✅️YOU are responsible for evaluating your faith in the light of the Word of God; THERE WILL BE NO VALID EXCUSES!🚫
The problem of religious indoctrination in salvation lies in the fact that it diverts people from the truth of the Gospel of Christ. Many churches and religions have added traditions, human works, or false doctrines, leading people away from the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Any teaching that adds to, takes away from or distorts the grace of God is a dangerous deception.
1. Salvation is by Grace Alone, Not by Works:
Ephesians 2:8-9
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one may boast."
Even before the law, God considered Abraham righteous because of his faith.
Romans 4:3
For the Scripture says: "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
Many religions teach that salvation is earned by human merit, whether through rituals, good works, sacrifices, or religious rules.
But the Biblical truth is this: Only Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Salvation is by grace, through faith, and not by human rules.
2. Adding Human Traditions to the Gospel
Mark 7:7-8
"They worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men."
Colossians 2:8
"See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."
Matthew 15:3-6
"He answered and said to them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? (...) Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition."
Matthew 15:8-9
"These people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. In vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
1 Timothy 4:1-3
"But the Spirit clearly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons; speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created..."
Some churches impose human rules not found in the Bible, such as dress codes, dietary restrictions, extreme church hierarchies, or ritualistic practices to “obtain” salvation, when only the Word of God should be our authority in matters of faith and salvation—not doctrines made by men.
3. Preaching a Distorted Gospel
Galatians 1:8-9
"But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed."
Some religions present a false gospel, focusing on issues like material prosperity instead of repentance and holiness. They present a God without justice, where there is no judgment or need for repentance—or a gospel based on emotions and experiences rather than Biblical truth.
The true Gospel is the message of repentance, faith in Christ, and transformation by the Holy Spirit.
4. Spiritual Manipulation and Religious Control
2 Peter 2:1-2
"But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies..."
Colossians 2:8
"See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."
1 John 4:1
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
John 16:13
"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come."
Matthew 7:15-16
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits."
Some churches manipulate their followers with fear, guilt, or pressure, making them dependent on religious leaders instead of Christ.
Our relationship with God is personal, and Jesus is the only mediator between God and mankind (1 Timothy 2:5).
How can we recognize the truth and avoid being deceived?
John 8:31-32
"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
To avoid deception, we must:
- Read and study the Bible to know the true doctrine.
- Place our faith only in Jesus, not in institutions or human traditions.
- Test the spirits and compare every teaching with Scripture (1 John 4:1).
- Seek a personal and genuine relationship with God, based on truth and love.
John 14:6
"Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me."
✅️YOU are responsible for evaluating your faith in the light of the Word of God; THERE WILL BE NO VALID EXCUSES!🚫
