In life and in faith, we often form strong emotional bonds—with our pastors, teachers, mentors, or church communities. These bonds are meaningful. But when it comes to truth, especially biblical truth, we must never let sentiment or past loyalty outweigh Scripture and sound doctrine.
Sometimes, people follow a leader’s teaching just because
they trust the person, or they feel loyal due to past blessings or experiences.
But the Bible warns us:
"Test everything; hold fast what is good."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:21
"We must obey God rather than men."
— Acts 5:29
It is not disrespectful or rebellious to question a
teaching—especially when it doesn't align with Scripture. In fact, it is our responsibility.
The Bible is clear, loyalty to God’s truth must outweigh
loyalty to any person, no matter how beloved or respected. Even the apostles,
when ordered to stop preaching Jesus, declared, “We must obey God
rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29). Sentiment, past relationships,
or personal preferences cannot justify following teachings that distort
Scripture. Wrong is wrong, even if taught by a leader we admire.
- If
a pastor insists on KJV-onlyism (claiming the KJV is the only valid
Bible), but your conscience and scholarship affirm that modern
translations faithfully convey God’s Word, you must honor Scripture over
human tradition.
- Following
flawed teachings out of loyalty risks “exchanging the truth of God
for a lie” (Romans 1:25).
Wrong Is Still Wrong — Even
If Taught with Passion
Someone may preach Verbal Plenary Preservation or KJV-onlyism with great passion, deep conviction, or a heart full of good intentions. But if the teaching is not true, it is still error. Passion does not make falsehood true. Sincerity does not excuse misleading doctrine.
In the BPC tradition—and indeed in all responsible
Christian thought—we believe in reasoned faith. God gave us minds to think, Scripture
to discern, and the Holy Spirit to guide. Faith is not blind loyalty—it is truth-based
trust in God.
Leaders bear a sacred responsibility to teach truth
(James 3:1). If they elevate personal opinions—like Verbal Plenary Preservation
(VPP) (claiming every word of Scripture is perfectly preserved without error in
one specific text)—over the historical reality of textual variations and
faithful translation, they risk misleading the flock.
BPC trust God’s providence in preserving Scripture’s core
message, even amid minor textual variations. Leaders who ignore this for rigid,
extra-biblical theories (like VPP) are prioritizing tradition over truth.
Gently but firmly “test everything; hold fast to what is
good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Ask: “Does this teaching align with Scripture and
sound reason?”
Stand with God, Even When
It's Hard
Choosing to follow truth may sometimes mean standing apart from beloved leaders or popular crowds. But remember this: We will all answer to God—not to pastors, not to lecturers, not to human authorities.
"If anyone teaches a different doctrine... he is
puffed up with conceit and understands nothing."
— 1 Timothy 6:3–4
Leaders must be held accountable. Those who teach God’s
Word bear greater responsibility (James 3:1). It's not harsh to expect them to
know right from wrong—it's biblical.
If your pastor or lecturer insists that only the KJV is
God's Word, or that the Bible has been preserved without a single word ever
being lost or changed (VPP), ask:
- Is
that what the early church taught?
- Is
that what the Bible itself teaches?
- Is
that how God wants us to think?
If not, stand with God, not with man.
- Humility
is key. Admit if your stance on KJV-onlyism or VPP is rooted in nostalgia,
fear, or cultural bias—not Scripture.
- Acknowledge
textual complexities. BPC thrives on “faith seeking
understanding,” not dogmatic simplifications.
Encouragement to the Faithful
- Don’t
be afraid to ask questions.
- Don’t
stay silent out of comfort or convenience.
- Don’t
follow error just because it’s familiar.
God calls us to be truth-seekers, not crowd-pleasers.
When controversy arises, like over VPP or KJV-onlyism, choose truth—even if you
must stand alone. Because when you stand with God, you are never truly alone.
"The truth will set you free."
— John 8:32
Final Encouragement
Standing for truth may mean respectfully challenging leaders or even leaving a congregation. This is painful but necessary. Remember:
- Correct
in Love: “Speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).
Avoid bitterness; focus on restoring biblical fidelity.
- Trust
God’s Faithfulness: Jesus warned that “a time is coming when
people will not put up with sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3). Yet
He remains Lord of His Church.
BPC’s strength lies in its commitment to Scripture,
reason, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. In debates over VPP or KJV-onlyism,
anchor yourself in God’s unchanging Word, not human opinions. Let our hearts
first be right with God’s truth—even when it costs us.
Stand firm. The Gospel is at stake.
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