THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS OF TRUTH

" . . . If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free . . . If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:31-36)

Devotion 2 of 20

THE TRUTH

Truth is ALWAYS found in the singular in Scripture. We never read of "truths" in the Bible, always "truth." In God's Word, "truth" speaks of ultimate reality--spiritual substance. It is more than a series of statements that are "true," although all statements of Scripture can be thus defined. Everything in the Word of God is true, and cannot be denied, doubted, or questioned without impunity. However, in this lesson we are speaking on a higher level, a more foundational view.

There is an overriding theme, or center-point, in Scripture. Everything contained therein finds meaning in that locus. From the subjective view, the Person of Christ is the personification of that focus. That is why Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life" (John 5:39-40). From the standpoint of divine objective, it is the "eternal purpose" of God. As it is written, "Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: in Whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will" (Eph 1:9-11). Nothing in Scripture is unrelated to Christ Jesus, or God's "eternal purpose."

The body of reality delineating this focus is "truth." It contains diversity, and yet is perfectly united. No Divine utterance is at fundamental variance with another. A variety of subjects are addressed in the Word of God, but those subjects are never the heart of Scripture. What is more, they may only be comprehended within the greater light of the Person of Christ and the purpose of God.

Scriptural statements can be properly understood only in the context of the focus of Scripture. While there is value to contextual considerations, they do not yield the optimum benefit. Some advantage may be realized by language studies, historical considerations, and sociological circumstances. However such advantages are only minimal, and will not yield "spiritual understanding."

At this point, I want to show the consistency of this view of "truth" in God's Word. Remember, it is always declared in the singular. Several references include the definite article with the word "truth," i.e., "THE truth." This language presupposes a inter-related body of reality; i.e., varying perspectives of a single focus or center. Thus, we do not read of "a truth," "some truth," "part of the truth," or "any truth." Truth can no more be divided than God the Father or the Christ, His Son. The Lord our God is "One," and so is truth!

The knowledge of the truth liberates men from the tyranny of the devil and sin. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). Knowing "A" truth will not make you free, but knowing "THE" truth will! Truth is more than a few Bible verses; it is the spiritual superstructure that supports the Bible verses!

PRAYER POINT: Father, In the name of Jesus, I seek for grace to maintain spiritual focus -- to always see Your Word within the framework of Your Person and purpose.

-- TOMORROW: CONSIDERING THE TRUTH --