In life, there is always at least two different paths to choose from. Typically one is much easier than the other, and in the Christian life, that certainly is the case. Why do you think John Bunyan pictured Christian as one who was always put in a position to take the easier path rather than the more difficult or the more dangerous route? He was basing his story on the journey of faith as depicted in the pages of God’s Word. Sin breeds laziness and it’s the lazy route that capitulates and embraces error.
Today, I want to provide you with four key reasons why you should fight for truth.
Christians are People of Truth
As children of God, we are called out of darkness into the marvelous light of Christ (1 Pet. 2:9). This calling to live in the light involves living in the truth and loving the truth. As the Psalmist continually repeats in Psalm 119, “I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law” (Ps. 119:163). In Jude 3, we are called to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” If God’s Word is true, we should love the pure doctrines of Scripture and have a desire to be people who are marked by them.
Do you love the truth of God’s Word or do you find yourself drawn to error? The anti-God culture continues to grow, and they are asking for people to “come out” and embrace the ideas of atheism. Richard Dawkins, in his book, The God Delusion, writes. “I am quite keen on the politics of persuading people of the virtues of atheism.” [1] He goes on to write, “I think we’re in the same position as the gay movement was a few decades ago. There was a need then for people to come out. The more people who came out, the more people have had courage.” [2]
Truth Is Safer than Error
Does it require more courage to call God a liar or to call out the lies of culture? It doesn’t matter if you find yourself struggling through the study of of the doctrine of election or if you’re an unbeliever who is trying to make sense of the claims of deity by Jesus—make no mistake about it—truth matters. Regarding the unbeliever who is trying to discern the truth claims of Scripture, the deity of Christ, and the exclusive hope of the gospel—your soul depends on truth. Truth sets a person free from the bondage of sin and leads a person to the hope of salvation in Christ alone (John 14:6). Jesus said, “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
As Christians, sometimes the road that’s easier is one that requires little reading, little meditation, little theological study, little memorization, and little prayer. It’s always easier to just take the popular opinion, but what if the popular opinion is wrong? When it comes to eschatology, boasting about being a “pan-millennialist” should not be viewed as a badge of honor. When it comes to the doctrine of election, claiming that God loves the whole world and without distinction while avoiding a serious study of Ephesians 1-2 and Romans 9 will not result in a healthy understanding of salvation. Avoid the lazy-minded approach to Christianity which undervalues the study of truth.
Theological error, even in the slightest form is not a safe position to hold. The moment that someone capitulates in theology and embraces error in one area the easier it will be to embrace it in other areas. Truth will cost you time and it may cost you friends—but always remember that truth is safer than error. Be mindful that truth is not always a safe place in this world, but it’s certainly the safest place to be in terms of eternity (Matt. 10:28).
Truth Is a Pride Killer
The study of doctrine is best understood as the study of God. To study theology at any level should be fueled by the pursuit of God. If truth is the desire of the heart, it will be a pride crusher. The person who is arrogant in his theology has not truly come to understand where the theology directs him. To the Calvinist who boasts in knowing the details of election, predestination, and the divine call of God—he has not truly immersed himself into the depths of that theology to the point that he views his own depravity and helpless estate. It’s only then that he can humbly call himself one of God’s elect.
- The truth of God kills the pride of atheism.
- The truth of grace kills the pride of antinomianism.
- The truth of the gospel kills the pride of legalism.
We study doctrine and learn theology not because we love words, sentences, and ideas—but because we love God. The study of truth humbles us. In order to learn truth, at some point we must be willing to embrace confrontation of truth in response to our error. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to admit that we’re wrong. Francis Schaeffer accurately writes, “Truth always carries with it confrontation. Truth demands confrontation; loving confrontation nevertheless. If our reflex action is always accommodation regardless of the centrality of the truth involved, there is something wrong.” [3]
Truth Demands Obedience
The Psalmist writes, “I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I do your commandments” (Ps. 119:166). Those words should be for us the purest example of what it means to possess an understanding of truth. Once the Psalmist understood God’s law, it was joyful obedience that resulted. The same thing should take place in our lives. Those who know the truth should obey.
Remember it was Jesus who once said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Fight for truth because it will result in the purest of obedience in the end. It will also result in the most joyful testimony—for who can help but speak of what they have seen and heard (Acts 4:20; 1 Pet. 3:15)?
- Gary Wolf, “The Church of the Non-Believers,” Wired, November 1, 2006, accessed January 31st, 2018, https://www.wired.com/2006/11/atheism.
- Ibid.
- Francis Schaeffer, A Christian View of the Church (Wheaton: Crossway, 1994), 110.
