Can a doctrine keep you from heaven?

[SongOnTheWind]

There are many doctrines that can be dangerous heresies especially when they are used as an excuse to live a sinful way of life. Some variations of the doctrine of faith alone can lead a person to condemnation when they imply that we don’t have to walk in the spirit becoming a new creation in Christ. Even some variations of eternal security can be condemning when they teach that we don’t have to abide in Christ and endure to the end to be saved. Then there are also doctrines that teach that we must do works to merit our salvation as well like the Judaisers mentioned in Galatians. So yes there are doctrines that can lead us to condemnation.

If these variations actually lead to error then they are false, anyway. However, if people are looking for an excuse to do something, they will do it regardless. Even Paul tells us that grace is not available to us so that we should keep on sinning. It's not grace that leads to sin, it is foolishness that leads to all kinds of excuses. Just because the doctrine is there does not mean it is the error that leads away from God. Sometimes people misunderstand or willfully misinterpret things. That's what mostly convinces people they have permission to abuse grace when they don't. To be fair, wrong application of anything can lead to damage and injury, and even death.

We just need to follow the instructions on how to apply these things. The Word of God shows us exactly how. Biblical doctrine is biblical truth. To treat it as though it has some kind of hole at the bottom of the net is heretical in itself. It is the application of God's Word that we get wrong. We are the ones with the problem:

2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Or do we think we are so perfect in understanding that it must be God's Word that is at fault? Surely not! If there are teachings out there - and there are aplenty - that go against God's Word, make no mistake that they are absolutely false. You cannot call them doctrine. They are false doctrine.

But biblical doctrine is not something we should apply to our lives as such anyway, rather it is our lives that we should be applying to it. So many times we treat it the other way around, like we get to cherry pick what to do with it. Not so. Jesus tells us to build our houses on the Rock. We apply ourselves to Him, the Living Word.

 

[BNR32FAN]

Meaning the Institutional Establishment controlling the narrative? God sent Jesus to tell us God is taking over and those who have been running their own kingdoms using His name but not will, had better look out.

What does this have to do with orthodox Christianity?

 

[BNR32FAN]

If these variations actually lead to error then they are false, anyway. However, if people are looking for an excuse to do something, they will do it regardless. Even Paul tells us that grace is not available to us so that we should keep on sinning. It's not grace that leads to sin, it is foolishness that leads to all kinds of excuses. Just because the doctrine is there does not mean it is the error that leads away from God. Sometimes people misunderstand or willfully misinterpret things. That's what mostly convinces people they have permission to abuse grace when they don't. To be fair, wrong application of anything can lead to damage and injury, and even death.

We just need to follow the instructions on how to apply these things. The Word of God shows us exactly how. Biblical doctrine is biblical truth. To treat it as though it has some kind of hole at the bottom of the net is heretical in itself. It is the application of God's Word that we get wrong. We are the ones with the problem:

2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Or do we think we are so perfect in understanding that it must be God's Word that is at fault? Surely not! If there are teachings out there - and there are aplenty - that go against God's Word, make no mistake that they are absolutely false. You cannot call them doctrine. They are false doctrine.

But biblical doctrine is not something we should apply to our lives as such anyway, rather it is our lives that we should be applying to it. So many times we treat it the other way around, like we get to cherry pick what to do with it. Not so. Jesus tells us to build our houses on the Rock. We apply ourselves to Him, the Living Word.

False doctrines can give people a false sense of security and lead them into believing that anything is permissible, like universalism for example or the belief alone version of faith alone.

Unfortunately what is considered to be Biblical doctrine is subjective to interpretation.

 

[Francis Drake]

Is there any doctrine which includes the Trinity belief, that will keep you from heaven?

Matt18v…2Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. 3“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.…

Why do people seek education and intellectual knowledge as a passport to heaven, when what Jesus is looking for is a humble heart.

 

[timothyu]

What does this have to do with orthodox Christianity?

You might want to ask orthodox Christianity because if Jesus taught it, so should they.

 

[BNR32FAN]

You might want to ask orthodox Christianity because if Jesus taught it, so should they.

No, your claiming that orthodox Christianity is not “running the kingdom according to God’s will”, so in what way are they not running it according to God’s will?

 

[timothyu]

No, your claiming that orthodox Christianity is not “running the kingdom according to God’s will”, so in what way are they not running it according to God’s will?

Well although many procedures are beneficial in telling the story, a return to institutionalization built upon previous institutions of man and working in tandem with the governments of man, while diverting attention from the Gospel of the Kingdom which would condemn such an action might be one point.

 

[Clare73]

Perhaps not yours but it is the Gospel of the kingdom. The days of self serving, self justifying man as oppressors over each other... are coming to an end. Thy Kindom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven

Not orthodox Christianity. . .

 

[BNR32FAN]

Well although many procedures are beneficial in telling the story, a return to institutionalization built upon previous institutions of man and working in tandem with the governments of man, while diverting attention from the Gospel of the Kingdom which would condemn such an action might be one point.

Your over generalizing and not giving any specific details to support your claim. What previous institution of man is Orthodox Christianity built on? Working in tandem with the governments of man is exactly what God wanted, provided that the church did not succumb to governments but that the governments succumb to God.

 

[BNR32FAN]

Well although many procedures are beneficial in telling the story, a return to institutionalization built upon previous institutions of man and working in tandem with the governments of man, while diverting attention from the Gospel of the Kingdom which would condemn such an action might be one point.

How exactly are they “diverting attention from the gospel”?

 

[SongOnTheWind]

False doctrines can give people a false sense of security and lead them into believing that anything is permissible, like universalism for example or the belief alone version of faith alone.

Unfortunately what is considered to be Biblical doctrine is subjective to interpretation.

That's the point. We're not supposed to be interpreting the scriptures solely as we see fit to cherry pick. It is the Spirit of God who reveals His Word to us. We need to submit to God and His authority, and not simply twist the bible into meaning what our itching ears desire it to mean.

2 Timothy 4:2-4
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.


1 John 2:26-28
26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.


Whether we consider something biblical or not is the wrong question. That is like asking: what is truth? Like Pilate asked of Jesus. But the Word of God clearly tells us that when we know the truth, the truth will set us free. It is us who err and fall short, and so of course our logical considerations and interpretations just won't cut it when it comes to spiritual revelation. The letter kills, but the Spirit gives Life. Once we know the truth of that revelation, we will be free from our 'interpretations' and simply know what is true.

John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

2 Corinthians 3:6
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

If we all have different interpretations of what is true, then how can truth be truth? For instance, history may belong to the victors, but there's always someone hanging around at the time that will tell you what really happened and how. Truth is truth is truth. If it is measured out according to personal taste and style, then it is no longer truth. Of course, there are some who can't handle it. But to those who receive Him:

John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

No other requirements, like race or gender or status or IQ. All of us who want to receive Christ and His truth, will do so. That's another characteristic of the truth. It doesn't bend itself to anyone. One size fits all. If it's true for one person, it is true for all. The issue then becomes not of it;s the truth we are confronted with, but if we want to know and accept it or not. But twisting it to mean something we want it to is no longer an option or an excuse before God.

 

[returntosender]

How exactly are they “diverting attention from the gospel”?

Way to clear the room, bnr.
LOL
I don't believe I've ever seen timothy speechless.

 

[boughtwithaprice]

Is it the doctrine, or is it misunderstanding of the doctrine that can lead to spiritual laziness?

So let's not throw out the baby with the bath water.

The solution is not to deny the word of God (Romans 4:3-5) in the doctrine, it is to correct the misunderstanding of it.

It's not complicated.

Well the doctrine has been misunderstood ever since it was preached, and no one that has ever correctly understood Roman 4:3-5 has ever preached imputed righteousness. Too many today think of faith as a mere intellectual ascent, but don't do anything. Romans 4:3-5 uses Abraham as an example; he believed God, yes, but he also took his only son out to be sacrificed, placed him on the altar, and was about to execute him, had the angel of the Lord not intervened. Abraham did not just believe in God, but believed God and it inspired him to action. This thought is expanded further in James 2:14-26.
There are so many examples in scripture which should inspire us to action. Matthew 7:13-27 teaches that straight is the gate, narrow is the way. Many will say Lord Lord, and He will say I never knew you. I have heard many that believe in imputed righteousness say that we do not have the power to stop sinning, so why try? Just believe in Jesus and you will get to heaven. That is a misunderstanding that has eternal consequences. Jesus calls us to repent, and says be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48.
Here is a spoiler alert; Jesus means it. You have to be perfect. If one is in sin, then they need to ask for the grace to overcome it, and if he falls into sin again, he needs to keep asking. Matthew 7:7-8. If one does not ask, one does not receive. If one relies on the doctrine of imputed righteousness and uses it as an excuse to fail to cease to sin, he risks being in outer darkness where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth Matthew 13:41-42.
Yes, we are made righteous by the grace of God, and not by our own strength, but we have to keep asking for grace. We risk our immortal soul to be content in sin. The path to perfection is followed by four means: distrust of self, confidence in God, right use of the faculties of mind and body, and the duty of prayer. From the book, The Spiritual Combat and Treatise on the Peace of the Soul by Lorenzo Scupoli. I highly recommend anyone to read that book, it is almost 500 years old, and if it had been preached rather than imputed righteousness, there would be many more souls in heaven.
We also need to keep in mind the parable of the talents, and the parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25. If we do nothing once we have been given the grace to believe, then even what little we have will be taken from us. Don't just believe, but repent and believe the Gospel. Your eternal soul depends on it

 

[Clare73]

Is it the doctrine, or is it misunderstanding of the doctrine that can lead to spiritual laziness?
So let's not throw out the baby with the bath water.
The solution is not to deny the word of God (Romans 4:3-5) in the doctrine,
it is to correct the misunderstanding of it.
It's not complicated.

Well the doctrine has been misunderstood ever since it was preached, and
no one that has ever correctly understood Roman 4:3-5 has ever preached imputed righteousness.

It seems your grasp of the historical record could use a little improving.

For "imputed" (Gr: logizomai) means account/number/reckon and is used in Romans 4:3-6, 8, 11
of Abraham' righteousness, and in Romans 4:22-24 of NT righteousness;
and in the OT, (Heb: chashab) means reckon/account and is used in Genesis 15:6 of Abraham's righteousness.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Is there any doctrine which includes the Trinity belief, that will keep you from heaven?

1 Timothy 4:16 says,
“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

While a person can be saved without knowing about the Trinity, once the truth of the Trinity is revealed to them according to Scripture, they cannot reject that truth and still continue to be saved. First, the Trinity is point blank taught in 1 John 5:7 KJB.

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7 KJB).

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3).

Second, eternal life is to know the only true God (i.e. which would be the Trinity). For Jesus says that they might know thee (the Father), the only true God (the Trinity - which includes the Holy Spirit), and Jesus Christ (the Son). Now, some may argue that “the only true God” in John 17:3 is in reference to the Father, and while there may be a small chance that such may be the case, the Scriptures also say that Jesus (who is a part of the Trinity) is also called the True God and eternal life (1 John 5:20).

In addition, Jesus said, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” (John 8:24). In John chapter 8, Jesus declared that He was the great “I AM” from Exodus chapter 3, and the Jews wanted to stone him for this. Basically, Jesus is saying that if you don't believe He is God, you will die in your sins.

Here is a CF thread I created a while back that mentions the big things we as Christians must accept as a part of our faith. Note: Please understand that I am not saying all things listed on my lists are a salvation issue (unless specifically stated otherwise). Some are, but I believe some are not.

What are the BIG things in the Bible we must accept as Christians? (Please no debating or criticism)

 

[returntosender]

1 Timothy 4:16 says,
“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

While a person can be saved without knowing about the Trinity, once the truth of the Trinity is revealed to them according to Scripture, they cannot reject that truth and still continue to be saved. First, the Trinity is point blank taught in 1 John 5:7 KJB.

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7 KJB).

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3).

Second, eternal life is to know the only true God (i.e. which would be the Trinity). For Jesus says that they might know thee (the Father), the only true God (the Trinity - which includes the Holy Spirit), and Jesus Christ (the Son). Now, some may argue that “the only true God” in John 17:3 is in reference to the Father, and while there may be a small chance that such may be the case, the Scriptures also say that Jesus (who is a part of the Trinity) is also called the True God and eternal life (1 John 5:20).

In addition, Jesus said, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” (John 8:24). In John chapter 8, Jesus declared that He was the great “I AM” from Exodus chapter 3, and the Jews wanted to stone him for this. Basically, Jesus is saying that if you don't believe He is God, you will die in your sins.

Here is a CF thread I created a while back that mentions the big things we as Christians must accept as a part of our faith. Note: Please understand that I am not saying all things listed on my lists are a salvation issue (unless specifically stated otherwise). Some are, but I believe some are not.

What are the BIG things in the Bible we must accept as Christians? (Please no debating or criticism)

Not sure this is on topic? Doesn't seem like it. Why don't you restart your own link rather then post it here. Seems like you are wanting rebuttal.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Not sure this is on topic? Doesn't seem like it. Why don't you restart your own link rather then post it here. Seems like you are wanting rebuttal.

You asked for doctrines that deal with salvation. I gave you two examples of doctrines that are a salvation issue. There are other doctrines we must accept as a part of salvation. We must accept the bodily resurrection according to the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15. He appears to say that rejecting the bodily resurrection would be like denying the resurrection of Christ.

Side Note:

I defended the Trinity because that is one of the core doctrines that is rejected by many. In fact, we cannot post in the Christian section of the CF forums without believing in the Trinity.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Not sure this is on topic? Doesn't seem like it. Why don't you restart your own link rather then post it here. Seems like you are wanting rebuttal.

Also, I posted 1 Timothy 4:16 that says that doctrine can save us, too. Is this not the point of your thread?

 

[returntosender]

Also, I posted 1 Timothy 4:16 that says that doctrine can save us, too. Is this not the point of your thread?

Thank you for the explanation.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Thank you for the explanation.

Your welcome.
May God bless you.