In reply to John J. Flanagan.

Correction: I erroneously attributed the words, “contend for the faith,” to Paul, although he used similar expressions at times. It was in the epistle of Jude where the words, “ earnestly contend for the faith,” are found. He was speaking about the believer seeing apostasy within the church, and reacting to it. Opening one’s mouth in defense of God’s word, to correct a egregious fallacy regarding the faith, is a response we must not hold back. It need not be expressed with hostility or with a sense of spiritual superiority or arrogance, but it is a task to be done with conviction and in the power of the Holy Spirit. The epistle of Jude, which is found just before Revelation, eloquently defines the way in which false teaching in the church should be approached. Being firm in the defense of the word of God is essential, while drawing back is certainly no virtue.