A couple years ago, I made a new friend. In no time at all, we grew close and so did our wives. When my birthday came along, he wanted to surprise me by giving me my favorite cake. So, after we finished dinner, he revealed a big, beautiful, coconut cream cake. There was only one problem. I hate coconut! Apparently, I once expressed my disdain for the tropical fruit, but it was misremembered as deep love. We all had a good laugh, and I ate the cake anyway, because I knew he was sincerely trying to give me something I love.
Sincerity is a valuable trait. When someone’s actions are guided by an honest heart, we tend to feel admiration and understanding toward them, even if they are wrong. But, how far will sincerity carry you when it comes to spiritual matters?
Throughout the world there are hundreds, if not thousands of denominations teaching doctrines that are contrary to the Bible, but for the majority of them, they are not intentionally trying to be at odds with God. They sincerely believe in what they teach. So, many will wonder, would God really condemn people who were honestly trying to please Him even if they are wrong?
First, we must see that the Bible is clear that denominationalism is unbiblical. The Bible teaches that there is only one church. “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism…” (Eph. 4:4-5). Furthermore, the Bible shows us that the church cannot be divided on doctrine. Paul writes, “Now I plead with you, brethren…that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10). So, if a church teaches doctrines that are contrary to the Scriptures, then it is in opposition to the one church that Jesus died for (cf. Acts 20:28; Eph. 1:22; 5:23).
Second, we must see that the Bible is clear that the Lord will not tolerate false teaching. He warned us in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 that false doctrines would come about and that many would fall prey to them. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus tells that it is not an excuse. Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven… And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”
If we think that God will overlook false doctrine, we are sincerely wrong. There is only one church that will save. If we let our admiration of sincere religion blind us from this uncomfortable truth, many sincere people will be sincerely lost.