Holding Fast
Holding Fast The test between sound and strange doctrine is not a relic of the first century. It is the ongoing task of the Church until Christ returns. Every generation must contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints
(Jude 1:3). Every believer must be equipped to test the spirits, to examine the Scriptures, and to hold fast to what is good (1 Thess 5:21).
We have seen that false didaché in Scripture takes predictable forms: the leaven of legalism, the compromise of Balaam, the license of the Nicolaitans, the seduction of Jezebel, and the distraction of diverse and strange teachings. We have heard the apostolic warnings: mark and avoid, do not receive, expect itching ears, and hold firm to rebuke contradiction.
We have been given four tests: the test of source—does it flow from God's immutable character and Scripture? The test of content—does it accord with the gospel? The test of fruit—does it produce godliness? The test of Christology—does it exalt Christ as Lord and Savior? We have learned that doctrine necessarily divides truth from error, and in doing so, it protects the flock of God. And we have been reminded that shepherds bear a sacred responsibility to both teach the truth and refute error.
The final word belongs to Paul as he nears the end of his life. He charges Timothy, and through him charges us:
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:1-5 The time Paul foresaw has come. Itching ears abound. Teachers who suit passions are multiplied. Myths are preferred to truth. In such a time, the call is not to innovation but to fidelity. Not to novelty but to the old paths. Not to cultural relevance but to biblical faithfulness. Hold fast to the trustworthy
word. Test everything. Cling to Christ. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His doctrine is sound. It gives life. And it will preserve His Church until He comes.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John
4:1). The test is not optional. The stakes are eternal. Let us therefore be people of the Book, people of discernment, people who love the truth enough to defend it, and people who love sinners enough to tell them the truth that saves. To the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.