Truth sets you free!

A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8.31-32 ESV)

How to spot red flags

When I was preparing for ordination many years ago, one of my instructors was Dr. David Breese, author of many great books including, “Know the Marks of Cults: The 12 Basic Errors of False Religion.” He said there are so many cults around that it it virtually impossible to study and know all of them. But he said there is an easy way to recognize them by knowing doctrinal truth (what the Bible actually teaches) which will enable you to spot red flags to warn you; every cult breaks one or more basic biblical doctrinal tenets that you you can watch for and avoid.

In one of his lectures I listened to Dr. Breeze foretold a time when the church would slide into a wishy-washy mess and lose its way as basic Bible doctrines would be redefined and replaced with doctrines of demons. (1 Tim. 4:1).

This is happening today!

The following is a simple definition of Progressive Christianity which is taking hold in churches and parachurch organizations across the world. 

“Progressive Christianity is a movement that is infiltrating and influencing the Evangelical church. Some of the most high-profile Christian leaders are a part of it. This movement seeks to re-interpret the Bible, re-assess historic doctrines, and re-define core tenets of the faith. While claiming the title "Christian," and boasting a high view of the Bible, it is sweeping up many unsuspecting Christians into a false view of who God is and how he saves people.” (From Alisachilders.comi)

Progressive Christianity doctrines are creeping in so gradually and subtly that many haven’t even noticed. But knowing and understanding solid biblical truth will enable you to remain free and not fall into the many unbiblical doctrinal traps the devil and his demons espouse.

Here is a short list of the doctrines being redefined by progressive Christianity

What they deny: Original sin and repentance, the atonement, Biblical authority and inspiration, the Deity of Jesus, the physical resurrection of Jesus, the virgin birth, the trinity, and the sinlessness of Jesus.

How to avoid errors

In order to avoid doctrinal problems always search the Bible and compare what’s being taught with the truth of God’s Word. A good example of this in the Bible is when Paul and Silas spoke to a group of people in Berea and “they searched the Scriptures daily to see if these things were true” (Acts 17:11). And Paul was delighted and said they were more noble than most.

What the Bible says about Truth

·      Pray and ask God to lead and teach you in all truth

“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13 ESV)

God’s Word is truth

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17 ESV)

“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 Tim. 3:16 ESV)

·      Jesus is truth

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6 ESV)

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20 ESV)

·      The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth

“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” (Psalm 119:160 ESV)