Doctrine, false

False doctrine deviates from the truth

It contradicts the gospel of Jesus Christ

Jude 3–4 KJV 1900

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

See also 1 Co 3:10–13; 2 Co 11:3–4; Ga 1:6–7; 1 Ti 6:3–4; 2 Jn 7

It may be of human origin

Colossians 2:8 KJV 1900

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.

See also Col 2:20–23; Mt 15:8–9; Is 29:13

It may be of demonic origin

1 Timothy 4:1–5 KJV 1900

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

See also 1 Jn 4:2–3

The dangers of false doctrine

It leads to instability and confusion

Ephesians 4:14 KJV 1900

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

See also Ac 15:24; Ga 1:7; 1 Ti 1:18–20; 2 Ti 2:16–18; Tt 1:10–11; Heb 13:9; 2 Pe 3:17

It causes division

Romans 16:17–18 KJV 1900

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

See also 1 Ti 1:3–4

It leads to severe punishment

Galatians 1:8–9 KJV 1900

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

See also 2 Co 11:13–15; 2 Pe 2:1; 2 Pe 2:17; Re 2:14–16

False doctrine is to be dealt with by the church

Titus 1:10–11 KJV 1900

For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.

See also 1 Ti 1:3; Tt 1:13–14

False doctrine will be common in later times

1 Timothy 4:1 KJV 1900

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

See also Mk 13:5–6; 2 Th 2:3; 2 Ti 4:3–4