What Error Does

David Eldridge

We oftentimes speak of the error that is found in the world. Webster’s definition of error is, “An act or a thought that deviates from what is correct, right and true.” In John 17:17, Jesus prays to God, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” Hence, we are caused to understand that anything we do or teach that is not found in God’s word is simply error. Let us consider what error does.

Error proves one to be foolish. In Isaiah 32:6 the prophet says, “For the foolish person will speak foolishness, And his heart will work iniquity: To practice ungodliness, To utter error against the LORD…” God considers the one in error to be a foolish person. The one in error, though feeling they may be right, is foolish because they are walking down a path that leads to Hell (Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12). Apart from God, our ways are in error and will end in eternal punishment (cf. Isaiah 55:9).

Error leads one away from God. Notice in II Peter 3:17 where Peter writes, “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked.” Their error would lead them away from God. Error causes us to be separated from God (Isaiah 59:2; Colossians 1:21). Not only that, it also makes us the enemy of God (James 4:4).

Error brings due penalty. In Romans 1:27 Paul says the Gentiles, because of their sins, were “…receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” There is a penalty due for a life of error before God. We live in a society where people want to blame others for their faults. God teaches us that if we walk in error there is no one that will be blamed or punished but us. There is penalty attached to error! Reading about Uzzah (II Samuel 6:7), Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1,2), and Annanias and Sapihra (Acts 5:1-11) shows us that if we error, there are consequences to be found.

Error causes us to die spiritually. James states that, “…he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20). A soul in error is a soul doomed to Hell. This is why error is foolish. In it, we are without God and we will receive our due penalty. We should instead know God’s word and walk therein that we might avoid error and the damnation of our souls (cf. Matthew 22:29; Revelation 22:14).