Exposing Error: is it Worthwhile?

Dr. Harry Ironside was a well-known evangelist and preacher at the Moody Memorial Church from 1930-48.  His essay entitled “Exposing Error: Is It Worthwhile?” tackles the topic of pointing out doctrinal errors within the professing Christian church.  Sometimes I catch myself wondering if spending time on exposing error is worthwhile, after all, it’s so much more pleasant to focus on the positive.  In this essay, Dr. Ironside reminds us that it is our duty to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).  Most importantly, he encourages us to be firm on the truth, but to speak the truth in love:  “This does not imply harsh treatment of those entrapped by error quite the opposite. If it be objected that exposure to error necessitates unkind reflection upon others who do not see as we do, our answer is: it has always been the duty of every loyal servant of Christ to warn against any teaching that would make Him less precious or cast reflection upon His finished redemptive work and the all-sufficiency of His present service as our great High Priest and Advocate.” It’s important to speak the truth, but to speak it in a way that does not betray our ultimate aim--to share the good news of the gospel with people who are lost without it.  Dr. Ironside’s biography is also well-worth reading.

Read More...