Salvation from sin is a free gift of God through the sacrifice of Jesus. The Scriptures teach, however, that there are obligations we must meet, sacrifices we must make, to obtain the benefits and blessings of truth. Many in our society are looking for the cheapest and easiest way out, even when it comes to religion. Some people want to be called a Christian by taking just enough of the Bible to ease their conscience, but not enough to condemn their wickedness, so they accept a counterfeit truth. There are many in pulpits throughout the world who offer a counterfeit truth.
Some people are willing to accept the ideas and opinions of men as a substitute for the truth.
There are some things for which there are adequate substitutes. For example, one may buy a generic brand of salt instead of the more expensive brand name. One may buy an oil filter at a department store that is just as good as the ones obtained from the auto dealer for a cheaper price. But what may be done with food or auto parts cannot be done with God's truth. There is no substitute for the truth.