The Jews often referred to the Bible as “God’s love letter to the Jews.” God connects with His people through His Word. God is Sovereign and has desires that all come to His saving grace through His Son Jesus, who died and rose again to pay the penalty of our sin, which is eternal separation from God. The Gospel is the good news for all humanity, who by faith, not works, become children of God. He gave us His Word, the Bible, to guide us in building up our faith and showing us how to love and obey Him as we live out our faith.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,” (Titus 3:5)
“Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified” (Galatians 2:16).
Paul was frustrated with the teachers who taught that works, meaning following the rules of the Old Testament, would save people from the penalty of their sins. A “gospel” of grace plus works is death.
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently, some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the Gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:6–9)
The Bible is the only rule for faith and practice. It is the inspired word of God and can be fully trusted to be true in all ways.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
Scripture declares that Jesus is God.
Jesus said unto them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58).
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”(John 1:1).
Scripture says that we are saved by faith in His Son.
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through me” (John 10:10).
How should we respond when we realize that our church, religious group, or friend does not believe that the Bible is God’s Word? What about those who do not believe that Jesus Christ is God? What about those who say we can do good things to get to heaven and do not have to believe in Jesus?
What happens when religious groups demand that you do certain things, even things that go against the scriptures, to be part of their group? Such religious groups are not Christian, and those who embrace such teachings are spiritually lost. Satan, the Father of lies, is the mastermind behind the “false gospel.” Millions have fallen prey to Satan’s lies. The steady stream of false teaching has been cumulative, so it is broader and more profound now than ever in human history. False teachings about God, about Christ, about the Bible, about spiritual reality are pandemic, and the Father of lies is working to destroy the saving, sanctifying truth that God has given to us in His Word and His Son.
“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude verses 3,4)
Be aware that false religious teachings and cult members are a threat to the Christian churches. Most started with good intentions of being a biblically strong church. Sadly, we are being overcome by pressure to stay away from speaking the truth and talk about unbiblical things that make people feel good. They cater to the godless culture that dares anyone to claim that there is universal truth whose name is Jesus. Other false religions and cults are on a works system of having parishioners worship their leader instead of Jesus, reject the Bible as being true, claim to have the best church, insist members do things to try to earn their salvation, and often levy severe discipline when members start asking too many questions that might expose them for who they are: Satan’s puppets.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15-20)
With a growing number of people being led astray, we need to be well-grounded in the Bible and how to defend it when others attack us and our faith. We must build a strong biblical worldview so we will be able to defend all scripture when our faith comes under attack. Pray for church and religious leaders who have gone astray. Unless they repent, their future is literal Hell. Ask God for guidance if He gives you the opportunity to lovingly confront them. Be strong and courageous.
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2).