Two writers for The Gospel Coalition, Barry and Ben, offer guidance on how Christians can defend the faith without becoming quarrelsome. Their starting point is the short letter of Jude, which urges believers to "contend for the faith." They say the letter gives a framework for deciding when to confront error and how firmly to do it. The piece is an opinion and teaching essay from a denominational outlet, reflecting a Reformed evangelical view.
What the Writers Say
The article began with a question from a member of Barry's congregation during a study of Jude. The writers say Jude first meant to write about shared salvation, but felt he needed to call his readers to contend instead. Ben writes that his own pride can push him toward confrontation for the wrong reasons, and that wrong motives often lead to a wrong manner.
The authors name three groups to help believers tell them apart. Some people are confused and need patient teaching. Others are deceivers who actively spread error and resist biblical authority. A third group, the doubters, struggle to believe what they know to be true. A fourth group, the wanderers, are drifting toward serious error or sin. The writers say each group calls for a different response.
For deceivers, the writers say pastors may need to correct false teaching in private and in public, and refuse a platform to those who keep distorting the gospel. They cite Titus 1:9 and Acts 20:28-31. For doubters and wanderers, they recommend gentleness, compassion and restoration, citing Matthew 18:15-17, Galatians 6:1 and James 5:19-20.
Context
The article is based on Scripture and does not cite outside research or statistics. Its main claim is that truth and the health of the church both matter, so error should be addressed. The authors also say that confrontation without love becomes contentiousness. They tie this to Ephesians 4:15, which calls believers to speak the truth in love. The essay is written for church leaders and members who want to correct others faithfully.
The writers also say that believers must guard their own hearts. They list three steps from Jude 20-21: build up your faith, pray, and wait expectantly for the mercy of the Lord Jesus. They describe the waiting as an active act of faith, grounded in the gospel and in the promise that Christ will keep his people.
What to Watch
The essay makes no call for any specific policy or action beyond personal and pastoral faithfulness. Its authors encourage church leaders to address false teaching directly and to pursue straying members with mercy. They also urge believers to rest their confidence in God's Word more than in their own teaching or debating skill.
