The Dangers of Unfaithfulness
A Metaphor in Doctrine and Marriage
A Caveat on the Definition of Doctrine for the Purpose of This Article
Before delving into the content of this article, it's crucial to establish a shared understanding of what is meant by the term "doctrine" in this context. For the purpose of our discussion, "doctrine" refers specifically to the core tenets of the gospel of Christ—those foundational beliefs about which there can be no disagreement. While it is acknowledged that there exist matters of judgment or scruple where believers have liberty in Christ, the focus here is on those doctrines that God has explicitly legislated in scripture.
To clarify, this article does not concern itself with disputable matters where differences of opinion may exist within the bounds of Christian liberty. Rather, it addresses those doctrines that are unequivocal, around which we must all be of a singular mind. Understanding this distinction is vital for the coherent and purposeful engagement with the article's ensuing points and arguments.
The Dangers of Unfaithfulness
A Metaphor in Doctrine and Marriage
The issues of doctrinal purity and marital fidelity bear more in common than might first appear. In the church of Christ, where a commitment to the unadulterated word of God is the cornerstone, an exploration of these related themes is warranted. This article incorporates the teachings of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 to shed light on the perilous nature of doctrinal unfaithfulness.
Marital Fidelity as a Divine Imperative
Two pivotal texts—Proverbs 5:15 and Proverbs 5:18—underscore the necessity of marital fidelity. In Proverbs 5:15, the Bible advises, "Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well." Proverbs 5:18 similarly states, "Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth."
These passages emphasize the gravity and exclusivity required in a marital relationship. Loyalty to one's spouse isn't optional; it's commanded by God.
Paul's Apostolic Concerns: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15
Paul expresses his concerns for the Corinthian church, fearing they might be led astray just as Eve was deceived by the serpent. In verses 3-4, he writes, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him."
Paul's fears resonate with our contemporary situation. He points out the gravity of veering even slightly from the true teachings of Christ. Even more troubling, Paul talks about the deceitful workers in verses 13-15, emphasizing that they disguise themselves as apostles of Christ, which is no wonder, for Satan himself disguises as an angel of light. These verses serve as a stringent warning against accepting teachings from sources that appear genuine but are fundamentally flawed.
Ephesians 5:11
The Apostle Paul's cautionary words in 2 Corinthians amplify the gravity of Ephesians 5:11, which exhorts us to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." At first glance, one might interpret this admonition in the context of avoiding overtly sinful behaviors. However, when we consider Paul's deep-seated concerns for doctrinal purity, this verse takes on a more expansive meaning.
The concept of "unfruitful works of darkness" extends to teachings and teachers that deviate from the word of God. Like the act of betraying the wife of one's youth, fellowshipping with such teachings sows seeds of spiritual discord. It creates cracks in the foundation of our faith, allowing room for greater divergence over time.
Furthermore, the verse does not merely caution against association but encourages active reproval. It calls believers not to turn a blind eye but to confront and challenge teachings that do not align with scriptural truth. It echoes Paul's own confrontations with those who sought to lead the early church astray, reflecting the urgency and gravity he felt about maintaining doctrinal purity.
By examining Ephesians 5:11 in the context of Paul's broader teachings, it becomes evident that maintaining a strict adherence to sound doctrine is not a peripheral concern but a central command, infused with eternal significance.
The Betrayal of Doctrine and its Consequences
Paul's concerns about the Corinthians serve as a mirror reflecting the fears we should harbor for our own spiritual well-being. Accepting teachings from denominational sources, even those that seem mostly aligned with truth, introduces the risk of significant error. A small amount of yeast works through the whole batch of dough, as the Apostle Paul warns in Galatians 5:9. In the same vein, even a minute diversion from the scriptural path can unravel one's spiritual integrity.
The stakes in this matter are not trivial; they are eternal. Our beliefs shape our actions, and our actions determine our destiny. To disregard the purity of doctrine is to gamble with our eternal salvation. A wrong step, influenced by teachings that do not wholly align with the word of God, could lead us astray, causing irreversible spiritual harm.
In a world where false teachings often masquerade as truth, vigilance is not just a virtue but a necessity. For those in the church of Christ, where doctrinal purity is not a mere ideal but a lived reality, the gravity of these consequences is deeply understood. As believers committed to the unadulterated word of God, we must heed Paul's fears and hold them as our own, fully recognizing the eternal implications of doctrinal betrayal.
A Sound Solution: Staying Within the Lord's Church for Spiritual Nourishment
In a world filled with a multitude of voices, there's a tendency to seek wisdom from various corners. Yet, it's imperative to ask: Why venture outside the Lord's church when it is abundant in scholars, lecturers, and authors who adhere strictly to the word of God? Individuals like Charles Spurgeon, Vodie Baucham, Francis Chan, Paul Washer, and N.T. Wright might offer eloquent discourses, but even a slight deviation from the truth can lead one astray. If we believe they are on a path that leads away from God, why would we allow such individuals to influence our spiritual journey?
The church of Christ has always been a repository of profound biblical scholarship. From the pulpit to the pen, there are numerous individuals within the church who offer sound, scripture-based teachings. By staying within the framework of the Lord's church for our spiritual nourishment, we safeguard our doctrinal integrity and fulfill the call of Ephesians 5:11 to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
When the stakes are eternal, caution isn't just advisable; it's a mandate. For those committed to the pure teachings of the Bible, the solution is simple: Remain steadfast in seeking wisdom only from those who adhere unswervingly to the word of God, as presented within the fellowship of the Lord's church.
Conclusion
Marital fidelity serves as a robust metaphor for doctrinal purity, an assertion strongly supported by both the Proverbs and the teachings of Paul. Given Paul's severe warnings against being led astray by false apostles and another gospel, the need for vigilance becomes all the more acute. The church of Christ upholds the view that any compromise on the word of God is unacceptable. It is not merely a matter of doctrinal accuracy but a question with eternal ramifications. Therefore, let us heed the teachings of the apostles and the wisdom literature alike, remaining ever faithful both in doctrine and in life.