'Sound Doctrine'
Heresies in the Early Church
Acts 20:29-30 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
Paul was so sure that after his death, savage wolves (false prophets and false teachers) who were Christian leaders, would destroy the faith of the sheep with distorted truth and heresies (speaking perverse things). These heresies would deceive disciples of Jesus, who unknowingly were misled to become disciples of these wolves. These deceptions resulted to Christians accepting all types of wrong doctrines, which created the many denominational walls since the early church.
Whole Counsel of God
Acts 20:27-30 "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
Paul ensured that the church leaders (all chosen and appointed by the Holy Spirit) understand fully the whole counsel of God. Paul insisted that these leaders must understand the whole counsel of God so that they will be able to recognize distorted truth and heresies. Then they will be able to disciple their flocks and ensure that the flocks are knowledgeable concerning the whole counsel of God otherwise they will easily be deceived by the false prophets and false teachers, who are also church leaders.
Mat 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."
Meaning of counsel
Counsel (noun) - formal advice
synonyms: advice, guidance, direction, instruction, information, enlightenment.
The whole counsel of God will comprise of the following:-
1. Everlasting Gospel,
2. Message of the Cross,
3. God's will, plan, teachings, etc.
4. God's Attributes.
5. OT was the covenant with God.
6. NT is the covenant with Jesus.
7. Apostle's Epistles in NT.
Recognizing Wrong Doctrine
Any doctrine, teaching, instruction, interpretation, etc. that contradicts any of the above whole counsel of God (complete truth of God) is flawed, and needs further clarification, revelation, enlightenment and understanding from Him.
Brethren, if your doctrine makes our Lord Jesus to appear as a sinner or liar (unrighteous) then you are likely believing in heresy. Stop reading any more of such types of books. Instead, while in prayer and fasting, seek guidance from the Lord by fervently searching His word and truth.
