The Bible covers a multitude of subjects. We are called to make thousands of decisions and assessments in our Christian life. We can be wrong on some of those decisions and still be part of God’s family and make it to heaven.
However, we cannot be wrong about Jesus and be right with God. If we are wrong about Jesus, we will not make it to heaven. Sincere Bible believing Christians may disagree about some details regarding baptism, communion, speaking in tongues, divorce, dress codes, day of worship, etc. Perhaps God will sort all of that in the end.
However, it seems to me that God has left no wiggle room whatsoever in His offer of salvation. Salvation is found in Jesus and nowhere else.
According to the Bible, Jesus and Jesus alone is the way of salvation. Any salvation presentation that adds anything to “by grace through faith in Jesus alone” is of the devil. Any salvation presentation that takes anything away from the “substitutionary atonement” of Jesus dying on the cross is of the devil.
There is a common misconception in modern thought that seems to classify only open worship of the devil as Satanic. However, it seems to me that any religious teaching that adds to or takes away from Christ is of the devil (Satanic). Satan does not come openly identifying himself. Rather, he and his messengers come disguised as angels of light. The closer he gets to the truth, without actually being truth, the more people he can deceive.
Proper proclamation of the gospel (preaching) will regularly and consistently contain references to several key points that will give people a chance to respond in faith to God’s free offer of salvation (grace). People must be told that they were born in sin and have personally sinned. Otherwise, they will never repent of sin. The Bible and Jesus Himself repeatedly demand that people turn from their sin (repent) and cry out for forgiveness. It has become increasingly popular these days to avoid any mention of sin. That may make people feel good now but it condemns them to eternal separation from God.
It is becoming increasingly popular these days to teach that the death of Christ on the cross was not necessary. The Bible states that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin” (Hebrews9:22). The Bible and Jesus Himself make it very clear that the death of Christ on the cross was absolutely necessary for forgiveness of sin to be made available to us (Matthew 16:22-23 and others). Any preaching that does not consistently and regularly proclaim the sufficient and finished work of Christ on the cross is of the devil.
It is becoming increasingly popular today to teach that there are many ways to connect with God. Acts4:12, speaking of Jesus, states, “There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (NASU) Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (NASU) 1 Timothy 2:5-6 states, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all.” (NASU) Any “preacher” who does not regularly tell people that they are sinners in need of repentance is a false teacher. Any “preacher” who does not regularly proclaim the necessary, sufficient, and finished work of Christ on the cross is a false teacher. Any “preacher” who does not regularly proclaim that Christ is the only way to heaven and all you need to connect to God is a false teacher.
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