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John 8:31-32 If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Christ-Centered Truth
Human institutions often craft systems of belief that blend biblical language with traditions, interpretations, and cultural adaptations that slowly eclipse the purity of the gospel. Over time, churches may begin to elevate denominational dogma above the simplicity of Christ’s teachings, defining righteousness not by the Word but by affiliation, ceremonial observance, or theological jargon.
This pattern reflects what Jesus Himself condemned among the Pharisees: a substitution of divine instruction with human regulation. When men construct doctrines rooted in fear, legalism, or hierarchy, they risk replacing Christ—the Living Word—with religion as an institution. That’s not merely erroneous; it’s spiritually hazardous.
Jesus never came to start a religion. He came to reconcile man to God. His words are precise, confrontational at times, but always rooted in love and truth. As followers of Christ, we must discern between what He commands and what man demands.
Jesus’ Words: A Warning Not to Be Deceived
Jesus addressed this issue head-on many times- examples follow:
- Matthew 15:9 -“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
John 8:32 – “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Matthew 15:14 – “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”
Through these scriptures, Christ draws a boundary between authentic worship and empty ritualism. He gently—and sometimes sternly—calls His listeners to search the scriptures, not simply to follow what has been handed down without question.
Examples of Scripture-Based Clarity
- Colossians 2:8 : “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
- Mark 7:13 : “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.”
- Galatians 1:6–8: Paul warns against turning to “another gospel” that deviates from Christ’s truth, even if delivered by an angel.
These passages reveal the consistent thread throughout scripture: Christ above tradition, truth above denomination, and Spirit over structure.
Handling Disputes with Wisdom and Grace
When someone projects fear, pride, or denominational allegiance in discussions about faith, respond as Jesus did:
“Have ye not read?” — Matthew 19:4
This question invites humility, curiosity, and scriptural reflection. Rather than confrontation, extend an invitation: “Let’s see what Jesus actually said.” Avoid argument and turn hearts to the Word. When fears are disguised as doctrine, ask: “Are we following Christ’s voice, or are we echoing human tradition?”
Key approach:
- Listen deeply: Understand their concern without immediately correcting.
- Respond with Scripture: Don’t preach; share.
- Avoid superiority: Speak as a fellow seeker of truth, not a theological authority.
- Show love, not loopholes: Truth spoken without love is just noise.
Reflection & Action
- Reflect: Have you ever believed something simply because it was told to you in church?
Read: Examine Christ’s words in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Respond: When you hear a claim about doctrine, ask: “Where did Jesus say that?”
Realign: If you find yourself clinging to tradition over scripture—repent lovingly, not shamefully.
Let the Gospel be your foundation. Let the Word of God dwell in you richly. And never forget: Jesus came for hearts, not systems and ritualistic behavior and patterns. He wants our love –
Hasn’t He already proven His by saving us?
“LORD- Heavenly Father, We thank You for the clarity of Your Word and the compassion of Your Son. In a world full of noise, tradition, and distraction, lead us back to Your voice. Teach us to love boldly, speak wisely, and walk humbly as Jesus did. When confronted by confusion, may we not argue, but invite others into Your truth. Strengthen our hearts to follow Christ—not culture, not clergy, not comfort. Let Your Word be our compass, Your Spirit be our teacher, and Your love be our doctrine. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”
Thanks for this much needed lesson. We need to be reminded often. May God bless you richly and guide you in all of your very helpful articles.
Thank you so much for your encouragement and support, appreciate you and your input.
God Bless you and yours~
An excellent article. A necessary warning for the souls of mankind!
We find this problem in the reinterpretation of what God’s laws said and how it was handed down to the people of Israel in the Old and New Testaments. And even to this day these bylaws have been in effect. Even the Son of God (Jesus) was accused of breaking them. That is how far fetched the truth was stretched.
Through the lens of the scriptures we see man-made errors in many religious cults that make up their own scriptures by dissecting the Bible and denying the truth while others who even claim to be Christian add to the scriptures. A warning in Revelation for any who add or take away from His Word.
Yesterday our grandson was visiting and we were discussing deceptions that are practiced in Judaism to this day as it was taught by religious leaders found in the New Testament where Jesus had to rebuke their traditions.
My husband who is Jewish could share the various practices that he observed when he was a youth. It was an eye opening experience for him with these strange and head scratching reasonings why people who are in leadership still are taking the words of ancient Rabbis calling their people to bend to unrealistic standards that burden them when God wanted them to be freed and find rest for their bodies on the sabbath.
Then there are so many false teachers who offer fake promises in this world, as Christ said there would be, who offer temporal rewards and eternal gain though good works.
So we need to be alerted and see the contrast and a controlled standard that over time causes many to abandon their faith. In comparison we see what God has done to set us free and offer us peace, joy, and fellowship while the devil uses tactics to enslave and destroy us through a rigorous ‘do and don’t ‘ system that takes people on the wrong path that ends in despair,. An emptiness, lack of assurance, and separation from God’s plan for them, will be their fate.
The answer is to read what God has to say about those issues and do what you glean from His Word!
Cora-
Wow!!! – so beautifully written with details and examples. I always enjoy your full reviews of articles, I’m sure it speaks to many others as well. I especially loved how you summed it up -succinctly and right to the heart of the message-
“…The answer is to read what God has to say about those issues and do what you glean from His Word!”
Amen and Amen!
God Bless you Cora!