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The Lord was always able to get to the heart of the matter and expose the root of the problem.
To the unbelieving Jews of His day Christ said, "I know that ye are Abraham's seed: yet ye
seek to kill me, because my word hath not free course in you" (John 8:37 ASV). This same
problem still afflicts many people today. They will not allow the Word of God to penetrate
their hardened heart and influence their lives.
The Savior spoke the truth to the Jews but they preferred to place their faith in man-made tradition (Matthew 15:7-9). Why is it that most people today so willingly accept man's claims that cannot be substantiated by Holy Writ while choosing to reject a "thus saith the Lord?" The question that Jesus asked the Jews will haunt many in the Day of Judgment — "If I say truth, why do ye not believe me" (John 8:46 ASV)? The Lord spoke the truth about His character. The gospel account of John says, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12 ASV). Jesus did no sin and neither did deceit ever pass from His lips (1 Peter 2:22). His purpose for living in this world was to do the will of the Father in the grand scheme of redemption (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). It has been well stated that reputation is what others believe you to be, but character is what you really are! Christ was not an imposter (John 8:24) nor was He a winebibber and gluttonous as His enemies falsely charged (Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:34). Christians are to follow in the steps of the Savior (1 Peter 2:21) and possess a character that is beyond reproach. The old man of the flesh is to be crucified (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20) and a new creature should be "raised from the dead" to "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). Our enemies will always find fault with us, but let us make sure their accusations are unjust and unscriptural. The Lord spoke the truth about the terrible consequences of sin. Jesus pleaded, "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" (John 8:24 ASV). The apostle Paul clearly states, "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Many have convinced themselves that they can entertain sin without having to pay the pied piper (the devil)! It is a sad truth that "the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them" (2 Corinthians 4:4 ASV). One should always believe what God says about any matter, as He does not lie (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). We need the courage and conviction of Moses who chose to "share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season" (Hebrews 11:25 ASV). Moses warns God's people of old, saying, "be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23). One who continues to practice sin can only look forward to an eternity without God (Isaiah 59:1-2). The Lord told the truth about the conditions of discipleship. "Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples" (John 8:31 ASV). It should be simple for all to see that the "if" indicates that there is a condition than one must keep. Christ said, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love" (John 15:10). A failure to continue to "walk in the light as he is in the light" will bring one heartache and disaster (1 John 1:7). One can choose to "know the truth, and the truth" obeyed and lived will provide freedom from the bondage of sin (John 8:32). Truth is precious and should not be ignored or sold (Proverbs 23:23). The will of God is made known by inspiration (2 Peter 1:20-21) and can be understood by all people (Ephesians 5:17). Christ spoke the truth, and it is truth that will either commend or condemn every soul at the judgment bar of God (John 12:48). God's Word does not change (1 Peter 1:25) nor does it need to be amended by man to be relevant today (cf. Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19). May we choose to allow truth to mold us and guide us to a Heavenly Home! |