Protectors of Truth

We live in a multi-cultural and secular world. In practical terms, that means we are surrounded by people who do not believe nor live as we live. In spiritual terms, it means there are many who work tirelessly to teach us to distrust and leave the Church. Some even work against the Church from within the Church.

Titus, my son, appoint elders in every town as I directed you, if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of being profligate or insubordinate. For a bishop, as God’s steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of goodness, master of himself, upright, holy, and self-controlled; he must hold firm to the sure word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to confute those who contradict it. For there are many insubordinate men, empty talkers and deceivers especially the circumcision party; they must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for base gain what they have no right to teach. One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, instead of giving heed to Jewish myths or to commands of men who reject the truth.

Titus 1.5-14

Saint Paul taught that Presbyters (in other words, priests) must be willing to “hold firm to the sure word as taught.” This is so the Presbyters would be able and willing to “give instruction in sound doctrine and also to confute those who contradict it.” In practical terms, that means there ARE, not only might be, people within the Church that are teaching people false things that will lead them astray.

There is a new Protestant book pushing the false teaching of the rapture. In response to the ‘market’ being flooded with advertisements for the new book, I posted a reminder that the Orthodox Church does NOT believe the rapture.

I expected Protestant Christians to disagree with me, but I never expect such a large number of ‘otherwise’ Orthodox Christians who vehemently disagreed with my post. Some insisted the Church believed in the rapture, and I was wrong. Others boldly declared the Church, their own Church, was wrong.

There are many to blame for such ignorance within the Church. Parents have failed to instill a love for the Church and truth. Clergy have failed to teach members of the Church how to ‘stand up’ for our beliefs. The greatest blame though, is personal.

Maybe the Church should have ‘done more’ to teach, but we should have ‘done more’ to learn. It frightens me just how many members of the Church are willing to learn from non-Orthodox sources. Many have the false belief that, “at least they are learning the Bible.” When it comes to the truth, there is no such thing as ‘at least’.

The solution is basic. Return to the Church as the source of truth. Don’t trust sources that have not been vetted by the Church. Truth isn’t democratic. Truth doesn’t depend upon ‘how many’ believe it. Be Transfigured Ministries is dedicated to helping Live A New Life In Christ, based on the Truth the Church has held for more than 2000 years.

Turn to the Saints as those who the Church has upheld as protectors of truth. When you read the Scriptures, read what the Holy Fathers have said, and what the Church has always said, about the Scriptures.

Truth doesn’t change. Saint Paul reminded Saint Titus to choose Presbyters who held firm to what they were taught. Saint Paul himself was taught by the Holy Apostles. Christ promised the Holy Spirit would guide the Holy Apostles into all the Truth. Trust only those teachers who hold strong the truth as guided by the Holy Spirit and protected by the Holy Apostles and Holy Fathers.