Christians are to be known as “people of the Book.” We are to be people of truth and we are to passionately defend the truth of the gospel (Jude 3). Paul describes the church as the pillar and buttress of truth in 1 Timothy 3:15. Any teaching that blows along the broken road of history that seeks to divide Christians from the truth must be opposed.

Our culture has been described as a post-truth society. At first glance, you might think that in such conditions the church would glow with brightness within this dark climate. However, sadly, that’s not the case. Today, we see many evangelicals who are dividing over issues, positions, and beliefs. This has caused many within evangelical churches to reconsider their church membership, their denominational affiliations, and even personal friendships.

Some people who are more committed to unity than truth are willing to compromise the truth in order to achieve unity. Others who are more committed to truth are willing to compromise relationships and unity in order to defend the truth. What road should we travel? Is there another option?

The Dividing Line

Seasons come and go in the life of the church where people are tempted to divide over non-essential issues. Such distractions cause local churches and evangelical denominations to become weaker and less impactful for the glory of God. We must be careful to guard our hearts and minds and to be capable of proper discernment in order to see the dividing line. Far too many local churches have fractured over silly schisms that could’ve been avoided with a few ounces of biblical maturity. In such cases, it’s often true that the immature believers are swept away by disgruntled members who are not walking closely with the Lord.

On the other hand, we must take seriously the command of Paul who writes to the church at Rome and says, “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them” (Rom 16:17). There is a real dividing line that will impact real relationships within local churches and that line must not be crossed. The point is, when someone makes a decisive choice to cross the line and abandon truth in order to align with positions that are contrary to the truth—they must be avoided.

Paul addresses the church at Rome and references the “doctrine they have been taught.” This body of truth centers upon the gospel of Jesus. Unlike what Paul addressed earlier in his letter when he fought valiantly against division over unnecessary issues, here he is passionate about the reality that there is a time for division. That line is drawn on the basis of the gospel and the essential truths of the faith. The key is found in the full title, “The Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Church as the Pillar and Buttress of Truth

Christians are to be known as “people of the Book.” We are to be people of truth and we are to passionately defend the truth of the gospel (Jude 3). Paul describes the church as the pillar and buttress of truth in 1 Timothy 3:15. Any teaching that blows along the broken road of history that seeks to divide Christians from the truth must be opposed.

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