Introduction to False Doctrines

Normally I do not write about specific doctrines, mainly because the word says it is useless to argue about endless doctrines but also because I realize that most church denominations and many Christians have pet doctrines that they are seldom inclined to change.

My position is that if a person agrees in the basic Christian beliefs put forth in the Apostles Creed of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and that He is the Son of the Living God Eternal and is to return for His people, I can recognize them as Christians even if I disagree with their doctrines.

However I felt that I needed to make clear my feelings that there are some doctrines that are too readily accepted by many Christians simply because of their longevity, doctrines which I feel are false and destructive to the Body of Christ at large and tend to limit the effectiveness of the church as a whole.

I understand that many will not agree with my assessment of these doctrines and I still accept them as brothers/sisters in Christ without restraint but for the majority of believers who have accepted some of these as true simply because it has always been deemed true by denominations or people we respect, I would ask that you re-examine these doctrines and ask the Lord to make clear the truth, not what I consider truth or anyone else's truth, but His truth. R.C.

Two False and Destructive Doctrines

Many theologians base their beliefs that predestination pre-determines our salvation, on the fact that God is sovereign. God is indeed sovereign. But sovereignty has nothing to do with whether we are saved or not.

He has indeed predestined us before the foundation of the world but not to hell or heaven. I believe that He planned a destiny for every person before they were born. A destiny that if chosen would led to salvation and good works (Eph 2). This is His good will & pleasure that all are saved (1Ti 2:4).

When a person chooses to reject God and His salvation he simultaneously rejects his destiny in the kingdom of God.

We realize that in His sovereignty God knows who will accept the salvation that leads to their destiny as well as who will not but I don't think that He arbitrarily choose one for heaven and one for hell.

I believe that predestination has less to do with our being selected or not selected for Gods Kingdom but more to do with our obedience to God and our willingness to travel the narrow road, addressing tests and trials as they present themselves, and growing into an suitable place of habitation of the Holy Spirit (Eph 2:22)

I believe that the doctrines of predestination to hell or heaven and the doctrine of Dispensationalism are two of the most destructive doctrines in the Christian world to day. They both cause apathy and unfruitfulness in their adherents.

Defining predestination as pre-determined salvation leaves an attitude of fatalism. What's the use of witnessing or praying or trying to mature in God if there is no chance of any change? It produces an attitude of hopelessness in some and smugness and even superiority in others. It offers either a false sense of security or a false sense of hopelessness. Either is destructive and non productive.

            Dispensationalism

Dispensationalism is a doctrine that was formed by the Church in Rome after it became ineffective due to acceptance of pagan doctrines into the church and pagan priest into leadership when Constantine made Christianity the "Official Religion" of Rome. At that time many pagans were simply absorbed into the church without having a salvation experiance. Because these unregenerated priests were unable to hear from God or see results when praying for the sick they were in desperate need of an explanation.

Since they could not get the same results as those who preceded them they simply created a doctrine that stated that healing, miracles and all such things were merely for establishing the church and were done away with when the apostles died and therefore no longer needed.

This is a very false doctrine that came from men who lacked faith and is still promoted today by those with similar attitudes. Some churches promote this doctrine as part of their basic church belief others do not state is as a basic doctrine but practice it nonetheless as if it were true.

Churches who promote this doctrine are invariably weak and ineffective spiritually and are closer to the ancient Pharisaical order than to Christianity. They are in danger of fulfilling the scripture 2Ti 3:5"Having a form (appearance) of godliness but denying the power thereof."

The Doctrine of Dispensationalism goes completely contrary to scripture which never states anything close to this teaching but alternately proclaims that we as disciples should do as Jesus and the apostles did until Jesus returns at which time prophecy and gifts can be removed because that which is perfect will have come and the imperfect will no longer be needed. (1Cor. 13:10)

This scripture is not the Bible stating itself to be perfect but that Jesus is that which is perfect. Until He returns we need to operate fully in all the gifts and with all the spiritual power He gave us.

Dispensationalism leaves us with the attitude that we are powerless and can only "hope" to hang on long enough until The Lord comes back to change us into what He wants.

That change should be already in progress now. We should take advantage of the authority He gave us (Mark 18:18) and not only let his Spirit and Word change us from glory to glory but also the do the works that He did and even more.

The Word says that we should be as wise as serpents but harmless as doves. I believe that it is Godly wisdom that we should all endeavor to never base our understanding on someone else's mis-understanding. May God give us all His true understanding of His Word.

Ray Cleghorn