Embracing the Truth | John MacArthur | 1/18/15 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed (Eph. 1:13). The gospel is true because Jesus is true, not simply because Christians believe in Him. After stating salvation from Gods perspective in verse 12, Paul here states it from mans perspective. Faith in Christ is your response to Gods elective purpose in your life. Those two truths—Gods initiative and mans response—co-exist throughout Scripture. Paul rightly called the gospel the message of truth because truth is its predominant characteristic. Salvation was conceived by the God of truth (Ps. 31:5); purchased by the Son, who is the truth (John 14:6); and is applied by the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). To know it is to know the truth that sets men free (John 8:32). Believers are people of the truth (John 18:37), who worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), and who obey the Word of truth (John 17:17). Yet as profound and powerful as Gods truth is, people have rejected, neglected, redefined, and opposed it for centuries. Some, like Pilate, cynically deny that truth even exists or that it can be known by men (John 18:38). Others foolishly think that denying truth will somehow make it go away. Perhaps youve heard someone say, Jesus may be true for you but that doesnt mean He has to be true for me. That view assumes that belief somehow determines truth. But just the opposite is the case. Truth determines the validity of ones belief. Believing a lie doesnt make it true. Conversely, failing to believe the truth doesnt make it a lie. The gospel is true because Jesus is true, not simply because Christians believe in Him. His resurrection proved the truth of His claims and constitutes the objective basis of our faith (Rom. 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:3). You enter this day armed with the message of truth and empowered by the Spirit of truth. Truth is your protection and strength (Eph. 6:14). Lost souls desperately need to hear that truth. Represent it well and proclaim it with boldness.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:49:33 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015