Biblical Responses to the Gospel
Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ. John 1:17 Jesus said in Luke 12:51 that He came not to bring peace on the earth, but rather division. Some familiar sayings that have been heard are: “He that is reluctant to accept Truth is his own soul’s worst enemy.”
Also, “Right is right even if everyone is against it and wrong is wrong even if everyone is for it.” Truth will always bring some type of reaction.
What is Truth and how does it affect you when you hear it?
• In John 1:1, the Bible says that “the Word was God”.
• In John 17:17, the Bible says that “your Word is Truth”.
• In John 1:14, we read that “the Word was made flesh”.
• In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the Truth”.
• In John 18:38, Pilate asked Jesus, “What is Truth?”
In the Greek language, the word “truth” is “aletheia” Strong's G#225 and means assured, as certain and true, established and faithful
Truth always divides itself between people, places, and events that are not of Truth. There is so much division in Christianity today because there are so many opinions to take into consideration.
The Truth of God’s Word is so divided because God has not intervened to correct this problem. It is only those people who are earnestly seeking
Truth that find it.
When the Truth first came in the first century, it produced many reactions from various people. The worst reaction was probably from the most religious people of that time, the Jewish Pharisees.
The most fervent of these was Saul of Tarsus. They were exceeding “mad” against the Christians and the Truth that they embraced. Acts 26:11, Acts 5:30-33
Some reacted with great sadness when they heard the Truth because of what the Truth and following it would require.
Jesus came upon the rich young ruler that came up to Him. He knelt down at the feet of Jesus and asked, “Good teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:17 Jesus responded to his question with an answer that made this rich young ruler very sad. Mark 10:21-22
We also see people in the Bible that mocked and scoffed when they heard Truth. Acts 17:32, 2 Peter 3:3 They also mocked the 120 when they were first filled with the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and heard them speak with tongues on the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2:13 Yet others were in doubt as they witnessed this great Truth that was being preached on this Day. Acts2:12
Some even were fearful when they heard the Truth about the resurrection of the just and of the unjust that was quickly approaching. Acts 24:15,25 Another reaction to Truth was that the Truth made people glad.
Acts 2:41 When the Gentiles first heard the Truth, they were glad. Acts 13:48, Luke 8:40 So Truth, when it first came, made people mad, sad, or glad.
Conclusion
In many ways today, Truth brings the same reaction. It makes church people mad because it challenges what is taught in churches about how to become a Christian and about End Time events.
Other people, when they hear all the facts of the completed message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are made glad because it fulfils the emptiness in their lives. They rejoice with joy unspeakable that’s full of glory and receive Eternal Life as they responded in the Bible. Acts 8:5,8,12, 1 Peter 1:8 How Truth affects you will depend upon what kind of heart you have and how willing you are to believe and to obey the Word of God. Today is the day of salvation.
Don’t harden your heart against God’s dealing with you by putting it off. Hebrews 3:8 When we make a decision to follow God, the Lord looks at these moves as proof that we want Him in our life.
Don't turn truth away; the truth will make you free!!!!
