The Truth in Us

The Truth in Us

“The elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever.” 2 John 1-2.

Only what is born of God is true and genuine and will follow us into the heavenly mansions. All of us are liars by nature. “There is none righteous, no, not one . . . .” Rom. 3:10. They all seek their own. All the old things must be put off; the only thing that counts is a new creation.

The usual kind of religiosity is saturated with lies and hypocrisy and is supported by all kinds of attractive ceremonies as a substitute for true Christianity. God hates this external, whitewashed façade. “Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.” Ps. 51:6.

God does not put His great glory, wisdom, and truth into a heart where self-interest smolders in its deepest part. We read about the Spirit of truth and the Spirit of wisdom. These are pure and sensitive Spirits that radiate God’s glory in all directions. The woman said to Elijah, “Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is the truth.” 1 Kings 17:24. He was a fiery witness to the truth, and God brought him to Himself in a chariot of fire. What we say and sing must be true.

Paul exhorts the believers in Ephesus: “Therefore, putting away lying, each one speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” As members of the body of Christ we are to be true to each other so that we can grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ. Eph. 4:15, 25. All activity in the body of Christ is to be true and genuine. The body of Christ, which is the church, is the pillar and foundation of the truth. 1 Tim. 3:15.

All those who belong to the body of Christ are baptized with one Spirit, which is the Spirit of truth. The church is built in this Spirit, and in this Spirit we are led forward on the new and living way in Christ who is the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6.

All God’s promises are true, and they will be fulfilled in our lives if we fulfill the conditions. If it is true that we are overcomers, it is also true that we will inherit all things and will sit on thrones together with Him. Rev. 21:7; 3:21.

It is a serious matter not to receive a love for the truth, because then God Himself will see to it that we will be deceived. This is mentioned especially in connection with the last days. 2 Thess. 2:9-12. But if we abide in Christ who is the truth, we also will have boldness at His appearing and will not be put to shame at His coming. 1 John 2:28.

Grace and truth came with Jesus Christ. John 1:17. Many want to cling to grace, which to them means only the forgiveness of sins; but if the glory of the Word is to be revealed in us, it will be revealed through a fullness of grace and truth. John 1:14. We can grow up into Christ who is the head, through the power of grace and the acknowledgment of the truth, and thus partake of divine nature. “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32.

Just as we, by nature, are permeated with unrighteousness and lying, so we are, as new creations in Christ Jesus, permeated with righteousness and truth, which will be part of us for all eternity.