Article • Contending for the Faith
Whatever you believe, that is your truth. That attitude is the very reason the gospel has to be defended.
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Jude 3 (KJV)
Demons, Satan, and the powers of darkness work to lead people away from Christ. Hell strives to create as many spiritual hoops as necessary to confuse the gospel.
The Apostle Paul warned that the serpent deceived Eve through his craftiness, and he feared that the same craftiness might lead believers away from sincere devotion to Christ. People can even accept another Jesus or another gospel (2 Corinthians 11:3–4). Paul also warned that Satan transforms himself into an angel of light, and that his ministers can likewise pass themselves off as ministers of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:13–15).
Why It Matters to Me
I cannot overstate how important this issue is. For me, it is a prime motivator. Believers are called to be ambassadors for Christ, and God has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18–20). Paul wrote that he was not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (Romans 1:16). He also defined the gospel plainly for us: Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 3:28; Romans 5:1).
That is why I respond vigorously when I encounter teaching that distorts the gospel. Scripture warns us directly about spiritual deception. Some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1).
Read it for yourself. Paul warned about people preaching another gospel, and he said that even an angel from heaven could not change the gospel. Any message contrary to the gospel already received must be rejected (Galatians 1:6–9).
I also take seriously Paul’s warning to the Ephesian elders. He told them that false teachers would arise from among their own number, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves (Acts 20:29–31). Scripture warns as well about philosophy, vain deceit, and the tradition of men, which can take people captive and lead them away from Christ (Colossians 2:8). And Paul foresaw a time when people would no longer endure sound doctrine, but would heap up teachers who tell them what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
A Spiritual Battle and a Theological One
The struggle of the child of God is not merely against flesh and blood. Every believer in Christ wrestles against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:11–12). That is why believers must put on the whole armour of God. Peter likewise warns that the devil walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), and he commands believers to resist him, steadfast in the faith (1 Peter 5:9).
For that reason, I believe Christians must believe the truth and defend it. Jude tells believers to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 3). Titus 1:9 tells teachers to hold fast the faithful word, so that they may exhort with sound doctrine and convince those who contradict it. First Thessalonians 5:21 gives the same basic command: prove all things, and hold fast that which is good.
Not to Win an Argument
When I challenge false doctrine, my purpose is not simply to win an argument. My concern is the gospel, because eternal matters are involved. I want people pointed back to Jesus Christ and His finished work. I want them looking to His shed blood and His resurrection. Salvation is God’s gift of grace, received through faith in Christ.
I take the reality of spiritual deception seriously, and I take my responsibility seriously. The Word of God must test every teaching. Where Scripture establishes the truth, I intend to stand firmly upon it.
Salvation is only through a personal relationship with God the Father by grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. At the moment of saving faith, the believer is instantly and permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who regenerates, seals, leads, guides, empowers, and sanctifies in their walk with God.
“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (KJV)
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