hose who doubt that Christ is set against false doctrine should peruse Revelation 2–3, where we read Christ’s words to the seven churches of Asia Minor. In these chapters, Christ chastises those who tolerate false doctrine and commends those who take a stand against it.

For example, Christ commends the church at Ephesus because it has “tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false” (Revelation 2:2). He commends the church at Pergamum: “You hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness…who was killed among you, where Satan dwells” (2:13 NASB). But He also chastens this church, saying, “I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam,” and “you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans” (2:14-15). He also chastened the church at Thyatira: “You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality” (2:20). Christ observes and evaluates our own stand against false doctrines in the church as well as our positive stand for the truth. Let us not be found wanting!

Pearl of Wisdom: Our sternest attention ought to be on the Word of God: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). Only the Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Never cease defending the Word (Jude 3).

[5·Minute APOLOGETICS for TODAY Ron Rhodes]