07/07/2025
SEVEN FALSE DOCTRINES TO BEWARE OF IN CHURCH
by: Norman Sison Lao
1. The Prosperity Gospel
False claim: God guarantees material wealth, constant health, and worldly success if you just “have enough faith” or “sow a seed.”
Biblical truth: Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Paul suffered poverty, hunger, and prison — yet he was fully in God’s will (2 Corinthians 11:23–28). True blessing is spiritual, not always material.
2. Universalism
False claim: Everyone will eventually be saved, no matter what they believe or do — God’s love cancels all judgment.
Biblical truth: Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in Scripture (Matthew 25:46). He said “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Salvation is by faith in Christ alone (Acts 4:12).
3. Hyper-Grace
False claim: Once you’re saved, sin doesn’t matter — no need to repent or pursue holiness because grace covers all.
Biblical truth: Paul says, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” (Romans 6:1–2). True grace trains us to say no to ungodliness (Titus 2:11–12).
4. Denial of Christ’s Divinity
False claim: Jesus was just a great teacher or prophet, not fully God in human flesh.
Biblical truth: “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God… and the Word became flesh.” (John 1:1,14). Thomas called Him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
5. Works-Based Salvation
False claim: You can earn heaven through good deeds, rituals, or church membership.
Biblical truth: “By grace you have been saved, through faith… not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9). Good works follow salvation — they don’t earn it.
6. The “No Judgment” Lie
False claim: “Judge not” means Christians should never speak against sin — all lifestyles are acceptable if it feels right.
Biblical truth: Jesus said “Judge not…” (Matthew 7:1) — but in context, He meant hypocritical judgment. Elsewhere, He commanded us to discern and confront sin lovingly (John 7:24, 1 Corinthians 5:12–13).
7. The “God Wants You Happy, Not Holy” Lie
False claim: God’s top goal is your personal happiness and comfort, not your transformation.
Biblical truth: God’s goal is our holiness, not our comfort (1 Peter 1:15–16). Sometimes holiness means hardship, sacrifice, and suffering for righteousness’ sake (Philippians 1:29).
These teachings twist truth to suit itching ears — but Scripture stands firm. Test everything, hold on to the good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Blessings!
