Avoid Reactive Doctrine
In reaction to error, sometimes doctrines are distorted in an attempt to distance as far as possible from the error. Avoid these sorts of reactive doctrinal exaggerations.
Some errors are only off by 30 degrees. Yes, even small errors can create big problems down the road. But if you react with a position 180 degrees opposite of the error, you could find yourself also going in the wrong direction.
Here is an example:
It is an error to blend prophecy and mystery so that there is no difference.
The opposite would be to say that prophecy and mystery have no similarities, and prophecy can never be referenced by stewards of the mystery of Christ. This is reactive.
The truth is less reactive. All scripture is profitable, and Paul references prophecy throughout his ministry, while not conflating it with mystery truth.
Not every solution to an error is the exact opposite. Avoid forming your doctrine in reaction to error. In seeking to oppose error, you might find yourself at odds with the truth.
For truth,
Justin “degrees” Johnson