If you realize you’re in a church that preaches false doctrine about how to be saved, you need to take it seriously. This isn’t a minor issue—this is eternal. Here’s what you should do:
1. Search the Scriptures for yourself.
Open your Bible and study what it actually says about salvation. Don’t rely on tradition or emotion—go straight to the Word. Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)
2. Compare what’s taught to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul warned in Galatians 1:8, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” If the message isn’t that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not of works, then it’s not the true gospel.
3. Talk to the leadership—if God leads you to.
You may feel prompted to ask questions or even confront the false teaching in love. Some leaders are open to correction, but others are hardened in error. Either way, speak truth if the door is open.
4. Separate yourself if the church won’t repent.
Romans 16:17 tells you, “Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” You can’t sit under false teaching and expect to stay spiritually healthy. Obedience sometimes means walking away.
5. Find a church that preaches the truth of the gospel.
Look for a body of believers that preaches Christ crucified, risen, and coming again—and that salvation is by faith, not by works, rituals, or church membership.
6. Pray for the people who are deceived.
Your leaving isn’t just about protecting yourself. It’s a spiritual battlefield. Keep those people in prayer. Ask God to open their eyes.
You’re responsible before God for the truth you’ve been given. Once He reveals error to you, you can’t stay comfortable in it. Come out from among them. Stand in the light. Choose truth over comfort—Jesus over religion.