One of the strangest phenomena of modern Christendom is that many Christians refuse to admit it when they are in error, and their errors are pointed out to them. They refuse to say “I am sorry, I was clearly mistaken, and I need to depart from that error, and hold on to the truth”. This would apply to either doctrine or practice, especially today, when so many false beliefs are floating around and being promoted.
This reflects the Bible truth that they are “wise in their own eyes”. But God is not impressed, since that is an evidence of evil: Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. (Proverbs 3:7).
What I have noticed is that just like the evil Democrats in the USA, who always double down on their lies and mischief, many Christians simply double down on their erroneous beliefs, and try to give rebuttals to the truth, instead of acknowledging it, and welcoming it with open arms.
What this really shows is (a) underlying pride and (2) a refusal to submit to the written Word of God. Which means a refusal to submit to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. That is a very serious matter: Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.(Acts 7:51) This was a problem for the unbelieving Jews, but it is also a problem for stiff-necked Christians.
All Christians should understand that when Bible truth is presented with supporting Scriptures (quoted in proper context), that it is God’s truth which has been presented. Not someone’s mere opinion. Which means that the response must be appropriate within a heart and soul which has been surrender to God and Christ.
So when someone simply refuses to embrace the truth, and perversely chooses to insist on a lie, it means that the flesh is in control, possibly Satan is in control, but the Holy Spirit is not in control. Which means that the fear of the LORD is absent (as seen in Proverbs 3:7).
This should be regarded as a very serious problem, if the shoe fits. Every person should be asking themselves some very sharp and pointed questions before they express their beliefs, or insist on maintaining their errors:
1. Am I truly saved, and have I surrendered my heart, mind, soul, and will to God completely? If a person is not really saved, then the Holy Spirit is not really their divine Teacher.
2. Am I a novice in the understanding of Scripture, and I am simply learning the truth at this point? Those who are sincerely learning will not insist on false beliefs.
3. Do I really know – from the Bible itself -- what is the truth concerning this subject? Unless one has diligently and carefully studied the Word (without allowing the opinions or doctrines of men to take control) one can easily go into error.
4. Is my belief about a certain matter consistent with (1) the character of God and Christ, (2) all Gospel truth, and (3) all Bible truth? The Bible never contradicts itself, and every doctrine is consistent with every other doctrine. God never contradicts Himself.
5. Am I honest enough (with myself and others) to honestly admit when I am mistaken, and then reject what is inconsistent with the Word of God? This is where the rubber meets the road, and unless we are totally committed to honesty and Bible truth, we will always try to justify our false beliefs. And ultimately become unteachable, and spiritually blind. And that is called “wilful blindness” (for which there is no remedy).
1
1
