False Teachings, False Doctrines & Heresies
Should Christians speak out ?
Help for Truth Seekers
Here is a response that we have heard from some:
"I understand that you don't agree with me but for a brother or sister to call
it heresy is a bit strong. I am a born again Christian that has confessed Jesus
Christ as Lord in my life. I have seen miracles in my life and don't judge
others for not believing as I do."
No, on the contrary, despite what was just said, If heresy is what someone truly
advocates, then that is what it must be
called. This does not mean however, that the person who makes a heretical
statement...is intentionally doing this.
Many people make many statements which are or sound heretical. As we come to
know more about God and the Bible, we make less of those statements...
We are told to hold firm in the doctrines of Jesus Christ. Notice in these
Holy verses, the emphasis on "Doctrine":
(Mat 7:28 KJV) And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the
people were astonished at his doctrine:
(Mat 16:12 KJV) Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the
leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
(Mat 22:33 KJV) And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.
(Mark 1:22 KJV) And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as
one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
(Mark 1:27 KJV) And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among
themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with
authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
(Mark 4:2 KJV) And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in
his doctrine,
(Mark 11:18 KJV) And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they
might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at
his doctrine.
(Mark 12:38 KJV) And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes,
which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
(Luke 4:32 KJV) And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with
power.
(John 7:16 KJV)**** Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but
his that sent me.
(John 7:17 KJV) If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine,
whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
(John 18:19 KJV) The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his
doctrine.
(Acts 2:42 KJV) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles'
doctrine and
fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
(Acts 5:28 KJV) **** Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not
teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine,
and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
(Acts 13:12 KJV) Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being
astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
(Acts 17:19 KJV) And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May
we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
(Rom 6:17 KJV) **** But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye
have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
(Rom 16:17 KJV) **** Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause
divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid
them.
(1 Cor 14:26 KJV) How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of
you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an
interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
(Eph 4:14 KJV) **** That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro,
and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and
cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
(1 Tim 1:3 KJV) **** As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went
into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other
doctrine,
(1 Tim 1:10 KJV) For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind,
for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other
thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
(1 Tim 4:6 KJV) **** If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things,
thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of
faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
(1 Tim 4:13 KJV) **** Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation,
to doctrine.
(1 Tim 4:16 KJV) **** Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in
them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
(1 Tim 5:17 KJV) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double
honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
(1 Tim 6:1 KJV) Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own
masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not
blasphemed.
(1 Tim 6:3 KJV) If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words,
even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according
to godliness;
(2 Tim 3:10 KJV) But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose,
faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
(2 Tim 3:16 KJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
(2 Tim 4:2 KJV) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove,
rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
(2 Tim 4:3 KJV) For the time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine;
but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching
ears;
(Titus 1:9 KJV) Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he
may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
(2 John 1:9 KJV) Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of
Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both
the Father and the Son.
(2 John 1:10 KJV) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine,
receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
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We are glad that you have had good spiritual experiences in your life. But what authenticates your
internal spiritual state is not those spiritual experiences. It is rather your doctrine. And
what authenticates our spiritual state is the same thing: our doctrine. The
key question about salvation has to do with what we believe about the identity
of Jesus: "Who do you say that I am" ?
That is the doctrine that matters.
Does the Lord work in the heart of his children even when they missunderstand ?
Yes
Or even when they have wrong doctrine ? Yes, of course.
No one is perfect, therefore none of us is above correction
by others.
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We are NOT told to leave others alone. On the contrary, If you have a problem
with your brother, Go to Him (Matt 18).
I Cor 2:
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things,
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The issue is not whether or not you accepted Jesus, but what you actually
believe about the Jesus you accepted. That - is what determines your eternal
state.
Ultimately God is the judge, but he calls on believers to exhort one another to
Good works. If being spiritually grounded is not a good work, then what else
should qualify ?
Jesus is Fully God. Jesus Christ is however not THE Trinity - itself. But Jesus
Christ is the one who created the Universe. Remember where it says in Genesis
"Let US" make man in "OUR" own image...?
Jesus Christ became human to live an example and then die for us, but Jesus
Christ was pre-existent in time long before he came to earth.
More details on this can be found in "Why you should believe the
Trinity" by Robert Bowman. It is worth the time. And if a person's eternal
state is resting on this issue, maybe it is worth an hour of your time to read
that book...
Many people are deceived in these last days. Being unclear on just who Jesus is,
or on the Trinity, can lead to many other areas of confusion as well.
Thank God that He places "obstinate people" in our path who Do judge and evaluate us. To do so is not an aberration. It is a faithful
Christian responding to being obedient to the Bible, and what it specifically
commands true Christians to do.
We hope you will continue to carefully study the Biblical text. If you are
studying the idea of the Trinity or the deity of Jesus, it would be best NOT to
use an NIV. It is very unclear in these areas.
Whether the language is "archaic" [old fashioned] or not, a KJV (King James Version) would serve you much better...for the
purposes of a study of the Trinity especially.
Keep seeking & asking questions.
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Questions & Answers to ask Pastors
Section for Newbies - New Christians
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Note: We do try to be accurate. If you see anything which you believe
Is not
correct on our website, please do bring it to our attention.
Thank you
(XOFC Staff)