From Truth & Life to Lies & Death
Part of the Truth series
Here is a sobering reality.
“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Nebuchadnezzar declared of God, the King of Heaven, that “all His works are truth.” Daniel 4:37
The disciples of the Pharisees acknowledged that Jesus taught “the way of God in accordance to truth.” Matthew 22:16
Jesus said to the Jews; “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32
Jesus declared; “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” John 14:6
Jesus sent us the Spirit of Truth (John 15:26) who will “guide you into all truth.” John 16:13
And Jesus said to the woman at the well; “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24
And finally, David wrote; “I bow down towards your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything.” Psalm 138:2
There is no other name that is greater or higher than God’s, and He exalts His word to that same place - above everything. There are so many more Scriptures that could be quoted about the significance and truth of God’s word and the Word Himself, Jesus Christ.
The point is this: God’s unchanged word speaks, reveals, and is truth and life to those who receive it. That being the case, what would happen if we should change even the meaning of God’s word, never mind changing the words themselves? Changing its meaning changes what God is saying. As it is, we cannot change what God is saying as He has already spoken it. To try and do so would be to deny what He originally spoke, to call God a liar or a deceiver, and to say His original words were neither truth nor life!
However, if what God has already spoken is both truth and life, then whatever we try to change His word and its meaning to is neither. When we try to change His word and its meaning it is no longer His word; it becomes more than a deception, it becomes lies, and the Book that is Life becomes the book of death. Why? Because it no longer leads people to the Giver of Life but away towards death and the father of lies (John 8:44).
It is that simple and stark.
You are not responsible for what the word of God says, only in upholding it as a true disciple of Jesus Christ.