May 12, TRUTH

In this digital age, one can instantaneously acquire information on any given subject with the simply stroke of a key.  But does the acquisition of facts guarantee that one will accurately embrace the truth?  Absolutely not! 

 From the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, a study on “the complexities of faith in the modern world” reportedthat 65% of those surveyed revealed significant contradictory religious beliefs such as viewing astrology and the Bible as equal and reliable resources for direction in life.  These contradictions are unquestionably dangerous!  Regardless of easy access to the facts, our culture may be more confused than ever before.  

A professor of sociology at the Hartford Institute for religious research commented, “Today the individual rarely finds all their spiritual needs in one religion.”[1]  Confused about the truth!  Confused about God!  And this confusion is not exclusive to our present culture, for in the Scriptures such a problem was addressed by the Apostle Paul.  In 2 Corinthians 4:4, he declared, 

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

From this verse, Paul explained the sad reality of veiled hearts, and thus presented three simple but necessary truths that prove the reality and danger of spiritual confusion.

First, there is one ultimate source for all spiritual confusion.  It is not the media, nor is it one’s culture or heritage.  Spiritual confusion does not simply come by happenstance.  There is but one source of all spiritual confusion that distorts your vision of the truth: the god of this world.   This is a reference to Satan, and this title indicates that he is the major influence on the ideals, opinions, and views of a large majority of people.  Thoughts, ideas, and speculations of this present age (many coming from false religions in the world) have sprung from his lies and deceptions.  Satan does not have ultimate control, but rather rules the heart of unbelievers, and attempts to bring confusion to all.  Colossians 1:13 refers to the dominion of darkness that stands weak, powerless, and contradistinctive to God’s reigning Kingdom.  Yet many seem unaware of the difference.  And why? Keep reading.  

Second, the enemy operates with one intentional and destructive goal: spiritual blindness.  This blindness indicates that which obscures (confuses).[2]  If Satan cannot convince you of a lie, he will attempt to confuse you concerning the truth.  He presents himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), meaning that he disguises himself. In the Bible, light represents a spiritual metaphor for truth and for the whole revealed nature of God.  According to the Scriptures, Satan attempts to pass off what is false as “light” or truth.  Because of this many are led astray, and many lead others in the same destructive path. 

Third, the enemy’s goal is to keep you from the light of the Gospel.   Jesus Christ is the revelation of God, and the full expression of His truth and nature (Hebrews 1:3). This is the gospel message. Notice how 2 Corinthians 4 describes the gospel:

“The light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (v. 4); the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ (v.6).”

This is the truth. This is the answer to every question. This is the only foundation of faith.  And the god of this world will do whatever he can to keep you from this truth.  He knows that if you do not believe this, you will likely fall for anything.    

Spiritual confusion. This is the enemy’s tactic.  This confusion remains pervasive in this present culture.  But the truth is very clear.  Jesus said, "no one comes to the father except through me" (John 14:6).  And yet many buy into mainstream statements of false beliefs and find their way on a “slippery slope” toward spiritual confusion and deceit.  

Jesus said, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).  All the enemy's lies combined can never survive for one second in the presence of one spoken word of God's Truth.

So today, stay with the truth.  Cling to Jesus.  Stay in His Word.  Continue your daily pursuit of knowing Him more. There is no other way.  

Blessings.

READ

Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 and praise God for the only foundation of truth: Jesus Christ our Lord.   

[1] Ronald H. Love, Florence, South Carolina; source: "Many Americans Mix Multiple Faiths," pewforum.org (12-9-09)

[2] Strong’s Concordance.