Written by: April J. Buchanan
If a saint cannot disagree with a brother, even strongly, and still acknowledge him as a fellow saint when they hold different theological convictions, then we have gone too far.
We may even go so far as to say we cannot endorse or support someone because of their doctrines and yet still say that we believe them to be a fellow saint.
However, those who persistently oppose correction, sincere calls for repentance, and show themselves obstinate to the truth, while using Scripture wrongly to shield themselves from correction and to categorize fellow saints as critical, divisive, pharisaical, or creating controversies, are guilty of something very different. When a brother exposes their public error and calls them to repentance when biblically warranted, and they respond by calling that brother divisive and accusing him of attacking them, they have turned the charge of division against the very brother who is seeking to address the error. In doing so, they are the ones acting divisively and making a false accusation.
We can disagree, even strongly, and even expose the errant doctrines of others and still acknowledge those whom we believe to be fellow saints. This is not being divisive or having a critical spirit.
False teachers are in an entirely different category. They are not to be regarded as fellow saints. Their teaching and conduct may give biblical grounds to regard them as unregenerate, and they may be both deceived and deceiving. They make the same accusations, and they use the same Scriptures to shield themselves from being exposed for what they really are.
There is in the heart of every man that which he would do well to lay daily before God and set his mind and heart to the Scriptures, praying that the truth may correct him before it corrects his brother, and that when he goes to his brother, he does so in humility and genuine love, boldly and humbly proclaiming the truth.
Correction has a way of exposing our hearts. But not correction only. Sometimes, when we speak and claim to be discerning and loving truth, our own hearts may be exposed. We may find ourselves speaking many words and, as such, going beyond the Scriptures and judging our brother harshly. Not all discernment is biblical. Not all correction is genuine love.
No matter how well known we are for love, discernment, good deeds, or sound doctrine, pride is never far from our door. Examine ourselves first. Daily!
Examine our doctrine. Examine our hearts. Examine our lives. If we don’t, it will be exposed.
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