EVERYONE WHO IS OF THE TRUTH

". . . Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice" (John 18:37)

Jesus stood before Pilate and affirmed the reason for His entrance into the world. His words were general, yet Divinely focused. "For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth." He did not come into the world to initiate a reformed movement, correct political injustices, or launch a family-improvement crusade. He DID come to declare the truth of God–to make it accessible to men. That "truth" had to do with the redemption of men, and their access to God. As He said to His disciples, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). This is what Jesus is all about–approval by, and access to, God!

Although often hidden from us, there are people with an inclination to this truth–people who have an appetite for it, who are disposed to receive and obey it. Jesus called such people "everyone who is of the truth." From the Divine point of view, they are defined as those who have "been appointed to eternal life" (Acts 13:48). Of them, Jesus said, "He who is of God hears God's words" (John 8:47). This is one of the means of distinguishing the children of God from the children of the devil. Jesus referred to people who did not "hear" His words as "not of God" (John 8:47b). By this He meant they were not approved of God, nor would they be blessed by Him.

Those who are "of the truth" have an appetite for it, and are harmonious with it. Their hearts are nourished by the truth. It is the "green pastures" into which the Good Shepherd leads them. The truth finds residence in their hearts–a place where the Lord can open and expound His own mind and purpose. The truth of God is preferred, sought, and zealously maintained by such individuals.

The person who is "of the truth" is a liberated individual, for the truth makes us "free" (John 8:32). Such are not in bondage to sin or the devil. The world cannot keep them within its grasp, and principalities and powers are impotent against them. Their affinity with the truth has liberated them from all that is offensive to God.

However, for the soul that has no appetite for the truth, there is neither deliverance nor freedom. No forgiveness is experienced by the disinterested soul, nor is grace available to them. Their distaste for the truth has alienated them from God, robbed them of the blessing, and incurred Divine wrath against them. Those who "do not receive the love of the truth" cannot be saved (2 Thess 2:10). At some point, to be saved one must "receive the love of the truth." That is a most sobering reality!

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, thank You for the truth--heart cleansing, soul liberating, God-clarifying truth! By your grace I have received a love for it.

-- MONDAY: SOULISH AND SPIRITUAL RELIGION #1 --