God Of Truth And Love

Rebel Hog · 10-19-2006, 04:34 PM

Posted by request of bro. Greg.

10/19/06
God of Truth and Love
L.T. Jeyachandran

Philosophers have a way of discussing truth in abstraction. Such discussions are helpful and do have their place, but they are often out of the average person's reach. The impression often given is that knowing truth is a complicated matter. In other discussions, truth seems equally unknowable.

The Bible is a book that thankfully does not argue its case for truth purely at the philosophical level. Yet it offers answers to the very questions that human beings cannot escape: Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? The Bible compels our attention because it addresses issues of real life in the structure of a story and a historical setting. It begins its exposition by assuming the existence of God in its opening words. If we, therefore, turn to the Bible for addressing issues of truth, we will find ourselves facing the God of Scripture!

In such a quest, it is appropriate to examine the words the Bible uses to describe the idea of truth. Notably, the Hebrew words for truth, faith, and faithfulness all spring from the same root. This particular association of words immediately suggests important connections that we cannot afford to ignore. Truth is not just the characteristic of a statement or proclamation; it is the character of the very being of God. "Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies" proclaims the psalmist in 36:5. God is true because He is faithful to his Word and the character He has revealed. And rightly, we relate to Him by being faithful to his call to draw near.

This language study quickly demonstrates the tremendous moral and practical implications for words that are to be understood beyond conceptual and cerebral terms. The Hebrew shows no dichotomy between belief and behavior; the believability of God's objective truth revealed by Him and through his Word is matched by his moral behavior, which is equally trustworthy. At the same time, we can see that the New Testament writers are straining to express something of truth that is not simply conceptual, but reflects the total character of God and those who believe in Him. Hence, Paul's use of the Greek word "pistis" goes well beyond simple belief, but also describes a response on the basis of belief.

Scripture brings to light a quality of truth that is all too often lost in abstract discussions or in popular gnostic descriptions. Truth at the conceptual and content level must not be separated from truth at the practical level; the objective and verifiable must always be set alongside the existential and experiential. In other words, the answers we seek to questions of truth must satisfy our hearts even as they stimulate our minds.

The truth of God's being and character is far more than a set of creedal principles. This truth can transform our lives in terms of a loving and free relationship. From this God and his Word, we can receive true answers to the questions that are inherently raised within us. Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? The answers God provides us are simple enough for a little child to understand and yet so profound that the deepest quest of the most sophisticated philosopher can be satisfied.

L.T. Jeyachandran is executive director of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Singapore.

manuman · 10-19-2006, 07:21 PM

Thanks Reb---I just wanted to post this as it says a lot of what I have tried to say in th epast---but not quite as clearly!

Alex The Hawk · 10-19-2006, 07:29 PM

Very Good and true

m.t.hands · 10-19-2006, 10:48 PM

thanks guys

Soilarch · 10-20-2006, 01:18 AM

Man I tell you what, I LIKE IT!!! lol

Reminds me yet again that I need to learn greek so I can find nifty little things like that "pistis"=belief with/and
response.

Thanks.

manuman · 10-20-2006, 06:12 AM

Either that or find reliable teachers that will faithfully represent the actual meaning of the original language. Just like in English, there are some words that have multiple meanings. The great thing about the Greek, especially the koine, or common Greek language in which the NT was written is that it is the most precise language ever known---maybe there was a reason for that!

Soilarch · 10-20-2006, 11:01 AM

Manuman,

I'm extremely blessed with a man at my home-church (I'm in college) that does exactly that. The thing I love most about his teaching is that whether he's speaking about tongues, pre-trib/post-trib, or simply why certain denominations do what they do he'll pull out of list of verses that support each side...tell you why they interpret it in such a way (this is the part where his greek study comes in handy) conclude with why he's chosen one side of the table and then let you decide. It's interesting that he can sympathize with most views in the fact the he really does give them fair credit. It's never demeaning (sp?) or negative towards things he doesn't agree with. It's truely just a "Hey, here's the verses...(or church history) and these are the popular interpretations. Here's how they come to those interpretations. Here's why I lean towards this but you can take whatever stance you want."

Don't get the impression that he's a relativist. Because he'll flat tell you some teachings are wrong through the same process...but usually flaws or shortcomings of arguements become glaringly obvious without him having to be unfair towards a certain teaching. Great man, and one that would be the first to say...."You know, what? I dunno. Here are the verses...." On topics like that he usually brings in the subject of simply praying for understanding and following the Holy Spirits lead.

manuman · 10-20-2006, 01:33 PM

The more familiar you are with the real,the more apparent it is what is countefeit--what is true and false. Sounds like he has adegree of trust in those he is teaching to be able to discern for themselves. The Apostle Paul taught a group of Pharisees, and then he told them to search the Scriptures to see if what he was saying was in line with them, which is the ultimate authority. Good stuff! If you are preaching/ teaching truth, it will always be apparent when held up to the litmus test of the entire record of Scripture, and you don't have to attempt to try and 'sell' someone on your view.Teach it, tell them to check it out and they will--if they are indeed open to the truth , they will see it themselves.If not, there is no power of persuasion known to man that an force the spiritually blind eye open. As you know, it takes a supernatural power--that of the Holy Spirit.