Defending the Faith: A Biblical Mandate for All Believers
Introduction: Truth Matters in the Church
In an age where tolerance is often confused with love, many Christians are told they must not question others’ faith or beliefs, even when those beliefs directly contradict Scripture. But the Bible gives believers the solemn responsibility not only to believe the truth but also to proclaim, defend, and guard it. To remain silent in the face of false doctrine is not a virtue—it is disobedience.
1. The Biblical Call to Contend for the Faith
“Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints.” — Jude 1:3, NASB
The faith that was “once for all time” delivered must be protected from distortion. Jude wrote with urgency, not passivity. The Greek word for “contend” (ἐπαγωνίζομαι, epagōnizomai) implies intense effort, even combat. Defending the Gospel is not optional—it is part of our faithfulness.
2. We Must Refute False Doctrine
“Holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.” — Titus 1:9, NASB
Paul instructed Titus to refute those who contradict sound doctrine. This implies a proactive stance. Elders and mature believers are to be well-versed in Scripture to expose and correct error—not to accommodate it.
“But examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good, abstain from every form of evil.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, NASB
We are not to accept all teachings at face value. Every doctrine, practice, and spiritual manifestation must be tested against God’s Word.
3. Reproof Is a Loving, Biblical Act
“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16, NASB
God’s Word is not just for personal comfort—it is for rebuke and correction. True love speaks the truth (Ephesians 4:15), and genuine correction helps bring about repentance and salvation (2 Timothy 2:25).
4. The Danger of False Gospels and False Teachers
“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel… even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!” — Galatians 1:6-8, NASB
Paul was not shy about condemning false gospels. Whether it is the works-based salvation system taught by Roman Catholic doctrine or the experiential excesses and extra-biblical revelations promoted by the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), these are not merely theological nuances—they are serious distortions of God’s truth.
“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 11:13, NASB
The Apostle Paul did not hesitate to call out those who distorted the truth—even if they claimed spiritual authority. The Church (those within the body of Christ) must do the same.
5. Letting God Judge Does Not Excuse Our Silence
Many argue, “Only God can judge,” and while this is true concerning final judgment, God uses His people to exercise discernment and protect the flock:
“Do not judge by the outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” — John 7:24, NASB
“Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?” — 1 Corinthians 6:3, NASB
Christians are to make judgments—not hypocritically or arrogantly, but in alignment with God’s Word. Turning a blind eye to false doctrine is not humility; it is negligence.
6. Protecting the Flock from Spiritual Deception
“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock… I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them.” — Acts 20:28-30, NASB
Paul warned that false teachers would arise from within the Church. Therefore, silence is not an option. The shepherd who refuses to warn the flock is no shepherd at all (see Ezekiel 33:1–9).
7. Exposing Error is Not the Same as Being Divisive
“Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.” — Romans 16:17, NASB
The Bible says those who depart from sound doctrine cause division—not those who point it out. Speaking the truth in love is an act of obedience, not hostility.
Conclusion: A Loving but Firm Stand for the Truth
In a world—and sadly, a Church—where doctrinal compromise is rampant, the call to defend the faith is more urgent than ever. Whether confronting the mysticism and ongoing revelations of the NAR, or the sacraments-as-salvation system of Roman Catholicism, the faithful Christian must speak the truth clearly, boldly, and with deep humility before God.
Yes, we leave final judgment to the Lord, but that does not mean we forsake our God-given duty to discern, test, speak, warn, and teach.
FootNote: And I encourage you not to simply take my word for this perspective. Instead, I urge you to diligently examine the whole of the Holy Scriptures for yourself to determine whether what I’ve shared aligns with the full counsel of God’s Holy Word. This approach reflects the noble example recorded in Acts 17:10–11 (NASB): “The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these people were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” Emphasis is mine.
And as you do so, keep in mind how often verses like “Judge not, so that you will not be judged” (Matthew 7:1) are misunderstood when read in isolation. The surrounding context makes it clear that Jesus is not forbidding all judgment, but warning against hypocritical or self-righteous judgment. In fact, just a few verses later, He says, “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs…” (v.6), which requires discernment and wise judgment. So we must seek to rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), taking into account the whole counsel of God’s Word and not isolated verses out of context.
From one sheep in God’s sheepfold to another.
Respectfully submitted for your consideration.
Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!