And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:5, KJV)
THE ALMIGHTY is referred to as the God of truth four times in the Tanak or Old Testament. (Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 31:5 & Isaiah 65:16) And the same point is made many more times indirectly.
In some congregations, there is a weekly Sabbath observation. “We serve the God of truth. His word is truth. His prophets are those who speak the truth.” Its importance is acknowledged in the New Testament. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8, KJV)
The truth has nothing to fear. It provides clarity and identifies the adversary. “For God is not the author of confusion….” (I Corinthians 14:33, KJV)
When Moses asked, “Who is on the LORD’s side?”, that was not a religious test. (Exodus 32:26) He wanted those who followed the truth to come forth. Article VI, Clause 3 does the same. “…(A)ll…officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” (Emphasis added)
God is the only One who can say, “I have sworn by Myself.” (Isaiah 45:23 & Jeremiah 49:13, KJV) Thus, when George Washington took the oath to become President of the United States, he added four words: “So help me God.” And those of us who follow in his footsteps do the same. But all who place a hand on the Bible—or have it in mind while raising the right hand—should beware: “If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” (Numbers 30:2, KJV) And what was said in the Tanak or Old Testament is echoed in the New. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galations 6:7, KJV)
For some, there is possibility or probability. For “the High and Lofty One who inhabiteth eternity,” there is reality. (Isaiah 57:15, KJV) “As I live, saith the LORD…” (Numbers 14:28, Isaiah 49:18; Jeremiah 22:24, Ezekiel 5:11, Ezekiel 14:16, Ezekiel 14:18, Ezekiel 14:20, Ezekiel 16:48, Ezekiel 17:16, Ezekiel 18:3, Ezekiel 20:3, Ezekiel 20:31, Ezekiel 20:33, Ezekiel 33:11, Ezekiel 34:8, Ezekiel 35:6, Ezekiel 35:11, Zephaniah 2:9, Romans 14:11; and similar matches—Jeremiah 46:18, Ezekiel 17:19 & Ezekiel 33:27) And so, for deniers, there are consequences. “Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.” (Psalm 2:10-11, KJV)
(c)2024 Marvin D. Jones.
All rights reserved.
[Borderline]
https://youtu.be/kVhHItNupVI?si=EJtslB6wSzxyg5Bu
[Arise O Lord]
