"Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all." John 18:37-38
When Pilate stood before Jesus, preparing to condemn Him to death, he was standing in front of the manifestation of Truth; yet, he still could not see it. This is exactly what people do today. They are presented face-to-face with the truth, but would rather debate about it rather than submit to it. Why is this? Because they are not of the truth; they have no heart to hear it, but are dull of hearing (Proverbs 17:16; Matthew 13:15; Acts 28:27; Hebrews 5:11).
We need to understand that the truths of God are not debatable. He is Sovereign and is the Creator & Judge of all. He does not request nor need our validation of His truths; they stand sure whether we agree with them or not. No matter how clever or intellectual a position may seem, it is only the carnal mind which rejects the truth of God in favor of leaning to his own understanding (Proverbs 3:5; I Corinthians 2:4-5; James 3:15). This is why it is futile to strive with others about the truth; unless God gives one eyes to see, one will not see no matter how long the discussion.
The truth is not our opinion and not even what we may believe. You will only find truth when the word of God and the Spirit of God are in agreement (Psalm 119:33; Psalm 138:2; John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 17:17; I John 5:6). It is not enough to have some personal interpretation of Scripture, nor is it enough to have some word from some spirit. The words from God - whether written or spoken - are inspired by the same God and will never contradict each other (II Thessalonians 2:15). Only the Word of truth and the Spirit of truth in alignment confirm what is true.
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17
Such is how Jesus became flesh. The Word - which was with God and was God since the beginning - came forth from God. The Spirit came to perform the word, and the Truth was manifested, who is Jesus (Luke 1:31-35). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
This process is what happens to us in salvation as well. The word of God is sown into our hearts and the Spirit of God comes into agreement with that word to generate life within us. As a result, we become reflections of the Truth.
When we believe the truth, we are recreated in the image of Truth, who is Jesus Christ. When we believe a lie, we become a lie and are made over in the image of the father of lies (John 8:44).
Remember, God is looking for "truth" in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6).
How do we “buy” the truth?
Surely the gift of salvation is free unto all who would receive it (Romans 5:15-18; Revelation 22:17). Neither is it possible to be purchased by money (Acts 8:20). Yet, we are exhorted to "buy" truth; this lets us know that there is a cost to it. As the song goes, "It didn't come cheap, but I got it for free."
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.
So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:28-33
The above Scripture indicates that possessing such is akin to selling all that you have in order to attain it. It is a similar principle when God speaks of buying the truth. You "buy" the truth by valuing and treasuring it above all else, counting all else as dung (Philippians 3:7-8).
It is interesting how some will refer to the moment of one entering salvation as the end of a matter. You turn in faith to Jesus Christ one day, and then no matter what, you are saved. Yet, that is not consistent with Jesus' text above at all. In the exact opposite of terms, Jesus describes entering salvation as being the start of something. He likens it to starting to build a tower or engaging in a war. This should let us know that two simultaneous things are happening when we enter salvation. One, our faith is building a tangible result (fruitfulness); and two, we are engaging in a war against an adversary.
How do we “sell” the truth?
To sell the truth is to forsake the truth in deference to lies; to adhere to that which is not of God, using your on mind as the standard for truth. It is to choose to walk in a way other than the way of truth (Psalm 119:30). It is the same old trick that Satan used in the beginning: appeal to man's ego so that he will believe that he can determine what is good or evil apart from God (Genesis 3:5)
It should be known that God desires all to be saved (I Timothy 2:4); even to the point where He allowed His Son to be butchered on the cross for our sins. However, one of the harshest judgments we hear in the Scripture is for those who reject the truth.
"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." II Thessalonians 2:8-12
"For this cause" - the fact that the people loved not the truth- God Himself will send them a strong delusion so that they will be damned! The God who loved us enough to die for us will take specific action to make sure that such persons go to Hell.
Walking away from revealed truth is not a small thing because God esteems His word, even above His name (Psalm 138:2). We cannot afford to have our own understanding or to do things our own way. The truths of God preserve us (Psalm 40:11); forsake them and there is nothing to keep us from falling away...God will make sure of that.
"Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you." I Samuel 12:24
The following might also be of interest:
Thy Word is Truth
Part 1 of 2
ReplyDeleteGod is truly wonderful and will speak to a humble heart that simply wants the TRUTH. Do you know that I fight the biggest battles regarding sharing the Truth that the Lord has given to me? Yes, I am ashamed to admit that .. but I have to share that personal battle before I share the rest. Satan always uses the following statements on me: "Joy, the people you attempt to share the Truth with have eternal life already abiding in them, so stop trying to tell them that believers can fall away. You are talking to people who serve the Lord already."
This is where I seek the Lord the most - on this issue alone. Time and again the Lord has shown me that I am specifically to speak and write about the fact that followers can depart from the faith. He has told me to warn others of this. Over the years, the Lord has used two people to prophesy to me Jeremiah Chapter 1 and explained that fear should not stop me from speaking what He has shown me, and He has on countless occasions orchestrated events that brought me back to Jeremiah chapter 1 - profound moments of knowing God has pointed me to that chapter and to the overall message of Jeremiah - words that were not easy to hear or speak, yet Jeremiah obeyed the Lord and spoke.
Part 2 of 2
ReplyDeleteThis morning, I sat on my couch - Bible and Strong's Concordance on lap. I found myself looking up the word TRUTH in the Concordance. I spent time reading the following verse: "Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice." This is the same verse that you have listed near the beginning of your blog entry above. After time in the Word this morning, I thought, "Lord, I just want your Truth - not mine - not others but Yours." It was a humble thought with an understanding that only His Truth matters. It was even a surrendering to His Way and His Truth.
Then, I felt led to get on the computer - which is not something I normally do this early. Within a few moments, I was reading this new post of yours - on TRUTH. While reading it, I felt the confirming of many things the Lord had spoken to my heart. There are so many verses that speak very directly regarding Truth. As I was reading your entry, I was semi-consciously aware that the open Bible on my lap was beginning to flip through pages (for it was on a slight incline on my lap). I wasn't really paying attention to that... But then, you listed a particular verse, so I wanted to turn to that verse in my Bible. I looked down and saw that my Bible had flipped to Jeremiah chapter 1 and had stopped there. Right there in front of me, my eyes read the very chapter and verses that the Lord has been speaking to me all along. Of course, the devil showed up saying, "This is a coincidence, Joy." Then, my eyes went to the first picture you have on this entry - an open Bible. I was struck by the similarities of that open Bible in your picture to the open Bible on my lap - then, God brought my eyes to a single word on the Bible picture you have posted: ---> JEREMIAH. <------
Satan departed very quickly, and I am reminded that the Lord has given me a specific ministry. And that ministry can only be fulfilled IF I am obedient. I thank the Lord for His confirmation yet again on this issue, yet I am sorry that I allow myself to be bombarded by fiery darts. The Lord has shown me time and again to take up the shield of Faith when Satan seeks to silence me on this issue.
Blessings to you, Sister. And I am grateful to a Lord who knows that my only desire in this life is to be obedient to Him. I sat this morning and thought - Satan has been so relentless these last weeks in seeking to silence me on this issue. He has truly stepped up his fight against me. I think you may have stated it in another recent blog -- Satan doesn't just roll over and give up when the Spirit is working through a believer. Satan makes every attempt to silence that person. If Satan fights this hard against labourers for Christ, we can rest assured in knowing that there are those who are turning FROM lies TO the TRUTH as a result of the Spirit's work through us. Glory to God!
I thought I would add this as well - This is a few hours after my original 2 part post. When I was in my living room a few moments ago. I was thinking of God's revelation this morning -- regarding speaking His Truth no matter what (Jeremiah 1), and there was a knock on my screen door at literally that same second. I walked over to see my 6 year old son holding a turtle shell and saying, "Look what I found, Mom." Of course, the Lord has used a turtle in the past to lead me and speak to me. I'll include a link below if anyone would like to share in my praise of how the Lord truly works and confirms His word through people, objects, and of course HIS WORD. I would include a picture of the shell, but I don't think there is an option on here to do that. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://trustingodvoiceoftheturtle.blogspot.com/2013/08/stand-in-gap.html
Joy, I do not have the right words to describe what your testimony has done inside of me. Praise the Lord is all I can say! I need to listen to Him right now for this very same thing about the "once saved always saved doctrine". I was SO happy inside when my church started a discipleship class. I also participate in the jail ministry at my church and I do not teach but my Sunday school teacher's wife does. She was teaching on "once saved always saved". For the past month within almost every message that I have listened to from Omega Ministries they speak on this false teaching. Last week I was all happy to be moving along into week 2 of the discipleship class and guess what week 2 was on? Eternal security or "once saved always saved". I don't think my uneasiness inside about this teaching is something I need to keep ignoring. There is a short time to ask questions in class before we go into our lessons, and I will seek the Lord to give me the right words to say when I ask the questions that challenge this teaching. Your posts and the preaching from a guest preacher this morning about staying faithful is enough confirmation for me, I don't need to hold back anymore I need to seek the Lord and obey. I must continue to lay aside the cares of this world and keep my eyes on the Lord just as I read in your blogpost. I have seen your responses on this blog a lot but I did not know you had one of your own as well! Tears were running down my face reading about your stand for the TRUTH. This is all the timing of the Lord because He knows what is going on with me at this very moment and He is calling me to speak up about it. Praise the Lord!
DeleteHello gijane02,
DeleteI am blessed by your response. I completely understand all that you said. God has persistently taught me on this very issue. He has shown me that the topic of OSAS is not one to be taken lightly. I think about the Parable of the Talents right now. Am I too hide the knowledge He has given me on this issue for fear of ruffling a few feathers... He has shown me time and again to Speak on this issue - not in a condescending manner but in a way that sets people free from bondage to an UNtruth. There is something in that doctrine that does not set well with the Lord. Satan has truly come against me over this, but that confirms even further that the Truth should be spoken. I encourage you to stay in prayer with the Lord and allow Him to direct your path and your words. At the center of everything, remember to remain obedient to Him.
I, like you, must keep my eyes on Him and lay aside the cares/fears of this world. Satan loves to distract believers. Distractions stifle us. We are slowed down by distractions. I pray the Lord will help you to remain focused and to complete any and all callings that He has invited you to complete.
Blessings to you, Sister.
Joy
You made a good point sis about OSAS is not to be taken lightly. I really don't think this is a "let's agree to disagree" issue in the body of Christ. If Satan was coming at you in the way that you described in your statement of faith, there is NO WAY that is the truth then! He wouldn't mess with you unless you are a threat. What you were going through should make Christians sit up and think more deeply about the reasons we hold on to all of these doctrines and traditions of men. I am praying for strength to stand and take whatever reactions may come. I read the statement of faith of the church I have been attending for almost a year and OSAS is in there. It is also stated that tounges do not have to be evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit which I let go of that last month, and I want to be filled and have the gift of tounges. No church is perfect, but I really don't see how I can continue going there but I will wait for God's direction on that.
DeleteI understand again all that you are feeling. Your last few words are very important - regarding waiting upon the Lord. He will give you direction. I spent years in my former church and wondered sometimes why the Lord had not permitted me to leave. It wasn't until I sat in a pulpit committee meeting while I listened to our interim pastor explain to us on the committee the things we were to "look for" in pastoral candidates that I finally heard a word from the Lord. The interim pastor explained the beliefs of Baptists and further explained what should and should not be accepted of candidates. He mentioned several points of belief that Baptists must stand for, yet I knew God had shown me the opposite in many of those areas. I sat there silently and asked, "Lord, why am I on the pulpit committee when I don't believe what they believe?" It was a humble and honest question. In that moment and later that evening and the very next day and so many times since then, the Lord spoke, "Now is the time to speak the Truth to them." That definitive moment led to the Statement of Faith I have on my blog and to the Stand in the Gap blog entry on my blog. He kept me there - at that church - in order to shed the Truth to those who had ears to hear. Although many stated that they did not agree, there have been 2 families who have spoken to me since then and said that they believe that we are to endure/abide IN Christ and that a believer can turn away from the Faith. In fact, I remember going by the ATM back in August right when I typed up and sent the Statement of Faith to the church members. I sat in the parking lot and thought "Show me who else I should send it to, Lord." At literally that same moment, a man from our church drove by me on the main road. You see -- I didn't have his address, so I had not mailed the Statement of Faith to him. I discovered his mailing address and mailed the Statement of Faith to him. Do you know that this past December, we received a card from him, and in it, he stated that he believed the Statement of Faith was a "true understanding of the word of God." Now, isn't God good! He will use a willing vessel!
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't until mid-September that the Lord confirmed more than 5 times in a two hour span that it was now time for my family to move on from that church. Now, if I had "jumped the gun" and left long before all of this, I would have 1. disobeyed God and 2. not been a vessel meet for my Master's use. Follow the Lord's leading. Stay in prayer. Fast. Study His Word and ask Him to open your eyes for understanding.
On another note, I was just about to type something up for the Lord this evening and had a scripture on my heart, when in the other room, my 6 year old - who was playing with his younger brother-- all of a sudden says, "JEREMIAH 5." I said, "What did you say..." He then repeated himself. Wow. and Wow.
Blessings to you.
Wow and wow, and Amen and Amen too! God bless :)
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