Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). He contrasted the “gospel of God” (vs. 2) with error, uncleanness, deceit, flattering words, and a cloak of covetousness. He wrote, “So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (vs. 8).
This careful treatment of the gospel of God is described by the apostle as devout, just and blameless behavior (cf. vs. 10). It must be understood that his work was the work of an apostle, having been given the responsibility to witness Jesus to the world. Paul had been given the gift of inspiration, joining others in writing the scripture which constitutes the new covenant of Christ (cf. 2 Peter 3:16). Peter noted the nature of this work, writing, “knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21). This work was also contrasted with false apostles. Notice Paul’s words about them:
“But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:12-15).
Ask yourself this… If God is so concerned with fidelity to His word and will in the establishment of the gospel, how does He feel about the proclamation of that gospel by uninspired men? Your view of this will impact your feeling about doctrinal differences.
It is typical in our day to have men champion diversity in doctrine. They talk about “different ways” to heaven, and God’s insistence only that we be sincere, and love one another. While sincerity and love are definitely required of the child of God, the refusal to champion purity in doctrine is contradictory to logic and scripture.
First, there is logic. It makes no sense for God to be so adamant about diligence in establishing His will if He did not also require diligence in sharing that message. In other words, why was it so important for Paul to be diligent in his stewardship regarding the gospel, if God does not require it of you and me? Such a view is logically flawed.
Second, Paul clearly reveals that diligence is required of both inspired and uninspired men. He wrote in Galatians 1:8, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” This statement of condemnation was written in response to uninspired men who were leading some of the Galatians into error (cf. 1:6). If Paul condemned them for distorting truth, the same condemnation falls upon any today who would do the same.
Rather than downplaying the significance of doctrinal differences, everyone who loves God and His Son Jesus Christ should be clamoring for the truth, the whole truth, and only the truth. To do any less is to fail in the stewardship to which God has called us.
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