Adjusting or Abandoning Theological Beliefs According to Scripture

Theological beliefs are subject to adjustment or abandonment when they conflict with scriptural teaching, a process often described as bringing "every thought to the obedience of Christ" ^{[1, 2]}. This principle suggests a continuous evaluation of one's understanding against the revealed word of God.

The concept of "conversion" itself implies a turning from previous ways or beliefs to God ^[5]. This turning is described as being "by God," "by Christ," and "by the power of the Holy Spirit," and it follows repentance and results from faith ^[4]. Conversion involves abandoning heathenism for Christianity, or, in a more specific sense, a complete change of life where "old things pass away, and all things become new" ^[5]. This transformation is facilitated by the Scriptures, ministers, self-examination, and even affliction ^[4].

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 10:5, speaks of "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" ^[2]. This verse underscores the need to dismantle any thought or belief system that stands in opposition to divine truth. John Gill interprets a similar sentiment in James 5:19, noting that individuals can "err from the truth," whether from Christ, the Scriptures, or the Gospel doctrine ^[7]. Such error necessitates a return to the truth.

Theological development is not merely about abandoning error but also about progressing in understanding. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to move beyond "the elementary discourse concerning the Christ" and tend "unto maturity," not laying down again the foundational principles like repentance from dead works and faith towards God ^[3]. John Gill interprets this as leaving the "rites and ceremonies of the law" and moving on to "more perfect knowledge of Gospel truths," insisting on the "more solid and substantial parts of the Gospel" ^[8].

Maintaining sound doctrine requires vigilance. Adam Clarke, commenting on 1 Timothy 4:16, advises taking "heed to thy doctrine, that the matter be pure and orthodox; that thou teach nothing for truth but what God has revealed" ^[10]. This continuous study prevents the "Divine influence" from receding and the "Divine gift" from the intellect ^[10]. Conversely, "backsliding" is characterized as turning from God, leaving one's "first love," or departing from the "simplicity of the gospel" ^[6]. Such actions are displeasing to God and carry consequences ^[6].

The integrity of scriptural teaching is paramount. The book of Revelation issues a solemn declaration and curse against anyone who alters its contents or message, emphasizing the importance of preserving the authentic word ^[9]. This highlights the gravity of adhering to revealed truth and the danger of introducing or maintaining beliefs contrary to it.

Sources

II Corinthians “II Corinthians 10:5 (Geneva1599) — Casting downe the imaginations, and euery high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captiuitie euery thought to the obedience of Christ,”
King James Version “[KJV] 2 Corinthians 10:5 — Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
Hebrews “Hebrews 6:1 (Rotherham) — Wherefore, dismissing the elementary discourse concerning the Christ, unto maturity, let us be tending, not, again, a foundation, laying down—of repentance from dead works, and of faith towards God,”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Conversion — By God -- 1Ki 18:37; Joh 6:44; Ac 21:19. By Christ -- Ac 3:26; Ro 15:18. By the power of the Holy Spirit -- Pr 1:23. Is of grace -- Ac 11:21,23. Follows repentance -- Ac 3:19; 26:20. Is the result of faith -- Ac 11:21. Through the instrumentality of The scriptures. -- Ps 19:7. Ministers. -- Ac 26:18; 1Th 1:9. Self-examination. -- Ps 119:59; La 3:40. Affliction. -- Ps 78:34. Of sinners, a cause of joy To God. -- Eze 18:23; Lu 15:32. To saints. -- Ac 15:3; Ga 1:23,24. Is necessary -- Mt 18:3. Commanded -- Job 36:10. Exhortations to -- Pr 1:23; Isa 31:6; 55”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Conversion — The turning of a sinner to God (Acts 15:3). In a general sense the heathen are said to be "converted" when they abandon heathenism and embrace the Christian faith; and in a more special sense men are converted when, by the influence of divine grace in their souls, their whole life is changed, old things pass away, and all things become new (Acts 26:18). Thus we speak of the conversion of the Philippian jailer (16:19-34), of Paul (9:1-22), of the Ethiopian treasurer (8:26-40), of Cornelius (10), of Lydia (16:13-15), and others. (See [125]REGENERATION.)”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Backsliding — Is turning from God -- 1Ki 11:9. Is leaving the first love -- Re 2:4. Is departing form the simplicity of the gospel -- 2Co 11:3; Ga 3:1-3; 5:4,7. God is displeased at -- Ps 78:57,59. Warnings against -- Ps 85:8; 1Co 10:12. Guilt and consequences of -- Nu 14:43; Ps 125:5; Isa 59:2,9-11; Jer 5:6; 8:5,13; 15:6; Lu 9:62. Brings its own punishment -- Pr 14:14; Jer 2:19. A haughty spirit leads to -- Pr 16:18. Proneness to -- Pr 24:16; Ho 11:7. Liable to continue and increase -- Jer 8:5; 14:7. Exhortations to return from -- 2Ch 30:6; Isa 31:6; Jer 3:12,14,22;”
James (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on James 5:19: Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth,.... Either from Christ, who is the truth, by departing from him, forsaking his ways, worship, and ordinances; or from the Scriptures of truth, not speaking according to them, and embracing notions that are contrary unto them; or from the Gospel, the word of truth, from the doctrine of faith, and from uprightness of life and conversation, after having made a profession of Christianity; for this is to be understood of one who has embraced the Christian religion, become a member of a church, and has walked in the path of trut”
Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6:3: And this will we do, if God permit. That is, leave the rites and ceremonies of the law, which were the rudiments, or first principles of the Gospel, and go on to a more perfect knowledge of Gospel truths; and, not lay again as the foundation of the ministry, or insist upon them as if they were the main things, even the above articles of the Jewish creed, especially in the, way and manner in which they had been taught and learnt: the sense is, that the apostle and his brethren, in the ministry were determined to insist upon the more solid and substantial parts of the G”
Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 22:18: 22:18-19 I solemnly declare: John issues an oath to protect the integrity of the book of Revelation. He declares a curse upon anyone who alters the contents of the book or its message (cp. Deut 4:2; 12:32). The curse contrasts with the statement of blessing on all who read aloud, listen to, and obey the prophecy (Rev 1:3). At the time Revelation was written, scribes would sometimes alter books to suit their own views. Early Christians quickly developed means of authenticating both messages and messengers (see John 21:24; 1 Cor 16:21; Gal 6:11; Col 4:18; 2 The”
1 Timothy (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Timothy 4:16: Take heed unto thyself - See that the life of God remains and the work of God prospers in thine own soul. Take heed to thy doctrine, that the matter be pure and orthodox; that thou teach nothing for truth but what God has revealed. Continue in them - i.e., In taking heed to thyself and to thy doctrine; for this must be thy continual study. Without this, the Divine influence shall recede from thy heart, and the Divine gift from thy intellect; and, like Samson shorn of his strength, thou wilt soon become as another man, as any common man; thy power will depart from”

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