One of my favorite teachers is R.C. Sproul. I was drawn to him because of how well he argued faith using sound reasoning that came to logical conclusions. He didn’t only teach so that we would learn more, but he taught so that we would learn how to discover truth for ourselves.
The Pastor may shepherd the flock, but the sheep still need to eat for themselves. The Bereans “…received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11 NKJV).
He wrote a book once with the title, “Everyone’s a Theologian.” The idea is we are all learning how to understand God. In his book Knowing Scripture, he wrote: “The issue for Christians is not whether we are going to be theologians but whether we are going to be good theologians or bad ones.”
For many years, I have been teaching about the things of the Lord. It is a great honor to be used by God, but at the same time, I have a great responsibility for what I am teaching. The same is true for you, in however you might express a truth of God to others. This includes even the smallest reply online or in a conversation.
I would rather be right and low than wrong and high. Only teach to the degree that you know. “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment” (James 3:1 NKJV).
The error I have made more times than I will admit to is the same error I see so many of His children making every day. The problem is with arguing one side of a truth. I call this unbalanced theology, and it can be a dangerous teaching from which we should all beware.
A balanced theology looks at both sides of a truth. To some, this may sound inaccurate as they think truth can only have one meaning. They are right, truth has one meaning, but you must look at the whole argument to discover that one true meaning.
Holy Scripture is like a precious diamond, a singular truth, but with many intricate facets. Many ways in which the truth can be seen, but a singular truth that can never be changed. In every truth, there may be different views, but they are never contradicting; they are always complimenting. Truth is like a mirror; it never changes but reflects back onto the man from where he is. “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8 NKJV).
A common error I have seen people make is that they will grab hold of one part of a truth in one verse but will ignore the rest of the truth in other verses. So, while their argument seems sound, it is incomplete and, as such, does not express the whole truth.
How much Scripture must you ignore such that your theology can still stand? “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete…” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV).
Point in case, I will often write about the importance of us living holy lives. I will speak of pursuing righteousness and letting go of everything that doesn’t belong in heaven. Invariably, someone will counter this with a verse that we are covered in the righteousness of Christ.
It is not grace or obedience, but grace and obedience. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2 NKJV).
It is true that we are justified before God because we are covered in the righteousness of Christ. But it is equally true that we are called to live holy lives. Our obedience will not make us right with God, but it will most certainly be rewarded and pleasing to our Father.
God blesses obedience. “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours” (Psalm 128:1-2 NIV).
The problem with unbalanced theology is that it can often serve the purposes of the devil. When we speak a half-truth in our teaching, we have let the other empty half be filled with a lie. This is the basis for most of the destructive teachings in our day.
The scheme of the devil is to disarm the Christian with a safe theology that has no power. Many will come in the last days, “having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:5 NKJV).
There are hundreds of scriptures that teach us to live godly lives. Yet there are many who only focus on the scriptures that teach of the grace of God and His forgiveness. It is true we are saved by grace, but it is false that we should continue to sin because of His grace.
The life you live is the lesson you teach, and people are always watching. “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching” (Titus 2:7 NLT).
When someone counters you with the other half of a truth, accept it, but know that it takes two halves of a truth to make a complete truth. With whatever you are studying, be intent on learning the whole truth, for only then will there be no room for a lie.
Sometimes, you know you’ve preached a good word by how few like it. “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths” (2 Timothy 4:2-4 NLT).
Blessings to you,
Paul Balius
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [a]instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
The end of the “balanced theology” is a people who are equipped for every good work. How much of the ministry of His word in our day has resulted people who are informed of the things of God yet unprepared and ill equipped for the “good work” of God.
Appreciate the temper of this share.
Blessings
BT
Thank you, Brian. I think it is so important to consider “all the Word” when we begin to argue one part of that Word. Still, I firmly believe that we must hold to the doctrine we know fiercely as we are faced by a dark world that seeks to undermine it.
This writing on balanced theology is richly relevant and to, like the Scriptures, not be merely read but remembered and realized responsibly. You have stated the subject with superb, salient sense and, indeed, indispensably, wisdom from on high. You educate and encourage us to discover how to tap into and be transformed by truth, and essentially position ourselves to be apprehended further by transcendent, triumphant Truth, the infinitely faceted, intricately, intimately involved Jasper Jesus Himself (Jn. 14:6 Rev. 4:3), Who expresses, manifests, and demonstrates Himself illimitably, according to His omniscient providential and provisional will. Thank you, sir and saint, our brother and brother of our Beloved, for being available to the Living, Eternal Word, and us. I pray the burning blessings of Jesus’ beauty in your being and the intimate blessings of affection from His holy heart as King of heaven.
I am so blessed by you! Thank you for your kind words and your uplifting spirit that encourages me to continue.