THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE
Jesus taught, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32) This lesson is as timely today as it was when Jesus first spoke it. The consequences of rejecting His teachings are eternal in nature. If a person is able to possess everything this world has to offer - possessions, pleasure, power -but neglects what Jesus offers, what a miserable condition he is in. "Truth", in our time, has been watered down by the efforts of some; it has been redefined to cater to man's whimsical notions and for his convenience. We are told, "There is no absolute truth" in religion, but such is never questioned in other areas of knowledge, such as mathematics. It is obvious to the honest seeker that such statements merely serve as efforts to reject the truth of God, so some can do what they desire, even in the pretense of religion (Matthew 7:21-23). Let's see the truth about "truth".
The Source of Truth. For one to know "truth", Jesus refers him to His word (John 8:31). In Christ "...are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col. 2:3), and He declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) The truth of God, in Jesus Christ, is accessible to man by the revelation He has given us, the Bible. (John 17:17) Man's spiritual misdirection can be traced to the fact that he looks for truth in all the wrong places - human traditions, doctrines of men, one's feelings, family beliefs, popular opinion, etc., while, all along, the Bible warns us concerning these things (Colossians 2:8). Therefore, for the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, we must get back to the Bible: (1) It is the authoritative standard by which truth is determined, religious unity achieved and our eternity judged (John 12:48; Revelation 22:18-19). (2) It is the "seed" of God's kingdom, containing the "power unto salvation" (Luke 8:11-15; Romans 1:16-17). (3) It cannot be changed by the presumptuous efforts of man (Galatians 1:6-9). (4) It is eternal, as the God who authored it (1 Peter 1:23-25).
The Nature of Truth. There are several characteristics attributed to truth from the scriptures depicting its nature. A look at these will be helpful. (1) God's word is "light" (Psalm 119:105), guiding us in the ways of righteousness and, at the same time, exposing the evil and error that will cause us to stumble and fall. Just as we would use a lamp to direct us safely through the night, so does God's word lead us in a world darkened by sin. (2) Truth also is a "sword", our divine weapon to "fight the good fight of the faith" (1 Timothy 6:12; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). As a good soldier, armored up and fully prepared to do battle, the Christian recognizes who the enemy is, and is not ignorant of the devices he uses against us. Truth is for "...casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). With such, we will be victorious in our personal battles with temptation and, likewise, in helping others to be "complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Titus 1:9-13). (3) Likewise, the word of truth is a "mirror" (James 1:22-25), for our personal examination. Just as we regularly use our mirror to check out our personal appearance before presenting ourselves to others, so, more importantly, we recognize the necessity of using "truth" that we may see what improvements need to be made in our character and actions before God. Though some prefer to use God's word more as binoculars, always looking with scrutiny for the faults of others and never considering themselves, the emphasis in scripture is that of personal application. Then, and only then, can one be fitted to helping others come to a better understanding of God's will in their lives.
Who Can Find Truth? This is the million dollar question! Truth is available to all, but not all will profit by it. Why? First, one must look where truth may be found. God's prophet, Hosea, exposed the sin of Israel when he declared, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6) Instead of holding faithfully to the law of God, they chose to rely on the instruction of priests who had "forgotten the law of your God" and seek council in their idols. What a lesson for our time. Second, one must look for truth while it may be found. Many, who give little or no thought of their accountability to God, only deceive themselves, for their rejection will not change truth and all will reap what they sow (Galatians 6:7). No one has a perpetual lease on life. At best, "It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." (James 4:14) So, our opportunities to be saved by the atonement of Jesus are limited, and there will be no second chances after death - "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2) Third, one must look for truth in the way or manner that leads one to truth. Though the Bible certainly emphasizes the wisdom and love of God in all the spiritual blessings made available for sinful man, it likewise give emphasis to the condition of the individual's heart who is taught truth. His open-mindedness and honesty in dealing with the word of God is essential, if he is to obey, for he must obey from the heart (Romans 6:17). This power of one's choice is plainly shown as Jesus poured out his heart to the Jews of His day: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37) Are you willing to obey Jesus? The truth will give you freedom from the bondage of sin. Your eternity depends on your choice.
- Dan Richardson
