Many Christians are habitually refusing to admit error

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Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,167
12,764
113
#1
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).

 

bluto

Senior Member
Aug 4, 2016
2,023
505
113
#2
Bingo! While I was reading it I was looking for the word, "pride" which finally showed up. Keep up the good work. :eek:

IN GOD THE SON,
bluto
 
S

SpoonJuly

Guest
#3
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).
You and I agree on some things and disagree on others.
We both base our belief on our understanding of Scripture.
So the question is---
Which one of us is refusing to admit error?
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
24,555
13,320
113
#4
This strikes me as a pretext for condemnation of those who disagree on secondary points of doctrine.
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#6
All of us perceive and interpret scripture differently, based on what we were taught when we were young.

To each of us, that particular interpretation is the "truth", and if we find others disagreeing with it, we will naturally think they are in error.

Just learn to agree to disagree politely and don't be a jerk while sharing your own interpretation.
 
S

SpoonJuly

Guest
#7
All of us perceive and interpret scripture differently, based on what we were taught when we were young.

To each of us, that particular interpretation is the "truth", and if we find others disagreeing with it, we will naturally think they are in error.

Just learn to agree to disagree politely and don't be a jerk while sharing your own interpretation.
Sadly, your first statement is so true.
To many believers only know what others have taught them and have never studied for themselves.
And even if they study for themselves, they allow what they have been taught to have undue influence on what they believe the Scripture states.
With some folkes, it is imposible to show them the truth when it disagrees with what THEY HAVE BEEN TAUGHT.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
41,243
16,252
113
69
Tennessee
#8
All of us perceive and interpret scripture differently, based on what we were taught when we were young.

To each of us, that particular interpretation is the "truth", and if we find others disagreeing with it, we will naturally think they are in error.

Just learn to agree to disagree politely and don't be a jerk while sharing your own interpretation.
Well spoken.
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#9
Sadly, your first statement is so true.
To many believers only know what others have taught them and have never studied for themselves.
And even if they study for themselves, they allow what they have been taught to have undue influence on what they believe the Scripture states.
With some folkes, it is imposible to show them the truth when it disagrees with what THEY HAVE BEEN TAUGHT.
Actually, it’s best to recognize that the person in error may jolly well be yourself.

Don’t enter into discussions to convince others what you think of as truth. That is beyond your control.

For me, I am always fascinated in trying to understand why others think differently from me.
 
M

morefaithrequired

Guest
#10
I have been known to make error. But it was such a long time ago I cant remember what it was.
 
M

morefaithrequired

Guest
#11
For me, I am always fascinated in trying to understand why others think differently from me.
great attitude to have. to be honest Im not always fascinated.
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#12
great attitude to have. to be honest Im not always fascinated.
I recall reading a “choose your own adventure” book titled supercomputer when I was elementary school.

There was a scenario where the protagonist made a choice to ask about the secret of happiness. The supercomputer made him discover various learning activities and he found out he was happy. It explained to him that he was happy because one secret is to always be learning new things.

That is one of the many lessons I have remembered and kept to heart even after about 40 years. 🤗
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,167
12,764
113
#13
You and I agree on some things and disagree on others. We both base our belief on our understanding of Scripture.
So the question is--- Which one of us is refusing to admit error?
Scripture is always the final arbiter of the truth. And it should become obvious to any third party as to who has solid scriptural support and who does not.
 

CharliRenee

Member
Staff member
Nov 4, 2014
6,687
7,165
113
#14
I agree @this...

One of the strangest phenomena of modern Christendom is that many Christians refuse to admit it when they are in error, and when 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.

The problem seems unsolvable because everyone is guilty of this short coming you point out. Most everyone you disagree with is of the same notion, that you need to own up to your error, just as you think they need to own up to theirs.

Humility is a beautiful thing that leads to growth and learning.

It becomes challenging when there is no room for listening or even considering the possibility of being in error.

Again, who here is not guilty of this behaviour?
 
M

morefaithrequired

Guest
#15
I am very proud of my humility. 😉
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#16
I agree @this...

One of the strangest phenomena of modern Christendom is that many Christians refuse to admit it when they are in error, and when 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.
Because the nature of Internet discussions is that all of us are strangers to one another. What we accept as truth has been formed over years and often decades of our reflection.

It is way too ambitious to expect that, because of words coming from anonymous individuals, we will instantly change our minds and be convinced otherwise.

It will take time, and even if it does seem someone over the Internet changed their mind because of what you said, its more because they are already open to that "truth you are promoting" and you just happen to reap the harvest but the seed has been planted years ago.
 
M

morefaithrequired

Guest
#17
Because the nature of Internet discussions is that all of us are strangers to one another. What we accept as truth has been formed over years and often decades of our reflection.

It is way too ambitious to expect that, because of words coming from anonymous individuals, we will instantly change our minds and be convinced otherwise.

It will take time, and even if it does seem someone over the Internet changed their mind because of what you said, its more because they are already open to that "truth you are promoting" and you just happen to reap the harvest but the seed has been planted years ago.
You win my "wise words of the week" award. in the running for the monthly award too.
 

FollowtheShepherd

Well-known member
Sep 15, 2019
794
312
63
#20
The Rock:

Matthew 7:24-27, " 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”