Back to Basics: Staying True to the Foundational Principles of Christianity!
Guarding the Faith: Navigating Today's Spiritual Landscape!
In a world of ever-shifting values and beliefs, Christians face the constant challenge of maintaining the purity of their faith. As the apostle Paul warned the early church, there is a genuine danger of being led astray from the simplicity and authenticity that characterises true Christianity. This warning remains profoundly relevant today.
"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him." [2 Corinthians 11:3-4 KJV]
Paul's concern about the Corinthian believers being led astray echoes through the centuries to us. With countless interpretations, denominations, and voices claiming to represent Christian truth, how can we discern what is genuine? How do we ensure we're following the true Jesus of Scripture and not a counterfeit version shaped by cultural preferences or personal comfort?
The Challenge of False Teaching
False teaching doesn't typically announce itself as such. It often comes wrapped in appealing packages—offering prosperity without sacrifice, comfort without conviction, or spiritual experiences without biblical foundation. The apostle Peter forewarned about this reality:
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." [2 Peter 2:1 KJV]
These teachings may seem harmless or even beneficial at first glance, but they gradually lead believers away from the core truths of faith. Like a ship drifting off course by just one degree, we can find ourselves far from our intended destination if we don't regularly check our bearings against the fixed points of Scripture.
Biblical Literacy: Our First Line of Defence
The most powerful tool for discerning truth from error is thorough knowledge of Scripture itself. The Bereans were commended precisely for this approach:
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." [Acts 17:11 KJV]
When we encounter new teachings or interpretations, our first response should be to examine them in light of the whole counsel of God's Word. Does this teaching align with the overarching narrative of Scripture? Does it reflect the character of God as revealed throughout the Bible? Does it maintain the centrality of Christ and His finished work?
True biblical literacy goes beyond memorising isolated verses; it requires understanding Scripture in its proper context—historical, cultural, and literary—while recognising how individual passages fit within the broader biblical narrative.
Examining the Source
Jesus warned His followers, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits." [Matthew 7:15-16 KJV]
When evaluating any teaching, we must consider its source. Do those proclaiming this message demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in their lives? Does their ministry exalt Christ or themselves? Are they accountable to a community of believers, or do they operate independently without oversight?
Paul admonished Timothy to be wary of those who teach "to please their hearers": "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." [2 Timothy 4:3 KJV]
Teachers who consistently avoid difficult biblical truths, who promise health and wealth to all believers, or who focus exclusively on positive emotions while avoiding topics like sin, judgement, and repentance warrant careful scrutiny.
Anchored in Core Christian Beliefs
Throughout church history, certain beliefs have been recognised as fundamental to authentic Christianity. These include the divine inspiration of Scripture, the humanity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and Christ's bodily resurrection. Teachings that undermine these foundational truths should immediately raise red flags.
As John instructed, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God." [1 John 4:1-2 KJV]
This test of acknowledging the incarnate Christ points to the importance of maintaining orthodox beliefs about Jesus's nature and work. Any teaching that diminishes either His divinity or humanity fails this fundamental test.
The Practice of Discernment
Discernment isn't merely academic; it's a spiritual discipline that combines knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual sensitivity. Paul prayed for the Philippians, "That your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent." [Philippians 1:9-10 KJV]
This discernment involves:
- Regular immersion in Scripture, allowing God's Word to renew our minds (Romans 12:2 KJV)
- Prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth (John 16:13 KJV)
- Community accountability within the local church (Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV)
- Familiarity with historic Christian doctrine
- A willingness to question and evaluate teachings rather than passively accepting them
The writer of Hebrews notes that mature believers "by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." [Hebrews 5:14 KJV] Like any skill, discernment grows through practice and application.
Standing Firm in Truth
Ultimately, staying true to foundational Christian principles isn't merely about avoiding error—it's about embracing and living out the truth. Paul encourages believers to be "rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught." [Colossians 2:7 KJV]
This rootedness comes through consistent spiritual disciplines, fellowship with other believers, and a life surrendered to Christ's lordship. When our faith is built on this solid foundation, we're less likely to be "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine." [Ephesians 4:14 KJV]
As we navigate the complex religious landscape of our day, may we heed Paul's exhortation to "prove all things; hold fast that which is good." [1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV] By faithfully testing everything against Scripture, examining the source of teachings, staying anchored in core Christian beliefs, and practising spiritual discernment, we can maintain the purity and power of authentic Christianity in our lives and communities…
Key Takeaways:
- Scripture is our measuring stick: Biblical literacy is essential for discerning truth from error in Christian teaching.
- Examine the source: Evaluate teachers by their fruits, character, and whether they exalt Christ rather than themselves.
- Hold fast to core beliefs: Maintain commitment to foundational Christian doctrines like Christ's divinity and humanity, salvation by grace, and the authority of Scripture.
- Develop discernment as a spiritual practice: Combine knowledge of Scripture with prayer, community accountability, and familiarity with historic Christian doctrine.
- Be wary of teachings that appeal to comfort: False teachings often offer prosperity without sacrifice or spiritual experiences without biblical foundation.
- Stay rooted in authentic faith: Regular spiritual disciplines and fellowship with believers help prevent being "tossed to and fro" by every new teaching.
