“Did God really say?” (Genesis 3:1)
> That ancient question still echoes in our churches today. The 2025 State of Theology Survey from Ligonier Ministries and Lifeway Research reveals something alarming: even among those who call themselves Bible-believing Christians, many are confused—or even deceived—about what the Bible actually teaches.
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The Urgent Need for Doctrinal Discernment in the Church
Doctrine matters because what we believe about God shapes every aspect of our lives—how we worship, how we live, and where we place our hope. Sound doctrine anchors us in truth, protecting us from the shifting winds of culture and the dangers of deception. When we stray from biblical teaching, even in small ways, we risk building our faith on sand instead of the solid foundation of God’s Word. Understanding and holding to true doctrine isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s essential for knowing Christ, walking in His ways, and safeguarding the gospel for future generations.
When “Bible-Believing” Becomes Bible-Denying
Many evangelicals proudly call themselves Bible-believing. Yet the survey shows that belief in the Bible doesn’t always mean belief in what the Bible says. Some of the most concerning results include:
- 53% of evangelicals said the Holy Spirit is a force, not a personal being. But Scripture teaches the Spirit is fully divine and personal — He guides, teaches, and intercedes for believers (John 14:26; Romans 8:26).
- 56% of evangelicals agreed that “Jesus is the first and greatest being created by God.”That’s not biblical Christianity — that’s ancient heresy. God’s Word says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
- 36% of evangelicals said humans are born innocent in the eyes of God.Yet the Bible declares, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5)
These are not minor misunderstandings. These are foundational errors that touch the very character of God, the identity of Christ, and the nature of sin itself.
The Root Problem: Doubting God’s Word
How does such confusion thrive among people who claim to trust Scripture? The root problem isn’t ignorance alone—it’s unbelief.
Just like in Eden, the enemy whispers to the church: “Did God really mean that?”
When we try to fit the Bible to the spirit of our age—whether on sexuality, gender, sin, or salvation—we may still say we “believe the Bible,” but we’re no longer submitting to it. We’re editing it. That is not faithfulness; it’s rebellion dressed in religious language.
The survey found that less than half of evangelicals believe the Bible’s moral teachings on sexuality still apply today. God’s truth does not expire. His design for humanity remains good, true, and essential—no matter how unpopular it becomes (Genesis 1:27; Romans 1:26–27).
The Danger Within: False Teaching from Familiar Voices
False teaching rarely looks dangerous at first. It often comes from familiar pulpits, bestselling authors, or influential online “ministries” that sound encouraging—but quietly twist truth into error.
Paul warned, “The time will come when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.” (2 Timothy 4:3)
That time has come.
When churches say “most people are good by nature,” or “God changes His mind,” or “love means affirming everything,” they may sound compassionate—but such ideas destroy the Gospel from within. If sin is small, grace becomes unnecessary. If truth is flexible, repentance becomes outdated. And soon, Jesus Himself becomes optional.
Returning to the Authority of Scripture
The way forward is not complicated—though it will not be easy. We must return to the unshakable conviction that:
The Bible is true, sufficient, and final authority in every matter of faith and life.
Christians must once again become people of the Book—reading it, studying it, loving it, and living it. Pastors must preach doctrine clearly and boldly, even when it clashes with cultural trends. Families must teach their children the truth about God, sin, and salvation—not vague moralism, but the Gospel of grace.
“Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
A Call to Repentance and Renewal
The 2025 State of Theology survey is a sobering wake-up call—but it’s also a gracious invitation. God is calling His people to repent, to return to truth, and to be transformed again by His Word.
We don’t need a faith that is trendy. We need a faith that is true.
We don’t need churches that mirror the culture. We need churches that model Christ.
We don’t need to reinvent Christianity. We need to rediscover Scripture.
May we not merely say we believe the Bible—may we believe what it says, for the glory of God and the good of our souls.
📊 For complete survey results and analysis, visit:
👉 The 2025 State of Theology
“Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” — John 17:17
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