There are a number of false doctrines, some relatively new and some that are as old as the Church herself. I do not intend to answer each doctrine. I want to explain how false doctrine comes about and how to avoid being caught up.
False doctrine usually arises because of taking scripture out of context and in isolation. There are 66 books in the Bible and each one is there according to God's purpose and will.
It can be difficult to understand some passages. For example, some stumble over the idea of God destroying everything that breaths air except for a few people in a wooden barge. We need to rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us into the truth, not human logic and reason.
Our first response must not be, "I don't understand so it must be a myth or an allegory." We also must not allow the wisdom of the world to colour our understanding. Science is not God and vast numbers of scientists are anti God. We also need to know that the Bible is indeed God's word. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He quoted scripture. He did not use His own wisdom and knowledge, even though He is the Living Word.
There are two extreme heresies floating around at present. One is that the Hebrew scriptures are no longer relevant and can be ignored. The other end of the scale is that believers must obey the Torah still. Neither is correct.
Any sensible reading of scripture reveals that the Old Testament still has spiritual value and truly is God's word. Lord Jesus confirmed this and around one third of the NT consists of quotes from the OT.
At the other extreme, it is also clear that the Torah not God's rulebook for Christians. One example destroys that argument. The Torah mandates circumcision for God's covenant people. Moses failed to obey God on that issue and the Lord came to kill him. (Exodus 4:24-26). Paul specifically states that circumcision no longer applies to believers.
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love." (Galatians 5:6)
An argument can be made that circumcision is still required for Messianic Jews. I don't agree with that, but I understand the reasoning.
There is much that is now a matter of conscience. If you conscience says not to eat pork, then don't. If your conscience says to be a vegetarian, don't eat meat. If your conscience says that you should be celibate, that too is for you to decide. The error comes in when you seek to impose your views on others. That's how cults arise. Don't fall for it.
False doctrine usually arises because of taking scripture out of context and in isolation. There are 66 books in the Bible and each one is there according to God's purpose and will.
It can be difficult to understand some passages. For example, some stumble over the idea of God destroying everything that breaths air except for a few people in a wooden barge. We need to rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us into the truth, not human logic and reason.
Our first response must not be, "I don't understand so it must be a myth or an allegory." We also must not allow the wisdom of the world to colour our understanding. Science is not God and vast numbers of scientists are anti God. We also need to know that the Bible is indeed God's word. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He quoted scripture. He did not use His own wisdom and knowledge, even though He is the Living Word.
There are two extreme heresies floating around at present. One is that the Hebrew scriptures are no longer relevant and can be ignored. The other end of the scale is that believers must obey the Torah still. Neither is correct.
Any sensible reading of scripture reveals that the Old Testament still has spiritual value and truly is God's word. Lord Jesus confirmed this and around one third of the NT consists of quotes from the OT.
At the other extreme, it is also clear that the Torah not God's rulebook for Christians. One example destroys that argument. The Torah mandates circumcision for God's covenant people. Moses failed to obey God on that issue and the Lord came to kill him. (Exodus 4:24-26). Paul specifically states that circumcision no longer applies to believers.
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love." (Galatians 5:6)
An argument can be made that circumcision is still required for Messianic Jews. I don't agree with that, but I understand the reasoning.
There is much that is now a matter of conscience. If you conscience says not to eat pork, then don't. If your conscience says to be a vegetarian, don't eat meat. If your conscience says that you should be celibate, that too is for you to decide. The error comes in when you seek to impose your views on others. That's how cults arise. Don't fall for it.
