As we grow in knowledge of Christ and His teaching, we realize that we have changed our views on certain biblical topics. The same degree of certainty that accompanied the second view existed with the first view. What do we make of this occurrence in our lives and how can we benefit from it?
First, suppose the change is the result of flighty impressions that are created by certain conversations, literature, or a specific speech. In that case, the change is the result of immaturity, i.e. “being tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error” (cf. Eph. 4:14). When one is expecting God to talk to them through these impressions, they may quickly conclude that God showed them the right way. One might as well flip a coin as to connect such things to God’s leading. When such changes are based on hunches and feelings, a biblical word that might describe it is the word “fickle.” Rather than the Bible being the unalterable guide for decision-making, human beings more often than not “lean on our own understanding” (Proverbs.3:5). It appears that this shift from objectively thinking our way by carefully studying the written word to subjectively feeling our way to a conclusion that is nothing more than conjecture. I cannot tell you how many people have come up with the meaning of the number 666 and the identity of the anti-Christ. Many theories may “fit like a glove” or so they say, but is it provable in light of the Scriptures?
When one adds their own preconceived notions to such an approach to truth, even the Scriptures will be distorted to fit their prejudiced views. I stand amazed at the approach many will take to the Revelation of Jesus Christ that violates the most simple step to good hermeneutics – the expected setting and time of fulfillment. The book begins and ends with the time being “at hand” or “must shortly come to pass.” Yet, we will ignore it because it doesn’t fit our wisdom. This is a case of trying to fit the Bible into our own theory instead of fitting our theory to be in harmony with the Bible. This and many more examples illustrate that Scriptures are ignored because we don’t “feel it.”
The Bible has a word to describe this mindset. It is the word, “fickle.” Such minds are easily swayed by every “slight of men” or the imagination of our own hearts. If the changes that we make occur as a result of an accurate application of the Scriptures, it would happen only as a result of continuing to seek the truth and being open and honest to consider the possibility of being mistaken. Assumptions are a given set of beliefs that are rarely tested for accuracy, and they cause us to refuse ideas that contradict them. On the other hand, love for truth would always allow such individuals to re-study and consider any new evidence that was overlooked in the past.
Second, one should not be too quick to jump to conclusions. After consideration is given to an alternative view, one must pass it through different criteria sifts to ensure accurate translation, contextual content, scriptural harmony, and any historical settings that may impact its application for us today. Allow time for all these factors to be applied before jumping. In fact, refuse to make that change when there are inconsistencies, loose ends, or holes in one’s logic.
Third, the fact that one is certain at any point neither proves its accuracy nor its inaccuracy. The fact that one speaks with confidence about a matter just proves he has conviction based upon the evidence for the opinion. This should in no way be used by others to disavow the new view or refuse to listen. On the other hand, such personal conviction should not cause students of the Word to be arrogant, argumentative, or divisive, either.