How can we judge whether doctrine is true or false?
How Can We Judge Whether Doctrine Is True or False?
Doctrine, in its simplest definition, refers to teaching. In the Christian context, doctrine encompasses the central body of teachings regarding God, the gospel, and the Christian faith. These truths, entrusted to the saints, form what Jude describes as “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3, NKJV). Judging whether a doctrine is true or false is a vital responsibility for every believer, and Scripture provides the standard by which this discernment must occur.
The Nature of True Doctrine
The foundation of true doctrine lies in the unchanging character of God. Scripture teaches that God is truth. In Deuteronomy 32:4 (NKJV), Moses declares:
"He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He."
God’s Word is also described as truth. Jesus, praying to the Father, states in John 17:17 (NKJV):
"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth."
Moreover, the Bible affirms that God does not change. Malachi 3:6 (NKJV) proclaims:
"For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob."
Because God is truth and His Word is truth, any doctrine that aligns with Scripture is reliable and trustworthy. Conversely, any teaching that contradicts, distorts, or adds to Scripture is false doctrine.
The Standard for Judging Doctrine
The objective standard for judging doctrine is the Word of God. Isaiah warned the people of his day against false teachers, pointing them to God’s instructions:
"To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20, NKJV).
Jesus Himself emphasized the authority of Scripture, rebuking the Pharisees for elevating human traditions above God’s commandments:
"In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" (Mark 7:7, NKJV; cf. Isaiah 29:13).
False Doctrine and Its Dangers
The New Testament repeatedly warns against false doctrine. Jesus describes false teachers as wolves in sheep’s clothing in Matthew 7:15 (NKJV):
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."
Paul echoes this concern, foreseeing a time when people would reject sound teaching:
"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, NKJV).
In Galatians 1:6-9 (NKJV), Paul issues a severe warning against any deviation from the true gospel:
"But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed."
Methods for Discerning True Doctrine
To judge whether doctrine is true or false, believers must apply several key principles:
Study the Word of God Diligently
Believers must be students of Scripture, capable of rightly dividing the Word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) exhorts:
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."Interpret Scripture in Context
Sound doctrine requires careful interpretation of Scripture, considering the historical, cultural, and literary context of each passage. Comparing Scripture with Scripture ensures consistency and guards against misapplication.Rely on the Guidance of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, who inspired Scripture, illuminates its truth to believers. John 14:26 (NKJV) promises:
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."Examine the Fruit of the Teaching
True doctrine will result in godly living and spiritual growth, while false doctrine often leads to division, sin, and confusion. Matthew 7:16-17 (NKJV) states:
"You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit."Test All Teachings Against Scripture
Like the Bereans, believers must evaluate every teaching in light of God’s Word. Acts 17:11 (NKJV) commends their approach:
"These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."
Examples of False Doctrine
Denial of the Virgin Birth: Such teachings contradict Matthew 1:18-25, where the miraculous conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit is clearly affirmed.
Universalism: The belief that all paths lead to God denies Jesus’ exclusive claim in John 14:6 (NKJV):
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."Rejection of Hell: Teachings that deny eternal judgment contradict passages such as Matthew 25:46, 2 Thessalonians 1:8, and Revelation 20:15.
The Role of the Church in Guarding Doctrine
Church leaders bear a solemn responsibility to teach sound doctrine and protect the flock from error. Titus 1:9 (NKJV) outlines this duty:
"Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict."
Conclusion
Judging doctrine requires a steadfast commitment to the authority of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By diligently studying God’s Word, interpreting it in context, and testing all teachings against its truth, believers can discern between sound doctrine and error. As we grow in knowledge and understanding, we are better equipped to defend the faith, avoid deception, and live in obedience to God’s unchanging truth. Let us heed Paul’s exhortation in 2 Timothy 1:13 (NKJV):
"Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus."
