by Jimmy Jividen

Contradictory doctrines are taught in the name of religion. Teachers on both sides cause confusion by claiming that what they teach is the will of God. How can one know who speaks for God?

One claims his doctrine is from God because what he says has the support of time-honored human tradition. Churches, councils, and human creeds have affirmed it. The problem is that human traditions are changing and contradictory. The creed of one church is directly opposed to the creed of another. One cannot depend on such human traditions for religious authority. God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33).

Another believes his doctrine is from God because he has been given new revelation. The problem is that these so-called latter-day revelations are changing and contradictory. When latter-day doctrines conflict, it is evident that one or both are false. When they change, it is evident that they cannot be from God. God does not change, nor does He contradict Himself. One cannot accept new revelation as a criterion for religious authority.

Another claims his doctrine is from God because it is accepted by many people. To him the voice of the people is the voice of God. He believes that the truthfulness of a doctrine is determined by the receiver — if he "existentially" perceives something as true, it is true "to him". Two contradictory doctrines can be true at the same time if they are so perceived. For him there is no objective, absolute, universal truth. This view of relative, subjective truth is a popular criterion people use to determine their faith. Such faith is contradictory and changing. It undermines the very nature of God, who "is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8).

The one and only criterion for religious truth must remain the Scriptures. They are inspired, absolute, and do not conflict. "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16,17).

Thanks to The Voice of Truth International, Vol 15, p. 37.