As Christians we need to take doctrinal truth seriously. Knowing biblical truth should always be a top priority since biblical error can lead to serious consequences. Sadly, many false teachings are coming from Christian pulpits today and are leading the flock astray.
For example, many pastors are teaching a prosperity gospel that states that Christians should always be wealthy and healthy. These pastors claim that if you are sick it means your faith is weak. This doctrine is clearly unscriptural and has led many a sincere Christian into doubting their faith in Jesus when they get sick and are not healed.
Pastor Charles Swindoll challenges all of us to know and discern biblical truth when he states: “Just as bank tellers need a thorough knowledge of legitimate currency in order to spot counterfeit bills, so Christians need a thorough knowledge of the Bible in order to spot bogus religious teachings. How grounded are you in the Scriptures? How deep are your theological roots? How capable are you of detecting false teachings?”1
We must know our Bible so well and be so sensitive to the Holy Spirit that when we hear something that doesn’t seem to line up with the Scriptures we can immediately spot it as a false teaching. Charles Spurgeon said it so well:
“I charge you, examine every statement you hear from Christian pulpits and platforms; I charge you, sift and try every religious book by the great standard of the word of God.”2
Christians must start with the premise that the Bible is our ultimate standard of truth on all matters. We then need to pray for illumination from the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. With these two points in mind may I suggest the following thoughts to help you discern biblical truth from error.
Read the Bible with an open heart
I have found in my own study of the Scriptures that when I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the meaning of a biblical text, regardless of my prejudices and preconceived interpretation, that I can be much more confident that I will interpret Scripture more accurately. My motive must always be, not to prove I am right, but that truth prevails.
Bounce interpretations off wise counselors
It is so important to surround yourself with mentors that you feel are well-versed in the Bible that you can talk with when you are uncertain of what the Bible might be saying. These mentors can be of great help in sharing their insights with you and should be part of your inner circle when it comes to Bible interpretation.
Consult good Bible commentaries
Reading a good Bible commentary can be very helpful in guiding you into the truth of a passage. While these commentaries are not infallible, like the Bible, they can share insights and illuminations that may prove invaluable as you ask God to help you discern the truth of a passage of Scripture.
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show you the meaning
I cannot tell you how important it is to pray for illumination from the Holy Spirit as you read the Bible. It is not always easy to know what a difficult passage of Scripture means and sometimes only a deep conversation with the Lord may reveal its true meaning.
Study, study, study
There are no shortcuts to understanding biblical truth. The more you read the Bible the more you will arm yourself with knowing the truth. Make consistent Bible reading a high priority in your life and watch how you will, day by day, uncover the rich secrets contained in its pages.
The truth contained in the Bible is something all of us need to know. The more we know the truth the more we will be able to detect and combat doctrinal errors. And knowing the truth is not only liberating but allows us to walk in true freedom!
1 Just as bank tellers need a thorough knowledge of legitimate currency in order to spot counterfeit bills, so Christians need a thorough knowledge of… (libquotes.com)
2 C. H. Spurgeon: Spurgeon’s Sermons Volume 20: 1874 – Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org)
There is no substitute for the biblical discernment that comes from continuously reading and knowing the scriptures.