Can one false doctrine ruin a church?
According to Jesus, and his message to the Church at Thyatira (Revelation 2:24), even one false doctrine can cause ruin in a church.
I mean according to Jesus, it can block a whole segment of the church from entering into the kingdom of heaven.
If that does not fit the definition of “ruin”, I don’t know what does.
Therefore, there is good reason, to be diligent, to remove every single false doctrine out of the body of Christ.
See for yourself:
Revelation 2:19-26 (KJV)
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee,
because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess,
to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation,
except they repent of their deeds [evil works].23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
If you haven’t noticed previously in your deep investigations and personal adventures, into the word of God, you can see clearly above that the stakes are high: Eternal life, and eternal death, are weighed in the balance.
You can see that both the works of repentance, and the works of salvation have dire consequences for not obeying, but have incredible weight and power and authority for obeying and receiving, according to the gift given, so shall the reward be given. Freely and abundantly.
So in conclusion: yes, even one doctrine in the church can ruin a church.
A personal addendum:
It is personally wise to note here, that yes, you will be judged by your works. For good or for evil, your works, will come into the courtroom of God and be judged in front of angels, Saints, and holy beings, who stand in the presence of God, when every detail of your life will come to life and be exposed to the light. Therefore, it is no small personal point of intimate wisdom to not put strong effort into your own works, to make them holy, and honorable to God, and complete and just, in his kingdom and from his perspective. – – That is wisdom.
There are many popular churches and even whole denominations of churches that play down, and sometimes even try to erase the importance of doing good works before the Lord. That is one modern false doctrine that one would be wise to not be seduced by…
None of the apostles taught such a doctrine. None of the early church writers lived by or wrote such doctrines. But instead, the writers of the New Testament clearly warned the church that false teachers would arise and teach these false doctrines, and lead as stray the flock away from doing good works before the father and before that kingdom of God.
2 Peter 2:1-3 (KJV)
1 But there were false prophets also among the people,
even as there shall be false teachers among you,
who privily shall bring in damnable heresies,
even denying the Lord that bought them,
and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you:
whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
The truth be told: good works, and good faith go hand-in-hand.
Below is a supplemental word study.
A brief word study on: good works.
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Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. |
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| John 10:32 |
Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? |
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Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. |
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For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: |
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| Eph 2:10 |
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. |
| 1 Tim 2:10 |
But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. |
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Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. |
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| 1 Tim 5:25 |
Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid. |
| 1 Tim 6:18 |
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; |
| 2 Tim 3:17 |
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. |
| Tit 2:7 |
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, |
| Tit 2:14 |
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. |
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This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, |
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| Tit 3:14 |
And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. |
| Heb 10:24 |
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: |
| 1 Pet 2:12 |
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, |