The most repeated admonishment that runs through the entire Bible is the warning against false gods and false prophets. After Jesus’ departure to the Father, the apostles warned new converts about false teachers who would enter their congregations.

The corruption of the gospel has never ceased since it began to be preached; it has continued to spawn innumerable strange doctrines, heresies, false churches, and cults, and it was even incorporated into the creation of the Quran.

The Apostle Paul prophesied that a day would arrive when churches would no longer tolerate sound doctrine. Instead, they would attract teachers who would lead them away from the truth and into fables.

After calling the elders of the church of Ephesus to Miletus, Paul told them of his departure and that they would see him no more. At that time he alerted them that after he was gone, grievous wolves would enter the church, not sparing the flock, and that even from among themselves some would arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.

Similarly, Peter, Jude, and other followers of Jesus cautioned against the spread of falsehoods that could lead many away from the truth. The heresies they warned about have compounded over the centuries, continuing to shape modern Christianity today.

Today there are many false prophets and teachers who are leading astray many sincere, devoted followers into the bondage of religion and away from a personal relationship with the Lord.

Innumerable books and writings of theologians and highly esteemed preachers over the years have sown seeds of heresies that have been accepted into the mainstream by those lacking knowledge; they go unquestioned by many.

It is important for every individual to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13). The restoration of the truth can only come from God, not from men. The only perfect teacher and source of perfect truth is the word of God in the Spirit of God. The Lord is the only one you can trust fully. No one minister, pastor, or teacher should be relied upon fully beyond what is written.

One widely embraced falsehood in churches presently is justification by faith without the works of faith that follow. Jesus said that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. All things written in the Bible, when considered together, refute the doctrine that faith alone guarantees eternal life without continuing in the works of faith to the end.

Faith saves the soul and brings salvation; former trespasses are forgiven, and believers are gifted eternal life. It is the undeserved gift of God freely given, which cannot be earned by works. Before salvation, faith is the only thing you can possess; nothing else is available to you.

However, after we believe and accept Christ, he is in us. We have more power, and through faith, we can grasp his promises to produce works of righteousness; it is then our responsibility to utilize that power.

Salvation is only the beginning. The journey from sanctification to perfection involves labor. Acceptance of Christ is not the completion of eternal salvation—God commands, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Jesus commands all who desire to be his to pick up the cross, follow him, and sin no more.