Faithful on Fridays Blog

Absolute Truth

One of my purposes for writing this blog is to get you to think about what you believe and hopefully to increase your ability to witness to your faith. Truth is an interesting word that’s actually quite controversial. Pontius Pilate, the Roman leader who pronounced the death sentence on Jesus asked the question, “What is truth?” Can something be true for you but not for me? Is it true all the time or just at certain times? I can think of a few ‘hot topics’ that truth can affect: abortion, homosexuality, lying, sex outside of marriage; I think you get the picture. With that line of questioning in mind, how does a Christian determine what is true? RC Sproul, a leading theologian of our day defined truth as “God’s perception of reality.” In other words, whatever God thinks is absolute truth. How do we know what God thinks? We check the Bible and let it speak for itself; it is the Word of God.

Here are some time-honored, absolute truths that Christians must live by:

• The Bible is true; it was true, it is true, and it is eternally true. It’s inspired by God, without error, never changes, and it’s our only source of authority. If you don’t believe those absolute truths about God’s written Word then the other ones are meaningless.
• Our God is one and yet three distinct persons. Can I explain that? Not really. Theologians have been trying for 2,000 years and haven’t been able to adequately clarify that concept, yet, we believe it by faith. We know from Scripture that the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. That’s the primary way you can tell us apart from other religions and cults. Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Muslims do not believe Jesus was God. That is an absolute truth for Christians that cannot change.
• Jesus was raised from the dead after defeating the devil and made victory in this life accessible to those who will believe and follow Him. That truth makes Him more than a prophet as other religions or cults call Him: that qualifies Him as God.
• Jesus is the only way to heaven. We don’t work our way there, it’s a free gift from the Father to those who trust Him. There isn’t some cosmic balance on our shoulders, as Buddhists believe, that needs to be weighted on the side of good works. It’s a free gift from a loving God. How unique is that!

For a Christian, these are absolute truths; we won’t bend on them because they are God’s perspective on reality. If your perspective is different from God’s, guess who needs to change. 

What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.” Romans 3:3-4 ESV

Part Eight

We close out this ‘nutshell teaching’ of Romans with chapters 15&16 where Tertius, Paul’s writer, (16:22) listened to him repeat once again the value of Jew and Gentile working in harmony toward a common goal: hope. What are they hoping for? To glorify God with one mind, one voice, and with unity in purpose reaching people with the gospel. By pointing us back to the Scriptures (Old Testament), remember, the New Testament wasn’t written yet, and quoting Moses, the Psalms, and the prophet Isaiah he clearly made his point. From the beginning of time all nations are included in the Plan of Redemption through the Messiah, Jesus Christ. As Simeon held the infant Jesus he said,

“… for my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.” Luke 2:30-32

That’s our confident expectation or hope (since the church is predominantly Gentile) bringing us encouragement and helps us persevere in hard times. Since we do have the New Testament we can read Jesus’ words,

“And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. So there will be one flock, one Shepherd.” John 10:16

The last book of the Bible includes a phrase repeated many times: every tribe, language, people, and nation will be included in the new Kingdom of God at His Return (Rev. 5:9, 10:11, 11:9, 14:6). Point secured.

Paul seems to be a relational kinda guy; he cares about people and personally commended many to this church in Rome as servants, fellow workers, his beloved, dependable, or chosen. He didn’t back away from women listing eight of them, mentioned both Jewish brethren and Gentiles, and gave credit where credit was due. There’s real value in occasionally commending people for their hard work in the church, there’s also a danger that jealousy may arise, however, words of praise build us up and words of criticism tear us down. May our churches today be known for building and not tearing as we often encourage and commend one another.

Lastly, Paul cautions this relatively new church to watch out and avoid those whose doctrines may set traps (obstacles), using legalism or license to draw you toward their perspectives. Avoid them, don’t slander them, don’t confront them, avoid them. As Jesus taught about weeds within the wheat field (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43) He instructed us to let them grow together, assuring that He would sort it all out in the end. Closing his message Paul prayed that his teaching, which was through Holy Spirit revelation, would help them all stand in faith and submit to what they heard whether they liked it or agreed with it. The mystery of all nations included in the Plan of Redemption, that’s the gospel in a nutshell, eternal life offered to anyone who’ll repent and believe.