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When Truth & Error Collide
Jesus stated in John 6.52-59 that he was the source of eternal life and the bread which came down from heaven. These words were spoken to the Jews, yet were also heard by Jesus’ own disciples. While it is not surprising that the Jews resented what he taught, it is interesting what is recorded of his own disciples: “Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can understand it?’ When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured about this, he said to them, ‘Does this offend you?’” (John 6.60-61). Then in John 6.66, we read, “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”
It is sad that many of Jesus’ disciples “walked no more with him” because of his teachings. Jesus taught what his Father in heaven commanded him (John 8.28; 12.49; 14.31). Why were some offended by what Jesus taught? Why did many of his own disciples “walk no more with him”?
We find this same situation with the apostle Paul. Paul preached Christ (1 Corinthians 4.17; 11.23; 14.37; Galatians 1.11-12). While some accepted Christ, in time some turned back. Demas was one such example (Philemon 1.24; 2 Timothy 4.10). In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul elaborated on his sufferings at the hands of those who did not receive his preaching of Christ, and specifically mentioned perils among false brethren in v. 26. The perils were not a result of Paul’s attitude or manner of speaking, but of the truth in the message he spoke.
From these texts we can know with certainty that, although the truth may be taught in love and with clarity, there will be a difference in reactions. While those outside of Christ will react differently - even among brethren - there will be some who follow up to a point, then turn and “walk no more” with truth. Some will “gladly receive the word,” repenting from sin and being immersed in water as we find from Acts 2.28-31; 8.37-39. Some will turn a deaf ear to truth as Jesus taught in Matthew 13.14-15: “You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; for the heart of this people has become dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes. Others they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I would heal them.” Some, when cut to the heart by words of truth, will react with malice. Acts 7.54,57-58: “They began gnashing their teeth at him…they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him…” Of course we know that Stephen died from this treatment (v. 60).
Jesus had pointed out these two possible reactions to truth in John 3.19-21, saying, “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the hLight, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”
While the bearer of truth may suffer, in every situation truth will prevail because it cannot be denied. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24.35). Resentment, animosity, and fighting against the truth will only reveal the flaws in those who oppose the truth. All anger against one who tells the truth is misplaced.
In like manner, every time truth and error collide, controversy will ensue. While we must not be timid when souls are at stake, every effort must be made to be kind, considerate, and loving. In the end, truth must be taught and error identified. We make no claim to perfection with regard to attitudes, but insist that we are mad at no one, do not resent anyone, and have no hidden agenda. We are open and willing to discuss these issues publicly and privately. We love the truth. We love the church of the Lord, and we love our brethren individually. We have no desire to divide churches, alienate brethren, create confusion, or inflate matters of no consequence.
But make no mistake: When error is being taught and practiced, the truth will open it to the light of examination. Error crosses congregational lines and truth must have the same right of way. Error will affect and infect all relationships of society. Therefore, all of us must be on guard. Parents are to watch out for their children. Elders are to watch on behalf of the church. Christians are to be watchful for one another. Certainly, preachers are to watch in their work as evangelists. The admonition Paul gave the evangelist Timothy needs to be followed by evangelists today: “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4.6-8). God is going to require it at our hands if we allow sin to pass into the church without raising our voice. Be assured that this is as much your responsibility as anyone else’s.
