Why It’s Important to Know the Absolute from the Twisted Truth
It is often much easier to identify an outright lie than a twisted truth.
A twisted truth sounds true . . . almost. But that “almost” can result in a terrible distortion of the complete truth.
It was a twisted truth that caused the Apostle Paul to write his letter to the Christians in Galatia.
There were some Jewish followers of Jesus who were declaring that in order to be a “real” Christian it was necessary to obey all of the traditional Jewish laws that had been added to God’s commands . . . that trusting faith in Jesus was not enough.
Paul was deeply concerned about this message and he said so…
I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.
Galatians 1:6–7
And the struggle goes on…
There continue to be teachers and followers who are declaring the “truth” . . . almost. They proclaim Jesus and quote the Bible but ignore one or two Biblical truths. And in the process, they distort the Gospel!
It may be as simple as adding good works as a requirement or ignoring God’s “inconvenient” or “unpopular” commands.
I love Paul’s answer to all of this…
God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being.
Galatians 1:15b–16
Paul turned to Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
You and I are blessed to have God’s Word.
God’s word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.
Hebrews 4:12 (NCV)
If truth is twisted and alters God’s word in any way . . . it is NOT the TRUTH! The only way you and I can experience the TRUTH that sets us free is to test everything against the lasting absolute TRUTH of God’s Word.
A Prayer to Identify and Reject the Twisted Truth
Father, many voices claim to have the truth. There are even those who quote Your Word out of context and distort its message for personal purposes. Therefore there is only one way to discern Your absolute TRUTH from messages of twisted truth and that is to faithfully spend time reading and studying Your Word. Not a portion here or there. Not just the parts that affirm us or that we like but the whole Living and Powerful Word of Truth.
The Psalmist wrote, “The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.” (Psalm 119:160) Paul wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true.” (2 Timothy 3:16a) And Jesus prayed, “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.” (John 17:17)
Please guide me by Your Spirit, through Your Word into my heart and mind that I might know Your Truth. Please make me wise and discerning that I might identify and reject messages of twisted truth. Surround me with Your grace and mercy. Fill me with Your love. And help me proclaim Your truth for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Jesus promised:
“I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
John 15:26
And:
When the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
John 18:37
We are so very blessed! We have the written Word. We Have the Holy Spirit to guide us.
We have been given the TRUTH!
On today’s note write:
With the Spirit’s help, I will discern the Absolute TRUTH about Jesus from the twisted truth of the enemy.
May God be with you today as you SEEK to KNOW the freeing truth about Jesus.
It’s sad to think of this, but there are so many people who would twist God’s Word to serve their own purposes. May we pray to be grounded in His absolute truth.
Blessings, Deb!
I agree, Martha! My prayer is that we all will fall in love with God’s Word. We are so very blessed that He wants us to KNOW His truth and live each day encouraged by His promises. Thanks for being such a faithful visitor. Blessings!
GREAT Blog Deb???? And Unfortunately IT happens ALOT ???????????? BUT Those With Discernment AND Who read HIS ???? Words KNOW if They ARE out OF Context ????????Even National MEDIA has Done This To Christians ????JUST to Sensationalise Their Storyline . PRAISE G-d♥️ FOR His TRUTH ❗️We KNOW HE Doesn’t LIE❗️G-d♥️Bless