7 Common False Teachings on Salvation Compared with the Biblical Teaching

by Larry MoyerApr 1, 2019Theology

False prophets reveal themselves by their teachings. The table below lists common false doctrines about salvation along with the biblical refutation for each one.

False Teaching	Biblical Teaching
Salvation can be earned by human merit or good works.	Salvation is a free gift (Eph. 2:8–9).
No one can be certain of salvation.	Those who trust Christ alone for eternal life can be certain of salvation once and for all (1 John 5:13).
A self-appointed leader is the messiah.	Christ alone is the Messiah (John 4:25–26; John 14:6).
The Bible is not inspired by God. It is only a work of men.	The Word of God is divinely inspired, meaning “God-breathed” (2 Tim. 3:14–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21).
God is still giving additional scriptural revelation.	Scripture affirms that all revelation has already been given through His Son (Heb. 1:2; Rev. 22:18–19).
Jesus Christ is not divine.	Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is the One He claims to be—God in the flesh (John 14:7; John 20:24–29).
Followers must obey a set of extra-Biblical rules to receive and keep their salvation.	Scriptures teach there is freedom in Christ (John 8:36; 10:10). We are not to be “entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5:1).