. Those who followed him, substituted their relationship with God with their relationship with David Koresh.
I was, at one time, long ago, in a church which became much as the branch davidians. What started as a man with a great revelation of God, and the power of the Spirit, eventually became a cult. When the changes first started to take place, I was disturbed in my spirit. The first changes were oddly enough, a bunch of rules and customs which I could not see as having any place in our worship of Jesus and gathering together in Him and His love. Things like wearing only black pants and white shirts and women dressing a certain way and always having their heads covered.
When I felt the call to start to work in the ministry, I approached this man, and he asked me to write a sermon on some section of scripture. I chose to write on Phil 2, and being like Christ. He had nothing good to say about my work, saying that it did not agree with what he taught.
Well, soon, we found ourselves in a meeting about dissolving the church, doing away with the incorporation papers, and several other things which were even more disturbing. I and my family left this church, after many years of life with them, and within 3 months, those who were left moved away to a small ranch in the far country, and lived alone with each other in seclusion.
I am aware of the danger of deciding that one has heard from God and that no one can tell them any different. It is a distressing possibility, but very real. I don't know what can guard against this falling into self-aggrandizement, but I don't believe that doctrine or biblical knowledge is proof against this. I believe that submission first to God through the Spirit, and then to each other, true submission in love, is the proof against falling.
The devil is very cunning, subtle and wily. He can take anyone unaware, and lead them into delusion, anyone. It should make us think about our present system of doing things, and see the danger inherent in the structure. It is why I encourage each one I know who loves the Lord to seek the Lord Jesus, to know Him in reality, but experiencing Him and His love. And then, through Him, to seek our Father, to enter into a relationship with the almighty God as one of His children. I not only believe that this is essential to our spiritual health, but good for us in ways we could never imagine without having this experience.
Blessings in Jesus Christ,
vic