The Edifier

West Allen Church of Christ

The Edifier Index

Why Are You So Biased?

C. Boyd Jennings

An oft-repeated question asked of those who do believe the truth (2 Thess 2:12) and who do teach as the oracles of God (1 Pet 4:11). The dictionary defines the verb bias as to influence in a particular, typically unfair direction; prejudice (American Heritage Dictionary). One who has been so influenced or prejudiced is said to be biased.No one is completely unbiased in everything he believes, sometimes simply because he does not know everything about a subject.Few would ever admit that their words are designed to influence someone else unfairly or prejudicially.This author could not admit to trying to bias others according the above definition of that word, since it has never been my intention to influence someone in an unfair direction.

There is a related definition of the noun, bias. It is defined as a line going diagonally across the grain of fabric: [as] cut the cloth on the bias. Both the noun and the verb are derived from a French word meaning to slant (AHD).In this sense of the word, sound Bible teaching is biased (cf. 2 Tim 1:13). The content of sound Bible teaching, which rightly divides the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15), does go across the grain of modern religious thought or theology. The slant of sound doctrine directs the reader or listener to the Bible for answers to their questions.  

Evangelists and teachers of God’s word, who are true to their work, evaluate every word and thought they present.They do so with the underlying belief that human custom and creed must never be allowed to amend or alter the expressed will of God in the Scripture (2 Jn 9; Rev 22:18-19; Prov 30:5-6). Critical analysis of Bible teaching ought to be done to make certain that the content of what is taught is based firmly and solely upon what the Bible teaches. 

The Lord Jesus was considered to be biased by many of His fellow Jews. The reason being, He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes (Matt 7:29). Several times He used these words, You have heard that it was said to those of old But I say to you (Matt 5:21-48). Jesus often taught things that were across the grain of commonly accepted beliefs. He did so because many common beliefs of His day had no basis in truth. The word of God is truth (John 17:17), and the teaching of Jesus always conformed to the truth of God.Jesus said, My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority (John 7:16-17).

Jesus promised to send His apostles the Holy Spirit Who would guide them into all truth (John 16:13). This means the apostles were divinely caused to understand all the word of God, for the word of God is truth (John 17:17). Their writings constitute a body of knowledge that will help us understand the will of God both for our lives and for the church that Jesus built (see, Eph 3:1-7; Phil 4:9; 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:1-4; Jude 3).

What is presented here may sound very biased to some of our readers, but the subject of truth, being absolute, is absolutely biased! The truth of God’s word will always cut across the grain of any belief or system of religion that cannot be proven true by the Scripture. It seems that the word of the living God will often slant in the opposite direction of the will of most men.Jesus tells us the reason for that in John 5:44, How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?

We sincerely hope that you will seek the honor that comes from God. Certainly, it is not unfair to declare the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). That is our aim as we submit teaching from the word of God and the gospel of Christ.Thanks so much for reading.