There are so MANY different Christian denominations that have so MANY different interpretations of scripture. How do I know which one is right? Obviously, there are many false teachers, who think they are right. I find this terrifying. ""SAVED by grace or works” to "Baptized in Jesus name," etc. I'm starting to think that my pastor is a false teacher. How does one know with all these different interpretations of scripture?
Answer
Yours is a very valid and important question. How do we know who is following correct doctrine and who is not? How do we know false teachers from the true?
Before I answer that I do feel compelled to address one thing you say. You pit “saved by grace” as one extreme with “baptized in Jesus name” at the other extreme. I don’t believe they are opposites. As I have explained in answer to questions about baptism, I read in the Bible that they are the same thing and not opposites.
Now to your real question. The only way I know to determine who is right and wrong, or somewhere in between, and who is teaching the truth or error according to the Bible, is to read and study the Bible. The scriptures are the guide, so we should be able to rely on them with no outside documents or personal interpretations. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
“These [people of Berea] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11)
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” (1 John 4:1-3)
So if anyone teaches anything and cannot prove it by the scriptures, or if it contradicts other scriptures, you can know it is wrong. But the only way to do so is if you know the scriptures yourself. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)