False Doctrines

Friends, let us be vigilant and take heed, for the devil came to Jesus abusing Scripture(seeMatthew 4:6And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for 👉it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Luke 4:9–11And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For 👉it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. )and has been doing the same for 6,000 years. The apostle Peter warns us how some of Paul's writings are hard to understand and will be twisted by the unlearned(see2-Peter 3:15–16And account [that] the longsuffering of our Lord [is] salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. ). Jesus warns us to beware of false prophets and false doctrines(seeMatthew 7:15–20 16:6,12 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. 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. ).

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,–1-Timothy 4:1,2(see also2-Corinthians 11:3–4 11:13–15But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth 👉another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive 👉another spirit, which ye have not received, or 👉another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him].

For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. )But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.–2-Peter 2:1(see alsoActs 20:29–31For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. )

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.–Jude 1:3(see alsoJude 1:4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them]. 2-Timothy 2:15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 1-John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. )For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.–2-Timothy 4:3–4

Neither the prophets, nor the Lord Jesus, nor His apostles taught any of the doctrines found below.

Protestant Gospel

The following false doctrines came out of the Protestant reformation and are commonly taught today. To learn more please watch this 23-minute video

Justification by Faith Alone

False doctrine: We are justifiedMade righteous. The Greek word is dikaioō (δικαιόω). by faith alone, not by anything we do (our works). Good works should follow but are not necessary for salvation.

Origin: Luther, Calvin

Also known as: Sola Fide

Proof-texts:These Scripture verses are commonly taken out of context and mis-interpreted to promote this false doctrine.John 3:15–16, 6:29That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. Romans 3:28 4:2 10:9Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath [whereof] to glory; but not before God.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Ephesians 2:8–9For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Danger:

Teaches we are justifiedMade righteous. The Greek word is dikaioō (δικαιόω). (and even born again) when we believe, apart from any works of any kind
There is much less incentive for good works or obedience to God
Implies baptismWater baptism is required for salvation and must be done full immersion, for the remission of sins. Please read Romans 6 for understanding. Baptism of infants is an unbiblical tradition of man. (a good work of faith) is not required for salvation and is just an outward expression of an inward change

Refutation

We are justifiedMade righteous. The Greek word is dikaioō (δικαιόω). by worksThings done in faithful obedience to God, NOT things done by our own efforts nor keeping the the old covenant Law of Moses, leading to self-righteousness. and not by faith alone:You see then that a man is justifiedMade righteous. The Greek word is dikaioō (δικαιόω). by worksThings done in faithful obedience to God, NOT things done by our own efforts nor keeping the the old covenant Law of Moses, leading to self-righteousness., and not by faith only. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without worksThings done in faithful obedience to God, NOT things done by our own efforts nor keeping the the old covenant Law of Moses, leading to self-righteousness. is dead also.–James 2:24,26(see alsoJames 2:14–26What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not 👉works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit? Even so faith, if it hath not 👉works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have 👉works: shew me thy faith without thy 👉works, and I will shew thee my faith by my 👉works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without 👉works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by 👉works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his 👉works, and by 👉works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by 👉works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by 👉works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent [them] out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without 👉works is dead also. )
In Romans 4, Paul is talking about the works of the flesh and the Law of Moses. He was refuting those who taught circumcision was required for salvation(seeActs 15:1 15:5And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, [and said], Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses. Galatians 5:2–4Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. )
We are also justifiedMade righteous. The Greek word is dikaioō (δικαιόω). by our words, by grace, and by the blood:Matthew 12:37For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Romans 3:24 5:9Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Titus 3:7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
We are exhorted to have good worksThings done in faithful obedience to God, NOT things done by our own efforts nor keeping the the old covenant Law of Moses, leading to self-righteousness. because we will be judged by them on the Day of Judgement:Romans 2:5–10But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his 👉deeds: To them who by patient continuance in 👉well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that 👉worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: Galatians 6:7–10Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in 👉well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us 👉do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Revelation 20:12–15And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their 👉works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their 👉works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
BaptismWater baptism is required for salvation and must be done full immersion, for the remission of sins. Please read Romans 6 for understanding. Baptism of infants is an unbiblical tradition of man. (for the remission of sins) is a necessary part of salvation:Mark 16:16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Acts 2:38 22:16Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Romans 6:3–4Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 1-Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
It takes more than just a prayer, a "decision", or a confession with the mouth to be born again:John 3:3–5Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be 👉born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be 👉born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Imputed Righteousness of Christ

False doctrine: Jesus' righteousness is transferred onto us, and our sins are transferred onto Jesus, in a divine exchange.

Origin: Luther, Calvin

Also known as: Double Imputation

Proof-texts:These Scripture verses are commonly taken out of context and mis-interpreted to promote this false doctrine.Isaiah 64:6But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Romans 4:3, 4:5–6For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 1-Corinthians 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 2-Corinthians 5:21For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Danger:

Turns the grace of God into a license to sin, teaching we are positionally righteous with God even while practicing sin
Takes Isaiah 64:6 out of context to imply we will always be sinners

Refutation

Whoever practices righteousness is righteous: 1-John 3:7,10Little children, let no man deceive you: he that 👉doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. . Whoever sins is of the devil and cannot inherit the kingdom of God:1-John 3:8He that 👉committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Galatians 5:19–21Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which 👉do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Scripture exhorts us to be perfect and blameless Matthew 5:48Be ye therefore 👉perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is 👉perfect. 2-Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, 👉perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 1-Timothy 3:2, 3:10A bishop then must be 👉blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of 👉good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being [found] 👉blameless. Titus 1:6,7If any be 👉blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be 👉blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 2-Peter 3:14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and 👉blameless. , and gives us some examples:Genesis 6:9 These [are] the generations of Noah: Noah was a 👉just man [and] 👉perfect in his generations, [and] Noah walked with God. 2-Samuel 4:11How much more, when wicked men have slain a 👉righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth? Job 1:1 1:8There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name [was] Job; and that man was 👉perfect and 👉upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a 👉perfect and an 👉upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Ezekiel 14:14Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver [but] their own souls by their 👉righteousness, saith the Lord GOD. Luke 1:5,6 23:50 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife [was] of the daughters of Aaron, and her name [was] Elisabeth. And they were both 👉righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord 👉blameless.

And, behold, [there was] a man named Joseph, a counsellor; [and he was] a 👉good man, and a 👉just: Acts 10:22 11:22–24And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a 👉just man, and one that feareth God, and of 👉good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a 👉good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. James 5:16Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a 👉righteous man availeth much. 2-Peter 2:7–8And delivered 👉just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that 👉righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed [his] 👉righteous soul from day to day with [their] unlawful deeds;)
In Romans 4 the Greek logizomai (λογίζομαι) means to reckon, count, compute, credit, or account, not to transfer
The fine linen of the Bride of Christ is not the righteous acts of Christ, but the saints:And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.–Revelation 19:8
The grace of God is not a license to sin:Romans 6:1–2 6:15What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Titus 2:11–12For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
True righteousness is found in faithful obedience to Jesus, not in self-righteousness or in keeping the Law of Moses:Luke 18:9–14And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Romans 3:21–22But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God [which is] 👉by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Penal Substitution Atonement (PSA)

False doctrine: Jesus paid the penalty for our past, present and future sins. The wrath of God was poured out and satisfied as the Father punished the Son so we can go free.

Origin: (Anselm, Aquinas), Luther, Calvin

Proof-texts:These Scripture verses are commonly taken out of context and mis-interpreted to promote this false doctrine.Isaiah 53:4,6 53:10 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Matthew 27:46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? John 19:30When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. Romans 3:25Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 2-Corinthians 5:21For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Colossians 2:14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 1-John 2:2 4:10And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.

Danger:

Teaches Jesus descended into hell to be punished in our place
Logically leads to double jeopardy or universalism, which can lead to Calvinism's limited atonement
Does not fix the believer's relationship with God, only their legal standing

Refutation

In Jesus' parables, the unpayable debt is forgiven, not paid off:Matthew 18:23–27 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and 👉forgave him the debt. Luke 7:41–42There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly 👉forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
Jesus is our ransomThe price paid to set a captive free., a perfect sin offering to lead us to repentance:Mark 10:45For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a 👉ransom for many. 1-Timothy 2:6Who gave himself a 👉ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 1-Peter 1:18–19Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not 👉redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Jesus did not become a sinner on the cross, but was offered up as an innocent Passover lamb to God:1-Corinthians 5:7Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ 👉our passover is sacrificed for us: Hebrews 9:14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself 👉without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
On the cross, Jesus is quoting Psalms 22:1My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? [why art thou so] far from helping me, [and from] the words of my roaring? to fulfil prophecy, not because the Father turned His back on Him
Jesus went to Paradise, the good section of Hades (poorly translated as hell in the KJV), before He was raised:he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.–Acts 2:31:Luke 23:42–43 23:46And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in 👉paradise.

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
Jesus was crucified by lawless hands:Acts 2:23 3:14–15 4:10 5:30 10:39Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by 👉wicked hands have crucified and slain:

But 👉ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom 👉ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom 👉ye slew and hanged on a tree.

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom 👉they slew and hanged on a tree:
The Septuagint version of Isaiah 53:10And the Lord desires to cleanse him from his blow. If you offer for sin, your soul shall see a long-lived offspring. And the Lord wishes to take away from the pain of his soul, (NETS version) reads differently to the Masoretic
The sacrificial animals in Leviticus were not being punished
Isaiah 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did 👉esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. says we esteemed him smitten of God, not that he was actually smitten of God

Calvinism (T.U.L.I.P)

Total Depravity

Unconditional Election

Limited Atonement

Irresistable Grace

Perseverance of the Saints

Other False Doctrines

These false doctrines mis-interpret Bible scripture to justify themselves.

Original Sin (Augustinian)

False doctrine: Everyone is born with a sinful nature inherited from Adam, with damnable guilt at birth.

Origin: Augustine (influenced by Gnosticism)

Proof-texts:These Scripture verses are commonly taken out of context and mis-interpreted to promote this false doctrine.Psalms 51:5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Matthew 26:41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak. John 3:6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Romans 5:12,19Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Ephesians 2:3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Danger:

Implies we have a natural inability to obey God
Allows sinners to blame God, not themselves, for their sins, therefore God is unjust to judge them
Leads to the unbiblical practice of infant baptism

Refutation

In Psalms 51:5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. David's mother is in sin, not David. This might explain why Jesse left David in the field at such an important occasion:1-Samuel 16:1 16:10–12And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all [thy] children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he.
God made us without sin, but we chose to sin by our freewill: Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes.–Ecclesiastes 7:29
Little children are innocent, not sinners, in the eyes of God:Deuteronomy 1:39Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it. Matthew 18:2–5 19:13–15And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put [his] hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid [his] hands on them, and departed thence. Luke 18:15–17And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when [his] disciples saw [it], they rebuked them. But Jesus called them [unto him], and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. Romans 9:11(For [the children] being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
God holds us accountable for our own sin, not Adam's nor anyone else's:Deuteronomy 24:16The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin. Ezekiel 18:20The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
We can choose to do good by our own freewill:Romans 2:14–15For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
Jesus was in all things made like us yet without sin:Hebrews 2:17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Gnostics taught that all flesh is evil, so mis-interpreted Ephesians 2:3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. as concerning damnation by nature rather than personal sins(see The Foundation of Augustinian-Calvinism by Ken Wilson)

Eternal security

False doctrine: You cannot be lost once you're saved.

Also known as: Once Saved Always Saved

Proof-texts:These Scripture verses are commonly taken out of context and mis-interpreted to promote this false doctrine.John 6:37 10:28–29All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. Romans 8:38–39For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 1:6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:

Danger:

Lures believers into a false sense of safety, neglecting the fearGreek phobos (φόβος) or phobeo (φοβέω) from which we get our word phobia, meaning fear, dread or terror. of the Lord
Opens the door to sin without consequence

Refutation

God removes unfruitful branches from the vine and casts them into the fire:John 15:1–10I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he 👉taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is 👉cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and 👉cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. Romans 11:20–22Well; because of unbelief they were 👉broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, [take heed] lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in [his] goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be 👉cut off.
The foolish virgins run out of oil and are denied access:Matthew 25:8 25:10–12And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the 👉door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
In the parable of the talents, the Lord casts his unprofitable servant into outer darkness:Matthew 25:30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Jesus threatens to remove the Ephesian church's lampstand and vomit the lukewarm Laodicean church out of His mouth:Revelation 2:5 3:14–16Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will 👉remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will 👉spue thee out of my mouth.
Scripture warns born again believers the danger of falling away from the faith and going back to a life of sin:Hebrews 6:4–6 10:26–31For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame.

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 2-Peter 2:20–22For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
In the parable of the sower, Jesus warns it is possible for a believer to endure for a time and then fall away:Matthew 13:6 13:21And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they 👉withered away.

Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is 👉offended. Mark 4:6 4:17But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it 👉withered away.

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are 👉offended. Luke 8:6 8:13And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it 👉withered away, because it lacked moisture.

They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation 👉fall away.
Scripture exhorts us to strive and be diligent to enter in with fearGreek phobos (φόβος) or phobeo (φοβέω) from which we get our word phobia, meaning fear, dread or terror. and trembling:Matthew 7:14 7:21–23Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: 👉depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Luke 13:24–28 👉Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; 👉depart from me, all [ye] workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you [yourselves] thrust out. Acts 9:31Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the 👉fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. 1-Corinthians 10:6–11Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as [were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Philippians 2:12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with 👉fear and trembling. Hebrews 4:1,11Let us therefore 👉fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 1-Peter 1:17And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning [here] in 👉fear:
After becoming born again, we must endure to the end to be (finally) saved:Matthew 10:22 24:13And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that 👉endureth to the end shall be saved.

But he that shall 👉endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Mark 13:13And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that shall 👉endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Sin separates us from God:Isaiah 59:2But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear.
The fearHebrew yir'â (יִרְאָה) meaning fear or terror. of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.–Proverbs 9:10(see alsoProverbs 1:7 14:27 15:33 16:6 19:23 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The fear of the LORD [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility.

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil.

The fear of the LORD [tendeth] to life: and [he that hath it] shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. )

Annihilationism

Arianism

Black Hebrew Israelites

Cessationism

Dispensationalism

Gnosticism

Hebrew Roots

Jehovah Witnesses

Modalism

Mormonism

Roman Catholicism

Seventh Day Adventism

Theistic Evolution

Universalism

Word of Faith / Prosperity Gospel

False Belief Systems

These false belief systems deny the truth of Jesus Christ and the New Testament scriptures.

Atheism

Buddhism

Freemasonry

Hinduism

Islam

Judaism

New Age

Satanism

False Gospel Tracts

Beware of gospel tracts which misrepresent the true biblical gospel. Some examples are shown below.

This tract presents the false doctrines of Penal Substitution Atonement (red highlights) and the Imputed Righteousness of Christ (purple highlight).

These tracts present the false doctrines of Justification by Faith Alone (orange highlight) and the Prosperity Gospel (brown highlights).