Introduction to Doctrinal Errors
This document organizes doctrinal errors into seven major categories: Trinity/Godhead Errors, Christological Errors, Soteriological/Salvation Errors, Scriptural Authority & Revelation Errors, Eschatological Errors, Syncretism & Worldview Errors, and Church Practice/Leadership Abuse Errors. Each category reflects a particular aspect of Christian doctrine that was challenged historically and continues to face parallels in modern religious movements. Note the Scriptural passages. Take time to meditate on these passages remembering the words of 1 Peter 3:15: “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
Download the Full Chart.
Trinity/Godhead Errors
Arianism
- Description: Denied Jesus’ full deity teaching Jesus is created and only a man.
- Modern Examples: Jehovah’s Witnesses; Islam; Mormon Christology; Unitarian theology
- Scripture Refutation: John 1:1–3; Colossians 1:15–20; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:8–12
Tritheism
- Description: Treats Father, Son, Spirit as separate gods.
- Modern Examples: Mormons; Some fringe Pentecostal and charismatic groups.
- Scripture Refutation: Deuteronomy 6:4; John 10:30, 14:9, 17:21; 1 Corinthians 8:4
Christological Errors
Gnosticism
- Description: Same as Docetic but is a complete worldview based on secret knowledge and views physical as evil. We must escape the physical.
- Modern Examples: New Age mysticism; hidden-knowledge movements; Christian Science; Theosophy; occult wisdom; spiritual-avatar Jesus.
- Scripture Refutation: 1 John 4:2–3; Colossians 2:8–9; Jude 3
Docetism
- Description: Denied Jesus came in true flesh but only appeared physical. Rejects incarnation and resurrection.
- Modern Examples: New Age; Christian Science; Islam.
- Scripture Refutation: John 1:1–2; 1 John 4:2; Hebrews 2:14–17
Nestorianism
- Description: Separated Christ’s divine and human natures into two persons.
- Modern Examples: Assyrian Church of the East; teachings that overly divide Christ’s divinity and humanity.
- Scripture Refutation: John 1:14; Colossians 2:9
Soteriological/Salvation Errors
Judaizing/Legalism
- Description: Required keeping Mosaic Law or having other legal demands for salvation.
- Modern Examples: Haredi and Orthodox Judaism; 7th day Adventists; Roman Catholic; some Pentecostal and fundamentalist groups
- Scripture Refutation: Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8–9; Acts 15:10–11
Pelagianism
- Description: Denied original sin; salvation by human effort.
- Modern Examples: Self-help spirituality; Progressive Christianity; Universalism
- Scripture Refutation: Romans 3:10–12
Antinomianism
- Description: Claimed Christians need no obedience. Repentance dismissed as legalism. Morality meaningless.
- Modern Examples: Progressive Christianity; Universalism
- Scripture Refutation: Romans 6:1–2; Titus 2:11–12; 1 John 1:9
Scriptural Authority & Revelation Errors
Montanism
- Description: New prophecy equal to Scripture.
- Modern Examples: Mormonism; Islam; some fringe Pentecostal and Charismatic groups
- Scripture Refutation: Hebrews 1:1–2; Jude 3; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Revelation 22:18–19; Galatians 1:8
Eschatological Errors
Universalism
- Description: Denied bodily resurrection; universal salvation and denial of sin.
- Modern Examples: New Age ascension beliefs; Unitarian Universalism.
- Scripture Refutation: 1 Corinthians 15:12–22; Acts 17:31; Hebrews 9:27
Syncretism & Worldview Errors
Syncretism
- Description: Blending Christianity with pagan beliefs.
- Modern Examples: Christian astrology; occult blending; manifestation spirituality; ancestor reverence; Mormon cosmology; folk religion blends.
- Scripture Refutation: 2 Corinthians 6:14–17; Deuteronomy 18:9–14; Revelation 2:14–16
Church Practice/Leadership Abuse Errors
Prosperity Gospel
- Description: Using religion for profit.
- Modern Examples: Specific charismatic groups; miracle-selling; wealth ministries; financial manipulation.
- Scripture Refutation: 1 Timothy 6:5–10; Matthew 6:19–24; Luke 12:15
