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Doctrine is defined as “a set of ideas or beliefs that are taught or believed to be true.” Biblical doctrine refers to teachings that are in line with the revealed Word of God, the Bible. False doctrine encompasses any idea that adds to, takes away from, contradicts, or nullifies the doctrine presented in God’s Word. For instance, any teaching that denies Jesus’ virgin birth is considered false doctrine because it goes against the clear teaching of Scripture “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.”, (Matthew 1:18).
As early as the first century AD, false doctrine had begun to infiltrate the church, leading to the writing of many letters in the New Testament to address these errors (Galatians 1:6-9; Colossians 2:20-23; Titus 1:10-11). Paul urged his protege Timothy to guard against those promoting heresies and causing confusion among the believers: “If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing” (1 Timothy 6:3-4).
As followers of Christ, we are without excuse for remaining ignorant of theology because we have the “whole counsel of God” “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.”, (Acts 20:27) available to us—the Bible is complete. Therefore, we are encouraged to “be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed” “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed”.d, correctly handling the word of truth.” , (2 Timothy 2:15), we are less likely to be deceived by smooth talkers and false prophets. Understanding God’s Word helps us not to be easily swayed and misled, as mentioned in “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” , (Ephesians 4:14).
It is crucial to distinguish between false doctrine and disagreements based on denominational beliefs. Various church groups may interpret secondary issues in Scripture differently. These variations do not necessarily indicate false doctrine. Matters such as church practices, government decisions, worship styles, etc., are open to discussion as they are not explicitly addressed in Scripture. Even topics addressed in Scripture can be debated by sincere followers of Christ with differing views. Variances in interpretation or practice should not automatically be labeled as false doctrine, nor should they cause division within the Body of Christ “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” , (1 Corinthians 1:10).
False doctrine refers to teachings that contradict fundamental truths or those essential for salvation. Here are some examples of false doctrine:
• Denial of hell. The Bible clearly portrays hell as a real place of eternal punishment, the destiny of every unrepentant soul (Revelation 20:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:8). Denying the existence of hell directly contradicts Jesus’ own words (Matthew 10:28; Matthew 25:46) and is therefore a false doctrine.
• The belief in “many paths to God.” This concept has gained popularity recently under the guise of tolerance. This false teaching suggests that, because God is love, He will accept any religious pursuit as long as the individual is sincere. Such relativism goes against the entire Bible and essentially removes the necessity for the Son of God to become incarnate and be crucified for us (Jeremiah 12:17; John 3:15-18). It also contradicts Jesus’ explicit statement that He is the exclusive way to God “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”, (John 14:6).
• Any teaching that alters the identity of Jesus Christ. Doctrine that rejects the divinity of Christ, the virgin birth, His sinless nature, His actual death, or His bodily resurrection is false teaching. A group’s incorrect Christology clearly marks it as a sect or cult that may profess to be Christian but is actually promoting false doctrine. Even numerous mainstream denominations have started a rapid decline into apostasy by stating that they no longer adhere to a literal interpretation of Scripture or the divinity of Christ. First John 4:1–3 clearly states that a rejection of biblical Christology is “anti-Christ.” Jesus referred to false teachers within the church as “wolves in sheep’s clothing” “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”, (Matthew 7:15)
• Teaching that includes human religious works in addition to Christ’s completed work on the cross as necessary elements for salvation. This teaching might acknowledge salvation through faith alone but asserts that a religious practice (like water baptism) is essential for salvation. Some groups even regulate hairstyles, clothing choices, and dietary habits. Romans 11:6 cautions against blending grace with works. Ephesians 2:8–9 affirms that we are saved by God’s grace through faith, and no action of ours can enhance or diminish it. Galatians 1:6–9 pronounces a curse on anyone who distorts the good news of salvation by grace.
• The teaching that portrays grace as a permit to sin. Sometimes referred to as “easy-believism,” this erroneous belief suggests that one only needs to believe in Jesus, say a prayer at some point, and then continue living life as before with the guarantee of heaven in the end. Paul addressed this mindset in Romans 6. In Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus cautioned those who embrace this teaching that they never truly knew Him. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares that those who are “in Christ” become “new creations.” This transformation, as a response to a believer’s faith in Christ, leads to changes in outward behavior. To truly know and love Christ is to obey Him « And why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? », (Luke 6:46).
Satan has been distorting and twisting the Word of God since the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-4;Matthew 4:6). False teachers, who are agents of Satan, try to appear as “servants of righteousness” «Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. », (2 Corinthians
At 11:15), but they will be known by their fruits «Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? », (Matthew 7:16). A charlatan promoting false doctrine will show signs of pride, greed, and rebellion see Jude 1:11 and will often promote or engage in sexual immorality (2 Peter 2:14; Revelation 2:20).
We are wise to recognize how vulnerable we are to heresy and make it our habit to do as the Bereans did in Acts 17:11: “They . . . examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” When we make it our goal to follow the lead of the first church, we will go far in avoiding the pitfalls of false doctrine. Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Such devotion will protect us and ensure that we are on the path Jesus set for us.
