“In Spite Of” Theology

Today, I want to talk about a dangerous belief held by many in the church that I’m calling In Spite of Theology.

Watch my YouTube short or my Instagram reel on this topic.

When false teachers, false teaching, or false movements are called out, often the response I hear or read is:

God can move in spite of them.

God can use it.

So why do you condemn?

 

In Spite of Theology

I have come to call this response “in spite of” theology.

To be clear: Does God move or work in spite of us? Absolutely! Yes! We see this all throughout Scripture. God works through sinners to accomplish His plans.

• But just because God uses a false teacher doesn’t mean the person is good or honoring to God.
• Just because God can bring good out of false teaching doesn’t mean the teaching is good or honoring to God.
• Just because God can still work through false movements {like Bethel}, doesn’t mean the movement {or their music} is honoring to God.

 

 

A false teacher, teaching, or movement doesn’t get a “free pass” simply because God can use it.

In Romans 6, Paul asks if we should continue to sin so that God’s grace abounds. His answer is a resounding, “Of course not!” Sin may highlight God’s grace, but that isn’t an excuse for us to sin more.

Our goal as followers of Jesus isn’t “in spite of” theology. Our goal isn’t to settle for “in spite of.” Our goal is sanctification through His Word. Our aim is to walk in the truth.

When you know the truth, you live by the truth.

• Jesus held the Pharisees accountable for their knowledge.
• In Luke 12, Jesus teaches much is required of someone when much has been given.
• We see this in James 4 as well. He says it is a sin to know the good you ought to do, and then not do it.

 

Excusing sin and false teachers/teaching in favor of an “in spite of” theology is quite frankly reckless. It can and has destroyed many lives. It flies in the face of our Holy God and His Word.

As we teach the next generation, we must point them to truth. We must show them how to walk worthy of our calling. We must teach them not to excuse false teachers, false teaching, and false movements in favor of an “in spite of” theology.

 

As Colossians 2:6-8 says, let’s raise rooted disciples for Him!
~Becky

 

 

Be sure to check out our Podcast Series on Heresy & False Teaching!