There are always at least two different paths to choose from in life. Typically, one is much easier than the other, and that certainly is the case in the Christian life. Why do you think John Bunyan pictured Christian as one who was always put in a position to take the easier path rather than the more difficult or, the more dangerous route? He was basing his story on the journey of faith as depicted in the pages of God’s Word. Sin breeds laziness, and it’s the lazy route that capitulates and embraces error.

Today, I want to provide you with four key reasons why you should fight for the truth.

Christians are People of Truth

As children of God, we are called out of darkness into the marvelous light of Christ (1 Peter 2:9). This calling to live in the light involves living in the truth and loving the truth. The Psalmist continually repeats in Psalm 119, “I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law” (Psalm 119:163). In Jude 3, we are called to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” If God’s Word is true, we should love the pure doctrines of Scripture and have a desire to be people who are marked by them.

Do you love the truth of God’s Word, or do you find yourself drawn to error? The anti-God culture continues to grow, and they are asking for people to “come out” and embrace the ideas of atheism. Richard Dawkins, in his book, The God Delusion, writes. “I am quite keen on the politics of persuading people of the virtues of atheism.” [1] He writes, “I think we’re in the same position as the gay movement was a few decades ago. There was a need then for people to come out. The more people who came out, the more people have had courage.” [2]

Truth Is Safer than Error

Does calling God a liar or calling out culture’s lies requires more courage? It doesn’t matter if you find yourself struggling through the study of the doctrine of election or an unbeliever trying to make sense of the claims of deity by Jesus—make no mistake about it—biblical truth matters. Regarding the unbeliever trying to discern the truth claims of Scripture, the deity of Christ, and the exclusive hope of the gospel—your soul depends on truth. Truth sets a person free from the bondage of sin and leads a person to the hope of salvation in Christ alone (John 14:6). Jesus said, “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

As Christians, sometimes the easier road requires little reading, little meditation, little theological study, memorization, and a little prayer. It’s always easier to take the popular opinion, but what if it is wrong? As for eschatology, boasting about being a “pan-millennialist” should not be viewed as an honor badge. When it comes to the doctrine of election, claiming that God loves the whole world without distinction while avoiding a serious study of Ephesians 1-2 and Romans 9 will not result in a healthy understanding of salvation. Avoid the lazy-minded approach to Christianity, which undervalues the study of biblical truth.

Even in the slightest form, theological error is not a safe position to hold. The moment someone capitulates in theology and embraces error in one area, it will be easier to embrace error in other areas. Truth will cost you time, and it may cost you friends—but always remember that truth is safer than error. Be mindful that truth is not always a safe place in this world, but it’s certainly the safest place for eternity (Matthew 10:28).

Truth Is a Pride Killer

The study of doctrine is best understood as the study of God. Studying theology at any level should be fueled by the pursuit of God. If truth is the heart’s desire, it will be a pride crusher. The arrogant person in his theology has not truly understood where the theology directs him. To the Calvinist who boasts of knowing the details of election, predestination, and the divine call of God—he has not truly immersed himself into the depths of that theology to the point that he views his own depravity and helpless estate. Only then can he humbly call himself one of God’s elect.

• The truth of God kills the pride of atheism.
• The truth of grace kills the pride of antinomianism.
• The truth of the gospel kills the pride of legalism.

We study doctrine and learn theology not because we love words, sentences, and ideas—but because we love God. The study of biblical truth humbles us. In order to learn the truth, at some point, we must be willing to embrace the confrontation of biblical truth in response to our error. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to admit that we’re wrong. Francis Schaeffer accurately writes, “Truth always carries with it confrontation. Truth demands confrontation; loving confrontation nevertheless. If our reflex action is always accommodation regardless of the centrality of the truth involved, there is something wrong.” [3]

Truth Demands Obedience

The Psalmist writes, “I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I do your commandments” (Psalm 119:166). For us, those words should be the purest example of what it means to possess an understanding of biblical truth. Once the Psalmist understood God’s law, joyful obedience resulted. The same thing should take place in our lives. Those who know the truth should obey the truth in the Word of God.

Remember, Jesus once said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Fight for biblical truth because it will result in the purest of obedience to Christ revealed in the Scriptures. It will also result in the most joyful testimony—for who can help but speak of what they have seen and heard? (Acts 4:20; 1 Peter 3:15).

1. Gary Wolf, “The Church of the Non-Believers,” Wired, November 1, 2006, accessed January 31st, 2018, https://www.wired.com/2006/11/atheism.
2. Ibid.
3. Francis Schaeffer, A Christian View of the Church (Wheaton: Crossway, 1994), 110.