Some professed Christians may be convinced that, if the intent of their
heart is
right and they are sincere in whatever they practice, God will
surely accept them.
Without truth, we cannot worship God. “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23,24). God’s word is truth (John 17:17). As such, all scripture will perfectly harmonize.
Can we know the truth? Jesus said: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Truth is our only remedy against error. Knowledge of truth enables us to defy Satan and walk with God.Jesus warned against man’s deception: “Take heed that no man deceive you” (Matt. 24:4). “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matt. 24:24). This is deception of the most insidious kind—powerful, convincing, seeming to serve God.
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Col. 2:8).
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you:” (2 Peter 2:1-3).
When doctrines contradict one another, truth is either absent or
obscured.
As men
misinterpret
and twist scripture, others are influenced to believe and practice
these
false teachings, thereby furthering the work of Satan and condemning
many.
Carefully compare all related scriptures to verify the accuracy of
these
teachings. Isaiah declared: “To the law and to
the
testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because
there
is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). If we prayerfully consult
scripture,
God will shine His light of truth on falsehood.
Even Paul did not want others to believe anything based on his word alone. He praised certain ones in Berea for their desire for truth: “These were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).
Paul directed Timothy to correctly understand God’s word:
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).
Do you recognize such conditions today? Bible truth is decidedly
unpopular
with many people in our time. Some churches have established new
guidelines
for righteousness,
re-interpreting
God’s standards to fit their own. The following text describes them: “Having
a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2
Timothy 3:5).
Scripture warns: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee,” (Hosea 4:6).
Acceptance of error may destroy one’s faith. “Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some” (2 Timothy 2:18). If we persist in teaching error, we do not honor God and He will not hear us. “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:7).
If, however, we follow God’s Spirit, we will find truth: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). This we know: the Holy Spirit cannot teach error. Therefore, true doctrine will not contradict the Word of God.
We are also commanded to test the spirits that draw us: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1John 4:1).
Once
again,
scripture is the testing ground. We cannot chart our own route to God.
He has already defined that path. “Enter ye in at
the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that
leadeth
to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait
is
the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there
be that find it” (Matt. 7:13,14).
The sincere Christian desires truth and determines to change his life to conform to it. Are you living entirely by scriptural truth? Will your beliefs and practices stand the test of a Bible investigation? May God grant you the courage to follow His way that leads to life eternal.
HOME | BELIEF
| LITERATURE | EMAIL
US