I must have been about 26 when those words were shouted at me by an elder in an adult Sunday School class I was teaching. Such a proclamation can be very unsettling and demands clarification and follow-up.

The discussion that ensued was something of a relief as others in the class rushed to support the point I had made. It was even humorous when, just a few minutes later, that same elder made my point using other terms. He later apologized for the outburst but the experience left a deep impression on me.

How quickly we rush to dismiss something because it strikes us as incorrect. Like spiritual automatons stimulus/response takes over and we react without thinking — often without hearing. If the truth is known, we often don’t want to hear that which disagrees with our cozy belief system.

It is easy to label something as heresy or false doctrine and dismiss it, especially if we have a select group around us who will jump on the bandwagon and confirm our evaluation of the situation. At some point in life, we start to learn that just because a lot of people believe something, doesn’t necessarily mean it is correct.

I grew up hearing about "false doctrine." False doctrine was what was taught by the other denominations. I don’t suppose I was ever given a biblical definition of false doctrine. What does that phrase mean to you?

Well, it may surprise you to know that the phrase doesn’t exist in the New Testament. The admonition is to uphold sound doctrine. Of course, that leads us to ask then, "What is doctrine?" Is it all the rules and regulations that have been developed around the simple gospel message delivered to the saints, or is it something else?

At the most basic level, sound doctrine is that Jesus is the Christ, that He was raised from the dead, and that salvation was by faith in His name alone. Paul told the Corinthians, "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2) Beyond that, it is obvious that first century believers received other doctrine/instruction from the apostles, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42 NKJV)

Some of that instruction was very specific to the time in which they lived. Other aspects of it are relevant for all time. Great debates have arisen over exactly what falls in each category. Godly people have honest disagreements based on diligent study. Does that mean that one or both is guilty of teaching false doctrine? I don’t think so. Only those who deny Christ and His work of redemption, or pervert it, fall into that category.

I love the story of Apollos. In fact, I so revere his attitude that I have taken his name for mine in a number of Internet discussion groups. Acts 18 tells the story, but you will remember that he was a man of God who knew the word and diligently taught it according to the best knowledge he had. However, his teaching was wrong. Aquila and Priscilla didn’t lambaste him with a charge of false doctrine. They took him aside and explained the truth "more perfectly" to him. He responded by recognizing that truth and conforming his teaching to it. In so doing, he became an even more useful servant of Christ.

How happy the occasion would be were we to approach our differences in this way! When we attack others as though we are the final arbiters of truth, we forfeit not only the opportunity to learn and teach, but the fellowship that we might otherwise enjoy. Sadly, we also forfeit the testimony of our unity in Christ.

When we make the issue one of who is right and who is wrong instead of what is truth, we do a disservice to everyone, including ourselves. As a seeker of truth, I have been well received by approaching those with whom I disagree with something like, "Brother, I know we understand this issue differently and I believe we both want to know the truth of God’s word and be obedient to it. I’d really appreciate it if you would take the time to tell me how you develop your view from God’s word. I’d like for you to listen to why I see things differently and help me see where I may be missing something. Would that be agreeable to you?"

If you want a key to open up relationships with other believers, I think you will find an approach like this bears much fruit, but you must be honest in making it. You cannot use these words as mere manipulation to engage someone in discussion. You must enter that discussion with a very real awareness that you could be wrong, a sincere desire to know if that is the case, and the willingness to change when you are so convicted.

If you want to grow in faith, build relationships with other believers, and live a life that testifies to the unity there is in Christ, do the uncomfortable thing and put what you believe to be true on the line. Those who rigidly adhere to tradition will tend to shun you (at best), but those who are seeking truth will be delighted that you care enough to engage them in dialogue. It’s a beautiful thing. Try it!

When you do, you will find that your doctrine becomes more sound and shouts of "false doctrine" will be unmasked for what they are, fear of change/growth.

© Copyright 2003 ~ Jim Wade