Every Wind Of Doctrine
Vernon W. Kerns
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-15. This world is filled with doctrines contrary to the word of Christ. People believe these false teachings. The Bible speaks of the men who teach these doctrines as cunning, crafty, and lying in wait to deceive. The only way to know the difference between the traditions of men and the truth from God is to know God’s Word and obey God’s Word.
One very popular teaching today is to receive Christ into your heart to be your personal savior. The verses used to teach this doctrine do not teach it. For instance, “But as many as receive him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12. When discussing this verse, many preachers misinterpret it. Read closely. When one receives Jesus, what does this verse say he receives? Many preachers say, “Salvation,” but this verse says nothing of salvation. What they do receive is POWER, not salvation. How is this power used? “…to become the sons of God.” Note the words “to become.” “To become” means you are not yet there. If a student attends medical school to become a doctor, is he a doctor as soon as he starts? No. Words not in this verse are salvation, heart, personal, and savior. Neither does this verse say how to receive Jesus.
Another verse of scripture used to teach this doctrine is Romans 10:9-10. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” These two verses say nothing of prayer or of receiving Christ. The word personal is not found in these verses.
We then have Revelation 3:20. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” To whom are these words written? Revelation 3:14 tells us. “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans, write …” Revelation 3:22 says, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:20 is sandwiched between these verses. It was written to the members of the church who had fallen away; they were not following Jesus. This verse was not spoken to the lost sinner who had never been saved. The words salvation, prayer, personal, and savior are not found in this verse. This verse does not teach what many preachers say it does.
In conclusion, Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” John 5:39-40. -2259 Tanner Fork Road, Shock, WV 26638. (304) 364-5460.