Yes, they were relying on their doctine - doctrine that Jesus called them on - that they had added to God's Truth and had perverted His truth. But no, they were not following God's Truth - and they knew it because Jesus called them on it - several times. And they knew in their hearts that He was right. They knew because they were extremely familiar with the scriptures and they knew because Jesus, who is God, made that clear to them. Just as everyone who rejects Truth knows in their hearts what they are doing - whether they admit it to themselves or not.
Jesus was killed because religious people feared and hated him for what he was saying. Cain killed Abel because of jealousy. Again, Jesus was killed because Jesus exposed them - exposed them that they were not acting or worshipping God in the way that He demands. They wanted to please God on their own accord, not God's way. And that is exactly why Cain killed Abel - because he was jealous that God accepted Abel's worship and not his. Why? Because Abel trusted God and Cain trusted in his own way.
Now I do find that odd. God created all, including flesh. God can be anything God wants to be, including flesh.
Then obviously you don't hold to gnostic teachings. Gnostics beliefs vary, but they do hold that in common and they do hold that the way to peace, the way to "heaven" is to somehow tap into that inner knowledge, that inner goodness that is within all in order to take away the effects of the evil flesh. But usually only some have the hidden knowledge on how to do that. The view is very prevalent in a lot of the new age and eastern religions.
And you know this how? What were they doing or teaching? What were they supposed to be doing or teaching? Give me all the details. All - the details.
Jesus also followed certain practices and beliefs did he not? What are those practices and beliefs, and do you follow them too? ALL of them? If you're not, then you can't really be a follower of Jesus can you?