Imitation of the Truth is a Lie

A cursory review of the Bible reveals there are perhaps as many references to deceit as there are to truth. That should not be surprising inasmuch as sin and deceit began in the heavens with Lucifer, son of the morning. He couldn’t deal with the reality that he was a created being.

“For you have said in your heart…‘I will exalt my throne above the stars of God…I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.” Isaiah 14:13-15

Having rebelled against his creator, Satan began his career of deceit when God created man in His own image in the Garden of Eden.

“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted…” 2 Corinthians 11:3

Deceit in the scriptures has multiple synonyms such as lie, fraud, trickery, seduce, bait, or guile. Deceit is used to lead one astray, cause to error, or to form a wrong judgment.

All through the ages Satan has been attempting to steer men away from the truth which we have previously defined as God revealed in Jesus the Son. If people believe the lie, they will spend eternity with the deceiver apart from God.

Jesus explained the great deceiver to the Pharisees.

“You are of your father the devil…there is no truth in him…for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44

Inasmuch as Jesus is the truth, there is no deceit in Him as confirmed by Peter.

“(Jesus) Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth…” 1 Peter 2:22

Believers are exhorted not to be deceived.

“…that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting…” Ephesians 4:14

“Little children, let no one deceive you…He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning.” I John 3:7

“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” 2 Peter 2:1-2

Men are also admonished to not participate in deception.

“He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit. The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil…lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.”
Proverbs 12:17-22

Jesus warned that deception would increase in the latter days.

“Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” Matthew 24:11

“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:25

But the fate of the father of lies and all who accept his lies has already been written. The day is coming when Satan will be cast out of heaven permanently.

“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world, he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him...”
Revelation 12:7-9

Even after being imprisoned for the 1,000 years that Christ rules from Jerusalem, Satan makes one last futile attempt to deceive the nations.

“Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth…” Revelation 20:7-8

His end is swift and permanent.

“The devil, who deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:10

Not only will the devil, beast (Antichrist), and false prophet be in the lake of fire, but also those who reject the truth and those who practiced deceit will join them.

“But the cowardly, unbelieving…and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

Therefore, the Bible is once again very succinct. The choice is before every individual, i.e. to believe in and cling to the truth, or deny the truth and accept a lie. Because of the scope of the results of this choice, this decision transcends any other set before man on his pilgrimage on planet earth.

It’s the Biblical version of ‘Truth or Consequences.’

One of the greatest freedoms in America is the freedom to make that monumental decision without duress.

What is Truth?

Men from all ages of history have desired and searched for ‘the truth.’ Even Pilate inquired about it cynically when interviewing Jesus.

“Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘Are You a king then?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’ Pilate said to Him, ‘What is truth?’ John 18:37-38

In the New Testament, ‘truth’ is translated from the Greek Aletheia which also translates to the related nouns verity, surety, and certainty and the accompanying adverbs verily, surely, and certainly. These terms are used interchangeably in the New Testament.

Truth can be partially defined as ‘the unveiled reality lying at the basis of and agreeing with an appearance; the manifested, the veritable essence of matter.’ In line with this definition, the Bible reveals that Jesus is in fact God in the flesh. Jesus stated that He came into the world to ‘bear witness to the truth,’ i.e. to reveal God.

“He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Colossians 1:15

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” John 1:14

“For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17

“Jesus said to him (Thomas), ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6

If then God is revealed in Jesus and Jesus is the truth; anyone or any power that suggests otherwise is a lie and is in fact the spirit of antichrist. This timeless conflict between truth and lies is the essence of the battle between good and evil.

“…He (the devil) …does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44

“Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.” I John 2:22-23

The reason that Christianity is constantly under attack is that Satan knows the truth is embedded in the ‘church’ of which Christ is the Head.

Satan began his deception in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve who were created in God’s image. And he continues his deceit through the beast, i.e. antichrist and his accompanying false prophet described in the Book of Revelation.

“Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.” Revelation 19:20

Wherever truth is found, there will also be deception and the deceiver. The deceiver by nature will pretend to be something or someone that he is not. Deceit by definition requires a lie. Jesus warned that such attempted deception will be present throughout the present age.

“Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” Matthew 24:11

Any teaching that denies the deity of Christ and the plurality of the Godhead revealed by Jesus, i.e. God the Son, is not truth and should be rejected.

The ‘truth’ also includes the written word of the Bible inasmuch as the Bible is the biography of Jesus. Note that Jesus is ‘the truth,’ not merely ‘a’ truth.

“Then Jesus said… ‘If you abide in My word…you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” John 8:31-32

And lastly, the sum of the truth is the basis for eternal life.

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” I John 5:20

The above begs several questions, i.e. if Jesus is the embodiment of ‘the truth,’ why is there a continuing effort to marginalize Him and anything pertaining to Him in the daily lives of Americans? Why would the greatest military, economic, and political power on earth want to suppress the truth? Is America living a lie relative to her Christian heritage? And if so, why do we allow it?

The Two Faces of Wisdom

Any discussion of wisdom must include King Solomon whom the Bible stated was the wisest man in the world.

“Then God said to him (Solomon)… ‘I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.’” I Kings 3:10-12

“And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding…Thus Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East…for he was wiser than all men…” I Kings 4:29-31

The gift of wisdom bestowed on Solomon followed his admission of inadequacy and humility. Solomon acknowledged that his very kingship was a gift from God and he asked for wisdom to execute that position so as to be pleasing to God. He acknowledged that his earthly wisdom was not sufficient to even discern between good and evil.

“…Now, O LORD my God, You have made your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in…Therefore, give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil…” I Kings 3:7-8

Solomon’s subsequent wisdom was the heart of the Book of Proverbs.

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity…” Proverbs 1:1-3

True wisdom begins with the acknowledgment of God and reverence for His sovereignty over all mankind.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments.” Psalm 111:10

Any Christian who truly seeks God’s wisdom shall have it.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

True wisdom is not the ability to implement one’s personal agenda; rather it begins with acknowledging God and then asking Him what that agenda should be. For example, the present administration might ask for wisdom on how to peacefully implement a two state solution to the Palestinian question. However, inasmuch as the Bible states repeatedly that the land in question was granted to Israel forever, the administration would be asking for the wrong thing. In essence they are repeatedly trying to do the wrong things better.

Many consider our leaders to be a very smart; however, fewer consider them to be wise. Perhaps that is because they seek a different kind of wisdom than that sought by Solomon. The other face of wisdom is also described in the Bible.

“He frustrates the devices of the crafty…He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the counsel of the cunning comes quickly upon them.” Job 5:12-13

“The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile.” Psalm 94:11

Such human ‘wisdom’ is described in more detail in the New Testament.

“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” I Corinthians 3:19-19

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” James 3:13-17

Several thoughts come to mind with the above scripture. The term ‘self-seeking’ in this passage is from the Greek erithia and is actually a political term connoting contention, strife, scheming, factionalism, rivalry, self-interest, mercenary interest, or canvassing for public office. The passage also states that where self-seeking exists, confusion also exists.

Then James goes on to explain that true wisdom from above is, among other things, peaceable, gentle, and willing to yield, and is absent of partiality and hypocrisy.

When considering the outgoing 111th congress, and the recent lame-duck session, one can guess what type of wisdom prevailed.

Separation of Church and State...Bah! Humbug!

There are those who believe the constitution prescribes the ‘separation of church and state.’ In reality that premise is based solely on a phrase used by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to the Danbury Baptist Association on January 1, 1802 to assure them that government would not intrude into their affairs. Not only is that premise not included anywhere in this nation’s founding documentation, neither is it found in the Bible.

When one hears the terms ‘Bah! Humbug!’ it connotes something phony, i.e. a hoax or fraud. Therefore, the validity of the premise of the separation of church and state is questionable at best.

In recent weeks as Christians celebrated the birth of Christ, several Old Testament prophecies were highlighted that pointed to the future birth of the coming King and to His future eternal throne.

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given…” Isaiah 9:6

But we need to place that scripture in proper context by considering the remainder of that verse and the one immediately following.

“…And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever…” Isaiah 9:6-7

Several key and revealing words in the above are government, throne, and kingdom. All three of these words refer to dominion, sovereignty, royal rule, and reign.

“But you, Bethlehem…Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel…” Micah 5:2

This verse not only reveals where Christ would be born, but that He would be the ultimate ruler over Israel.

More than 1,000 years before Christ was born God spoke to King David through the prophet Nathan.

“When your days are fulfilled…I will set up your seed after you…and I will establish his kingdom…and the throne of his kingdom forever…”
2 Samuel 7:12-13

This promise was reiterated in more detail to the prophet Ezekiel approximately 500 years later.

“Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations…and I will make them one nation in the land…and one king shall be…over them…they shall no longer be two nations, nor shall they ever be divided into two kingdoms again…David My servant shall be king over them…they, their children, and their children’s children, forever…’” Ezekiel 37:21-25

And 500 years after the above announcement the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary.

“…And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 3:31-33

Notice again the confirmation of the throne, reign, and kingdom. And as we look forward in scriptures to the prophecy in the Revelation it is noted that not only will Jesus rule over Israel forever, but also over all of the nations.

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war…Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations, And He Himself will rule them with a rod or iron.” Revelation 19:11-15

This scripture will be the fulfillment of another 1,000 year old prophecy.

“Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession…You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Psalm 2:8-9

The Bible states clearly that Christ will be the sovereign ruler and king of all nations including Israel beginning with the millennial kingdom. And let it not be forgotten His authority as head of the church.

“...as also Christ is head of the church…therefore…the church is subject to Christ…” Ephesians 5:23-24

The unity of the governance of church and state is fulfilled and exemplified in the description of New Jerusalem.

“But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple…And the Nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.” Revelation 21:22-24

Therefore, the future unification of the church and state is as sure as the demise of democracy as a form of government.