How can we judge whether doctrine is true or false?
Discerning true doctrine from false doctrine is incredibly important for followers of Christ. We are called to guard sound teaching and refute those who contradict it (Titus 1:9). The Bible gives us clear guidance on how to test doctrine and determine if it is biblically accurate or a distortion of the truth. Here are key principles from Scripture to evaluate doctrine:
1. Measure it against the Word of God
The Bible must be our ultimate standard and guide for assessing doctrine. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). No doctrine or theology should contradict the clear teachings of Scripture. We are to test all doctrine against the truth of God’s Word (Acts 17:11; Isaiah 8:20).
2. Check if it aligns with the gospel
The gospel message of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone is the theological foundation of the Christian faith. Any doctrine that contradicts or undermines this essential gospel truth is false and dangerous. For example, the idea that we can earn salvation by our good works adds to the gospel and nullifies its power (Galatians 1:6-9). We must reject any doctrine not firmly grounded in the biblical gospel.
3. Examine the fruit it produces
Jesus said that we can judge doctrine by the kind of fruit it produces in people’s lives (Matthew 7:15-20). For example, false teaching often encourages sinful behavior or attitudes not aligned with Scripture. Doctrines centered on health, wealth, or materialism may stem from greed rather than sincere faith. Biblically sound doctrine, however, will produce godly virtues like a love for God’s Word, Christlike humility, compassion for others, and desire to live righteously.
4. Consider the source
We should be cautious of doctrine being promoted by those displaying ungodly conduct or motives. Paul warned of false teachers who were deceptive in speech, motivated by greed, immoral in behavior, and power-hungry (2 Timothy 3:1-9; Titus 1:10-16). On the other hand, teachers approved by God and empowered by the Spirit are worthy of trust (2 Timothy 2:2; 2 Peter 1:19-21). The character and conduct of the messenger can give clues about the truthfulness of the message.
5. Notice reliance on human authority
Doctrine that comes mainly from church tradition, experiential mysticism, cultic literature, or philosophical reasoning should raise some red flags. Sound teaching is rooted in Scripture, not the arguments and ideas of man (Colossians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 2:5). Anything contrary to the Word of God must be rejected, regardless of the human authority backing it. Our faith should rest on divine authority, not human.
6. Watch for legalistic rules
False teachers often lay heavy religious burdens on people by instituting special rules and requirements not mandated in Scripture (Acts 15:10). They add their own standards to biblical commands, binding people’s consciences unnecessarily. True doctrine, however, understands that we are saved by grace, not law-keeping, and righteous living flows from faith in Christ (Galatians 3:1-3; 5:1-4).
7. See if it elevates minor issues
False doctrine has a tendency to major on the minor details while minimizing what’s most important in Scripture. For example, some fixate on matters like clothing styles, foods, observance of religious days, or minor disputable issues rather than focusing on the weightier matters of biblical truth and righteous living (Colossians 2:16-17; Matthew 23:23). We must keep first things first and identify core doctrines vs. peripheral ones.
8. Consider whether it divides or unites
False teaching often causes quarrels, divisions, and unhealthy controversies among believers (1 Timothy 6:3-5; Romans 16:17-18). Biblical doctrine, however, promotes unity, love, and harmony in the church around essential Christian truths (1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:1-6). Doctrine delivered in a divisive, angry, or arrogant manner should also raise some red flags about its trustworthiness.
9. Ask if it glorifies God or self
Sound doctrine is God-centered and focused on bringing glory to Him (1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 4:11). False teaching often appeals to fleshly desires, puffs people up with pride, or glorifies charismatic leaders over the Lord. It may shift the focus to ourselves rather than magnifying Jesus Christ and His saving work. We must reject self-centered doctrine in favor of God-glorifying truth.
In summary, judging doctrine requires continually examining it in light of Scripture, the gospel message, godly fruit, Christ-like character, alignment with biblical priorities, and its work of unifying believers in glorifying God and His truth. With wisdom and discernment, we can avoid dangerous false doctrine and hold fast to sound biblical theology firmly anchored in God’s Word.
The Dangers of False Doctrine
False doctrine can have severe consequences in the lives of believers and the church as a whole. Here are some of the dangers of false teaching that the Bible warns about:
– It leads people away from true faith in God (Matthew 24:24; 2 Timothy 2:18).
– It spreads like cancer causing destruction (2 Timothy 2:17).
– It brings swift destruction on those who promote it (2 Peter 2:1).
– It keeps people enslaved to sin (2 Peter 2:19).
– It blasphemes the way of truth (2 Peter 2:2).
– It causes division and quarrels in the church (Romans 16:17-18).
– It opposes sound doctrine conforming to the gospel (1 Timothy 4:1-3; Galatians 1:6-9).
– It deceives people through empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense (Colossians 2:8).
– It shipwrecks the faith of some and spreads profane babblings (1 Timothy 1:19-20; 6:20-21).
– It promotes controversies, envy, dissensions, slanders, and evil suspicions (1 Timothy 6:4-5).
– It leads to increased ungodliness as it spreads (2 Timothy 2:16).
– It brings the way of truth into disrepute (2 Peter 2:2).
– It denies Christ and destroys people’s faith (2 Peter 2:1).
– It often exploits people for shameful gain (Titus 1:11; 2 Peter 2:3).
In light of these grave dangers, we must be vigilant in our discernment and swift to confront, refute, and reject false doctrine whenever it threatens sound biblical theology. Souls and the purity of the gospel are at stake.
How to Respond to False Doctrine
When false doctrine arises, how should believers respond? Here are some biblical principles for addressing unsound teaching in a godly manner:
1. Correct it with gentleness and respect
We should avoid being quarrelsome, harsh, or arrogant when confronting false doctrine. “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness” (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Our aim is restoration and edification, not just proving others wrong.
2. Speak the truth in love
We must always season our words with grace and Christlike love: “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Contending for the faith must be accompanied by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
3. Avoid foolish controversies
Not every doctrinal disagreement is worth fighting over. We should avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, contentions, and quarrels about unimportant matters (Titus 3:9; 1 Timothy 1:4; 6:4-5). Focus on central truths.
4. Don’t allow false teaching to remain
Although we correct false doctrine with gentleness, we must still confront and refute it. “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him” (Titus 3:10). Serious doctrinal error must not be quietly tolerated.
5. Guard the flock from deception
Leaders especially must speak up to protect their congregations from unbiblical teaching. “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16). Shepherds must guard the flock from wolves in sheep’s clothing.
6. Let faithful teachers do the instructing
Rather thangiving attention and platform to false teachers, we should point people to trustworthy ministers who handle Scripture faithfully (2 Timothy 2:2). Give audience to those who align with apostolic doctrine, not those spreading dissent and controversy.
7. Avoid foolish speculations
The Bible warns, “avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness” (2 Timothy 2:16). Do not waste time arguing speculative ideas not firmly rooted in God’s Word. Stay anchored in sound doctrine.
8. Withdraw fellowship if needed
In serious cases, removing false teachers from fellowship may be warranted. “If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.” (2 Thessalonians 3:14). The church must take a stand for truth when core doctrines are under attack.
False doctrine has plagued the church for millennia, requiring continual discernment and a testing of the spirits against the sure word of Scripture. Confronting it requires humility, patience, integrity, courage, and sound theology confirming to the gospel. As we address false teaching biblically, we can protect God’s flock from deception and destruction.
Examining Some Common False Doctrines
Throughout church history, various false teachings have arisen that contradict biblical orthodoxy. Here is a brief overview examining some of the most common false doctrines:
Legalism – Legalism adds human rules and standards to the simple gospel, binding believers’ consciences unnecessarily and advocating justification by law-keeping rather than faith in Christ. It shifts the basis of salvation from grace to human effort (Galatians 3:1-3).
Gnosticism – Gnosticism is an esoteric belief system holding that secret knowledge (gnosis) brings salvation. It denies Christ came in the flesh and blends non-Christian philosophies with biblical themes. Scripture condemns these doctrines (1 Timothy 6:20-21; 1 John 4:1-6).
Universalism – Universalism teaches that all people will be saved in the end, denying the reality of eternal separation from God. However, Scripture consistently warns of condemnation for those rejecting Christ (John 3:18; Revelation 20:11-15).
Modalism – Modalism denies the Trinity, teaching that God just revealed Himself in different “modes” as the Father, Son, and Spirit rather than three co-eternal Persons. However, all three Persons appear together at Jesus’ baptism showing they are distinct (Matthew 3:16-17).
Arianism – Arianism denies the full deity of Christ, claiming He was created by the Father. But Scripture repeatedly calls Jesus God (John 1:1-3; Colossians 2:9), and God does not share His glory with another (Isaiah 42:8).
Pelagianism – Pelagianism asserts human beings have an uncorrupted will able to choose God apart from divine aid. In contrast, Scripture teaches all people are slaves to sin apart from God’s intervening grace (Romans 3:10-12; Ephesians 2:1-5).
Prosperity Gospel – The prosperity gospel claims financial blessing and good health are guaranteed rewards of faith. But the Bible nowhere promises believers exemption from poverty, affliction, or physical death. Our reward is in heaven (Romans 8:17-18).
Antinomianism – Antinomianism argues that since salvation is by grace alone, moral law no longer applies to believers. But good works and obedience are part of the saving faith that grace produces (Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 7:21-27).
Progressive Christianity – Progressive Christianity denies the inerrancy of Scripture, doctrines like hell, and biblical moral teaching about issues like homosexuality in favor of cultural accommodation. True Christianity rests on the authority of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16).
Open Theism – Open theism promotes a finite God whose knowledge of the future is limited rather than exhaustive. But Scripture declares God knows everything perfectly including the future (Psalm 139:1-4; Isaiah 46:9-10).
Egalitarianism – Egalitarianism rejects God assigning different roles for men and women in marriage and the church. However, Scripture teaches loving yet distinct roles based on creation and biblical manhood and womanhood (Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Timothy 2:11-15).
The above list provides just a sampling of some of the most threatening false teachings that have infiltrated the church to varying degrees through the centuries. Examining church history helps expose common doctrinal dangerous and errors to watch out for even today.
How to Grow in Discernment and Biblical Understanding
Since sound doctrine is vital for spiritual health and unity in Christ’s body, all believers should make discernment and theological knowledge a high priority. Here are some tips for growing in doctrinal discernment and biblical wisdom:
– Study and memorize Scripture regularly (Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:11).
– Pray for discernment and understanding (Philippians 1:9-10; James 1:5).
– Learn from doctrinally sound teachers (Acts 8:31; 2 Timothy 2:2).
– Read commentaries to gain historical-grammatical context.
– Examine biblical theology works to see the unified big picture.
– Take advantage of church classes, online resources, seminars, and conferences.
– Compare all doctrine to Scripture using good hermeneutics.
– Discuss theology humbly with mature believers.
– Focus on the gospel message and essential Christian truths.
– Maintain a teachable spirit willing to learn.
– Don’t get consumed by minor controversies and “in-house” debates.
– Strive for clarity and soundness over novelty or speculation.
– Think carefully rather than reacting hastily.
The more we prayerfully immerse ourselves in God’s Word, connect with sound teachers, and pursue wisdom within the Body of Christ, the more skilled we will become in handling Scripture rightly (2 Timothy 2:15) and differentiating between truth and error. This pleases God and benefits His Church.
Conclusion
Assessing doctrine biblically requires aligning it with God’s Word, testing the fruit, examining motives, prioritizing core orthodoxy, and pursuing unity in essentials. Scripture gives clear guidance for recognizing false teaching vs. sound doctrine. Believers must grow continually in discernment and theological understanding to avoid deception and dangerous theology. By grounding our thinking in God’s truth while depending on the Spirit’s wisdom and illumination, we can rightly divide the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15) and contend earnestly for the faith delivered once for all to the saints (Jude 1:3). Our passion must be for the glory of Christ and the purity of His gospel above all else.