GRACE GAZETTE
Volume XIIIIssue 39
Published occasionally for Zion’s mourners
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Hebrews 12::12-13

ENDURING TRUTH

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100:5

All truth is encompassed in HIM who confessed “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) Regardless of what a man might know, it is impossible that he could have an understanding of truth apart from knowing JESUS CHRIST. There is much carnal wisdom that can be possessed by the natural man, yet he is as a mere brute apart from a revelation of HIM who is the fullness of the GODHEAD bodily.

Just as one might train a dog to respond to various stimuli and engage in habits directed by his master’s commands, so too does the natural man go about his daily routines. Yet in this nature he has no understanding of his MASTER’s purpose nor any delight therein and is content to interact among his own species according to his natural inclinations. (see Ps.49:20; Rom.3:11)

By nature, he has a conscience which he cannot explain and which from time to time causes him trouble of mind as he engages in certain activities and is caused by it to examine his own motives. This conscience sometimes causes him to seek out various religious orders and practices which give him some respite and for the most part satisfies his natural feelings of guilt and his innate knowledge of his finite sojourn upon this earth. Some, on the other hand, have a conscience which is seared with a hot iron, and appear to have very little if any troubling of their conscience, but thankfully they are the exception rather than the rule.

For the most part man goes merrily along, contentedly performing his daily routines, salving his conscience by religion, performance of good deeds, and the indulgence of various philosophies, basking in the gaining of knowledge of one type or another. This quest for knowledge has caused man to place a high premium upon the pursuit of it, and he attaches a great amount of honor upon those who achieve great heights in learning and the pursuits of great skill in all sorts of endeavors, such as music, athletics, war, mechanical inventions, business acumen, etc. High regard is given to those who excel in these matters, and they are considered to be “great men”.

Yet with all of the skill that men might possess by nature, they cannot by those skills and learning search out and discover the glory of GOD. Zophar spoke these words of truth, though in reality he had little understanding even of that which he spoke to Job, “Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him?” (Job 11:7-10)

John said much the same when he declared, “No man hath seen God at any time.” This is definitely in keeping with what Paul said to Timothy concerning the Holiness of GOD, “Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” (1Tim 6:16) There is no uncertainty in the scriptures regarding the natural man’s inability to gain knowledge of that which is spiritual in nature, most especially when it regards being able to embrace the TRUTH by his own understanding. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1Cor 2:14) Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.” (Isa 29:14) (see I Cor.1:17-31)

We read in the scriptures that “his truth endureth to all generations”. The natural man entertains the notion that he can learn about spiritual truth and become proficient in his understanding of it by his own endeavors in much the same fashion as one might study engineering, medicine, or psychology. Many even devote their lives and make careers of trying to learn and apply this truth. Yet in reality that which is TRUTH is hidden from him in plain sight.

In reply to Pilate’s question as to whether or not HE was a KING, the LORD JESUS CHRIST said, “Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” (John 18:37) In HIS answer HE clearly made a contrast between those who are content with what men say and those who are “of the TRUTH.” Pilate enquired about truth as a curiosity; but the LORD revealed that those who “hear” HIS voice, do so because the truth is as vital to them as their very breath. They are “of the TRUTH”. This is what Peter confessed, saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:68-69)

That man who is “of the TRUTH” can find comfort and solace no where else but in the finished, substitutionary work of CHRIST. “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Gal 6:14) He seeks no righteousness but that which is imputed by CHRIST. “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” (1Cor 1:30)

The Jews asked HIM to tell them plainly if HE was indeed the CHRIST. The LORD JESUS replied, “I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:25-27) Just as HE did with Pilate, HE made a contrast between those who seek truth out of curiosity, and those who are “of the TRUTH.” They who are “of the TRUTH” are identical to those who are “HIS sheep.” Goats do not become sheep and sheep do not become goats. They might from time to time feed in the same field but they are of a different progeny.

Nothing but TRUTH as it is in JESUS (see Eph.4:21) will satisfy the sheep. “A stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.” (John 10:5) There are many deceptions and deceivers sent into the world which will confound and snare those who can be satisfied thereby. “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Mat 24:24) As Paul warned the Galatians, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Gal 1:8)

This is that TRUTH which endureth to all generations: “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Act 4:11-12) Even as John declared, “No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” (John 1:18) If any man should ever be found rejoicing in the presence of ONE TRUE and LIVING GOD, he must be “of” that TRUTH which endures to every generation. Upon this ONE TRUTH we stand.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” (Psa 46:1-3) CHRIST is all.

mam