> As believers, we are called to be discerning and to “test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). This article aims to highlight some dangerous doctrines that contradict biblical truth and to provide guidance on identifying false teachers.
The Danger of Believing False Doctrine
According to the Bible, believing false doctrine can have several serious spiritual consequences:
- Deception and straying from the truth: The Bible warns that false teachings can lead people astray from the true gospel and sound doctrine (Galatians 1:6-9, 2 Timothy 4:3-4).
- Spiritual harm: False doctrines are described as potentially damaging to one’s faith and spiritual well-being (1 Timothy 4:1-2, 2 Peter 2:1-3).
- Eternal consequences: In some passages, adhering to false teachings is associated with the risk of losing salvation or facing divine judgment (2 Peter 2:1, Revelation 2:14-16).
- Division in the church: False doctrines can cause divisions and disputes among believers (Romans 16:17-18, Titus 3:10-11).
- Hindrance to spiritual growth: Believing incorrect teachings can prevent believers from maturing in their faith (Ephesians 4:14-15).
- Dishonoring God: False doctrines may misrepresent God’s character and will, potentially leading to improper worship or service (Colossians 2:20-23).
- Spreading error: Those who believe false doctrines may inadvertently spread these errors to others, compounding the problem (2 Timothy 2:17-18).
The Bible emphasizes the importance of adhering to sound doctrine, testing teachings against Scripture, and being discerning to avoid these dangers (Acts 17:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, 1 John 4:1).
Dangerous Doctrines to Avoid
1. Prosperity Gospel
The prosperity gospel teaches that God wants all believers to be physically healthy and materially wealthy. This doctrine distorts the true message of the Gospel and can lead to disillusionment and a focus on worldly gain rather than spiritual growth.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-7
Jesus warned, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). The prosperity gospel often elevates money to a position it should not hold in a believer’s life.
2. Salvation by Works
The idea that we can earn our salvation through good deeds, either in whole or in part, contradicts the core of the Gospel message. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
3. Denial of Christ’s Deity
Some teach that Jesus was merely a good man or a prophet, but not God incarnate. This strikes at the heart of Christian doctrine and undermines the Gospel.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” – John 1:1
4. Universalism
The belief that all people will eventually be saved, regardless of their faith, contradicts clear biblical teaching about judgment and the necessity of faith in Christ.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” – John 3:36
5. Legalism
Legalism adds human rules and traditions to God’s commands, burdening believers with unnecessary regulations. Jesus strongly rebuked the Pharisees for this practice.
“You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” – Mark 7:8
Identifying False Teachers
Jesus warned, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7:15). Here are some ways to identify false teachers:
1. They contradict Scripture
False teachers often twist or ignore clear biblical teachings. “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:8)
2. They focus on personal gain
Be wary of teachers who seem more interested in money or fame than in glorifying God. “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.” (2 Peter 2:3)
3. They deny core Christian doctrines
False teachers often reject fundamental truths like the deity of Christ, the Trinity, or salvation by grace alone. “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them.” (2 Peter 2:1)
4. They encourage sinful behavior
True teachers of God’s Word will encourage holiness, not sin. “They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” (Jude 1:4)
5. They claim new revelations that contradict Scripture
Be cautious of those who claim to have new, extra-biblical revelations from God. “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.” (Revelation 22:18)
Strong Warnings to Christians from 2 John and Jude
Be alert to the danger of false teachers who seek to lead you astray from the truth. As 2 John warns, many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. These are the antichrist. Jude further cautions about ungodly people who have secretly slipped in among us, perverting the grace of God into a license for immorality and denying our only Sovereign and Lord.
To protect yourselves, Jude urges you to contend for the faith once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. As 2 John advises, watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Do not welcome or show hospitality to anyone who brings a different doctrine, for whoever welcomes them shares in their wicked work. Instead, keep yourselves in God’s love, be merciful to those who doubt, and hate even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
Remember the teachings of the apostles, stay rooted in the truth, and continue to walk in love, obeying God’s commands. By doing so, you will be able to discern and resist the influence of false teachers.
Conclusion
As believers, we must be vigilant and discerning, grounding ourselves in God’s Word to recognize and avoid dangerous doctrines and false teachers. The apostle John advises:
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1
Stay rooted in Scripture, seek wisdom from mature believers, and always be ready to examine teachings in light of God’s Word. Remember, the truth will set you free (John 8:32), but false doctrines can lead to spiritual bondage and confusion.
