“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”–Colossians 2:8-9
Author A.W. Tozer once said, “We have gotten accustomed to the blurred puffs of gray fog that pass for doctrine in churches and expect nothing better. From some previously unimpeachable sources are now coming vague statements consisting of a milky admixture of Scripture, science, and human sentiment that is true to none of its ingredients because each one works to cancel the others out. Little by little Christians these days are being brainwashed. One evidence is that increasing numbers of them are becoming ashamed to be found unequivocally on the side of truth. They say they believe, but their beliefs have been so diluted as to be impossible of clear definition. Moral power has always accompanied definite beliefs. Great saints have always been dogmatic. We need a return to a gentle dogmatism that smiles while it stands stubborn and firm on the Word of God that lives and abides forever.”
Sadly, many times well-meaning Christians can be so eager for truth, they look in the wrong places for that truth. Many “faiths” abound in our world, and although some would even call themselves “Christian”, their beliefs do not line up with what the Bible teaches.—– let’s look at a few— teachings that can hurt Christians.
The philosophy of pluralism. Pluralism is a popular belief system of many people in our world. They say it’s fine for you to believe what you want, as long as you don’t segregate the different beliefs of others. Basically, no one way to heaven or spiritual enlightenment is correct; all roads lead to the same destination.
Just as silly as it’d be to claim that a motorist can take any California freeway they choose and expect to end up in Los Angeles, so the idea of all religions leading to the same destination is false. Jesus says very plainly in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” There is no other way to heaven except through Christ.
The philosophy of polytheism. Some people will accept Christianity as their faith, yet still hold onto other faiths and beliefs. They don’t believe in one faith, but embrace all faiths and trust that their multiple faiths will grant them passage to Heaven.
God doesn’t want to be added to your collection of faiths. He wants you to trust Him alone for salvation. As He says in Isaiah 43:10, “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.” God is the only way to Heaven, and to accept His salvation, you must leave behind all other beliefs and solely trust in Christ.
The philosophy of humanism. Sadly, many people in our world believe the lie of humanism—the belief that man is the supreme being of nature. These people believe they are their own god.
God teaches us in Romans 1:21–22, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” Many people look only to themselves for salvation.
Don’t be fooled by the philosophies of the world. Jesus is the only way to Heaven, and He will not share His glory with other gods. While our world preaches tolerance and acceptance, stand strong in your faith. Remember, if you aren’t sure about a teaching, research it in the Bible. If it’s not in the Bible, it’s not from God.–Dr. Paul Chappell
