Holding to Truth

Originally published in Issue #6 on May 7, 2021

It does not matter whether 50,000 espouse its cause,
or only five,
or only one.

Truth does not reign by the ballot box,
or by the counting of heads:
it abideth for ever.

All the tongues of men and of angels cannot make truth more true;
and all the howlings of devils and doubters
cannot transform it into a lie.

Glory be to God for this!

—C. H. Spurgeon, “An Address for Sad Times,” in Only a Prayer Meeting! (London: Passmore and Alabaster, 1901), p. 146. Via The Gospel Coalition 📃.

I chose this quote for dual purposes. First, I would like to encourage you to hold to what is true. Second, I would like to encourage you to not use sentiments like this to hold fast to false beliefs.

First, in encouragement to hold to what is true. Nothing that happens in America, Canada, Europe, Japan, China, or any other nation on earth can stop the kingdom of heaven. “The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to YHWH” (Psalm 24:1). True statements are what correspond to reality and no politician or preacher’s personal “truth” can change that. It is true that God created humankind with a purpose (Genesis 1-2). It is true that humanity is broken (Genesis 3). It is true that we cannot save ourselves (Genesis 4 – Malachi). It is true that God sent Jesus to make atonement for our sins (1 John 4:10). It is true that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8).

Second, it is also true that people hold untrue beliefs very tightly. A Christian must only look to the Mormon, Jehovah’s Witness, Unitarian, Muslim, or any other false religion to see that people may sincerely believe something that is false.

But now let’s turn the mirror. What do I believe that is untrue? Am I holding to it so tightly that I cannot be dissuaded of it? Friends, let us hold tightly to the core tenants of our faith (2 Thessalonians 2:15), let us hold more loosely the things which are not core to our faith (God, help us discern those rightly!). Let us live charitably and listen well to our Christian brothers who believe differently than us on these kinds of matters.

What if they’re right, and I’m wrong? Am I willing to be teachable?