The Bible tells us to watch out for false teachings because they can mislead people, pull them away from Christ, and harm the church. Jesus warned His disciples in Matthew 24:4-5, “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my Name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” The apostle Paul also cautioned the church at Colossae in Colossians 2:8, “Be aware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” In this blog, we’ll look at religious syncretism and how it can lead people away from the teachings of God’s Word. The final topic is Moral Relativism. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2. Can truth really change?
False Teachers and Doctrines: Moral Relativism
Matthew 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” This week we’re covering Moral Relativism – Can Truth Change? However, what does the Bible have to say in reference to this claim?
Moral relativism is the belief that truth changes according to culture, society, or personal opinion.
Some professing Christians argue that certain biblical moral teachings should be reinterpreted or adjusted to fit modern cultural values.
The Bible teaches the opposite.
What Moral Relativism Teaches
- Moral truth is relative rather than universally binding.
- Right and wrong may depend on personal belief or cultural context.
- Societies help define moral standards.
- Moral norms can change over time as cultures change.
Why It Is Wrong
1. God’s Character Does Not Change
“For I, the LORD, do not change.” (Malachi 3:6)
Christians believe Scripture is God’s inspired Word and the final authority for faith and practice rather than public opinion or changing cultural preferences.
2. The Word of God Endures Forever
“The word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
God’s truth is not dependent on cultural trends.
3. Scripture Is the Standard
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Christians believe Scripture is God’s inspired Word and the final authority for faith and practice rather than public opinion or changing cultural preferences.
4. The Bible Warns Against Redefining Good and Evil
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” (Isaiah 5:20)
One mark of a rebellious culture is the reversal of God’s moral standards. Isaiah warns against reversing God’s moral judgments by calling evil good and good evil, illustrating the danger of rejecting God’s standards.
5. Christians Are Called to Be Transformed, Not Conformed
“Do not be conformed to this world.” (Romans 12:2)
Believers are to evaluate culture through Scripture, not Scripture through culture.
Application
Ask yourself:
- Am I studying Scripture carefully before forming my opinions?
- Is my worldview shaped by God’s Word or popular opinion?
- Do I change my beliefs simply because culture changes?
- Am I willing to obey Scripture even when it is unpopular?
Conclusion: From a biblical perspective, moral relativism ultimately makes human judgment the final authority instead of God’s revelation. Scripture teaches that truth is grounded in the unchanging character of God and revealed through His Word.
From a Christian perspective, prosperity theology, universalism, and moral relativism each distort essential truths of the gospel. Prosperity theology reduces God’s blessings primarily to material wealth and physical well-being, overlooking Christ’s call to self-denial and the biblical warning that the pursuit of riches can become a spiritual snare (Mark 8:34; 1 Timothy 6:9–10). Universalism rejects the necessity of repentance and faith in Christ, conflicting with Jesus’ teachings about judgment, salvation, and the reality of eternal separation from God (John 3:18; Matthew 7:13–14; Revelation 20:15). Moral relativism, meanwhile, detaches morality from God’s holy character, treating right and wrong as matters of personal or cultural preference rather than expressions of God’s unchanging will. In doing so, it undermines the biblical call to holiness, repentance, and accountability (Isaiah 5:20; Romans 1:18–32). Taken together, these views either minimize the seriousness of sin, diminish the necessity of Christ’s atoning work on the cross, or deny God’s objective moral standards. Scripture instead presents a consistent call for people to repent, place their faith in Jesus Christ, pursue holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit, and live under God’s righteous and loving authority.
A practical next step: Take time this week to pray for understanding and a deeper trust in God’s plan, even when things are difficult. You could also read and reflect on John 3:16-21 and Acts 2:30, and repent and be baptized.
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