Roy J. Hearn
Attitude is defined as, “position assumed as a result of a particular mood or state of mind.” What is our attitude toward truth? Do we look upon another whose conduct may not be in harmony with truth and use that as an excuse to brush it aside? Suppose the whole world rejects the truth and is lost, is that any reason you should do so? What is your disposition of mind toward God’s word? Is it one of reverence and respect? Or do you treat it lightly, feel it is not worthy of serious consideration and unnecessary to obey?
The Source Of Truth
Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” God’s word is truth (John 17:17), and “grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). The Word is called the law of the Spirit (Rom. 8:2), which was given by God to Christ, Who, in turn, delegated authority to the Holy Spirit, Who revealed the truth through the apostles and other inspired men of their day (John 16:12-15; 17:8).
Jesus said, “heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:45). First Peter 1:23 shows the word to be incorruptible, not subject to decay. These statements should impress us with the fact that though one may oppose the truth, he cannot remove or destroy it. Regardless of all the opposition to it, and the perverting of it by the sectarian world, truth remains and all must stand or fall by it (2 Cor. 13:8).
What is your attitude toward the truth? Our reception of any truth depends on our attitude toward it. If we are seeking to please ourselves, then only such truth as suits us will be accepted. When the people in the Lord’s day on earth rejected Him, was it because of who spoke? Did not the Lord speak the truth? When truth is spoken, we should accept it, regardless of who teaches. Improper attitudes, and refusal to accept and abide by truth will hinder and even prevent salvation.
The Value And Importance Of Truth
Be impressed with the fact that God’s truth revealed in the Bible is indestructible. The New Testament is Christ’s will, the terms of which must be kept to be saved (Heb. 9:15-17). It is the law of the Spirit which must be obeyed (Rom. 8:2), and is just as binding and unchangeable as the laws of nature. Acts 3:22-23 shows that we must hear Christ in all things, or otherwise be lost. Through John, the Spirit states that anyone who does not stay within the bounds of the teaching of Christ is without God and Christ, hence, is under condemnation (2 John 9-10). Such passages as these ought to sober us, make us stop and think.
Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Since truth makes us free, error does not. Any form of doctrine not found in the New testament is not truth, thus cannot make us free. Truth mixed with any part of error equals error and cannot save. Jesus plainly pointed out that the doctrines of men make void the word of God (Mark 7:7-13). Names in religion, doctrines, and institutions of men are not truth. Hence, to follow them does not make free from sin, but adds to sin. They constitute no less than rebellion against God. Read First Samuel 15:22-23 and see God’s attitude toward such.
The New Testament is our complete and infallible guide (2 Tim. 3:16-17). It furnishes everything that we need, or can have, that pertains to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). Therefore, for their souls’ sake, we plead with our readers to test all doctrines by God’s word, to see whether they are of God, “for many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). Those who pervert the gospel by adding the doctrines of men—even at one point—are under the most serious judgment of God (Gal. 1:6-9).
We Should Never Be Offended At Truth
God’s word is His representative on earth today. This word was given through inspired men (John 16:12-15; Matt. 18:18). To accept the word without variation is to accept God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 10:40). To despise the words revealed through the apostles is to despise and reject the Godhead (Luke 10:16).
Our Lord was hated, not merely because He taught the truth, but because truth condemned the sins and false doctrines of His day (John 8:32-44). Paul asked thee Galatians, “Am I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” (Gal. 4:16). One can preach some truth and never condemn error, but he cannot preach the whole truth and fail to do so. This writer likes to have the respect and love of all, but he is not in a popularity contest. I am bound to teach the whole truth. When one presents the truth from God’s word exactly as He gave it, and is hated for it, the one who hates does not hate the teacher, but Christ.
