Chapter One:

To Tell The Truth

 

or

 

Truth is a Five Letter Word

 

TRUTH = JESUS

 

 

 

 

 

To Tell The Truth

or

Truth is a Five Letter Word

 

TRUTH = JESUS

 

          Every study has to start from some beginning or source idea.  My initial enticement for the study of Pilate’s question: “What is truth?” came from reading Chuck Colson’s book  The Body.  He addresses the problem of truth in the church both in orthodoxy and behavior.  As with all my studies I began with the English text of the “Authorized” Words of God, then, using Strong’s concordance and dictionaries I searched the Hebrew and Greek words for the words TRUE, TRULY, TRUTH, which is also translated VERILY & VERITY.  Next I studied each verse in its context (at a glance) to get the idea or subject addressed.  This then allowed me to categorize the verses together by subject for this study.  The categories are as follows:

 

          1. - The Father of Truth - God of all gods - Jehovah

          2. - The Way, the Truth, and the Life - Emanuel - God with us

          3. - The Spirit of Truth that leads us to Jesus

          4. - The Word of Truth that sets us free

          5. - The Testimony of Truth which we are to speak

         

          As I thought about these various aspects of truth one of the ideas that crossed my mind was that of a five-pointed star within a circle.  The star is equilateral in all its measurements and the line is unending with each point leading to the other four points.  The circle is that symbolized in the wedding ring being equated to God’s love which is eternal and never ending.

         

          Another way I looked at truth is that stated title Truth is a Five Letter Word.  What are some five letter words that can be associated with truth?

 

          TRUTH      JESUS       AGAPY      WORDS      BIBLE

 

          BREAD      MANNA     WORLD

 

 

T = J

Part I

The Father of Truth

God of all gods

Jehovah

 

          In the study of Greek words in Strong’s the first word for truth is aletheia which, when divided, becomes the letter a for NO or negative, and the word lethos for ignorant.  Together that is not-ignorant (Jn. 3:33).  When this information is put to Pilate’s question “What is Truth?” (Jn. 18:38) we can conclude that the opposite of truth is ignorance.  Through the Apostle Paul we are told repeatedly “NOT” to be ignorant.  For those who honestly seek God they will find Him for he will see to it that they receive the truth. In The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter Ten, the account of the Roman Centurion is given.  His devotion and generosity are noted, as are his prayers.  God sends him an angel with instructions to send for Peter who will give him the words telling him  “What thou oughtest to do (Acts 10:6).  The day after Peter has dejavu when God tells him to get up and go.

 

          Peter goes with the men who seek him and comes to Cornelius.  Cornelius explains his vision and answer to his prayer and says “we are here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God (Acts 10:33):

 

                   34: Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God                               is no respecter of persons:

                                35: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is                               accepted with him.

                                36: The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace                               by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

                                37: That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea,                            and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

                                                                   Acts 10: 33-37

 

          So Cornelius and his house hear the truth about Jesus from God through Peter and thereby receive the Holy Ghost:

 

          GOD = JESUS = HOLY GHOST = THE WORD = OUR WITNESS

 

          This is the “true” bread given by the true God (Jn. 6:32).  Unlike Moses, who called on God for manna in the wilderness to satisfy fleshly lust (Ex. 16:15; Num. 11:17), this manna has to be taken and eaten (Jn. 6:50-51) by the whole person (body, soul, spirit: I Thes. 5:23).  It is by accepting this testimony of the Spirit we acknowledge that what God says is truth and are then sealed (Jn. 3:33; Eph. 1:12-14).  It is God’s desire that everyone from Adam to Onan be saved by this knowledge of truth (I Tim. 2:4; 2 Tim. 2:25).  Anyone rejecting this truth of God is then subject to the judgment of God which is then given in truth (Rom. 2:2).

 

          In the Hebrew the first word for truth is UWLAM and by extended definition is truly, however, on the contrary, if not, if, and, and but.  David, talking to Jonathan ( 1 Sam. 20:3) about his father Saul, compares the truth of what he says to the existence of God.  God, to Moses (Num. 14:21), swears by His own existence that He will fill the earth with His glory.

 

          The next Hebrew word is AK  and is truly, verily, certainly, surely, and is tied to firmly, faithfulness, confirm, and rightly so.  the righteous can rejoice in God and His judgment for He will take vengeance for them on the earth (Psa. 58:11).  God is good to the “clean heart”; out of His sanctuary He will give understanding of His vengeance and guidance and then take me home to glory (Psa. 73:1, 17, 24).  In the mean while, as I keep sins confessed, it is firmly certain that my prayers will be answered (Psa. 66:18-19), but the God and Savior of Israel will hide himself from those cought-up in idolatry (Isa. 66:19).

 

          King Nebuchadnezzer is driven mad by the Lord for a season of time.  When his mentality is restored he reflects on his pride and what God did to him and he acknowledges God’s kingship and the truth (EMUNAH) of His work (Dan. 4:37).  This truth is identified as firmness, fidelity, trust, faithful, to take the right road, and AMEN.  Moses confirms that God is this God of Truth in his song of joy (Deut. 32:4).  Ethan the Ezrathite also acknowledges God’s truth in the covenant of David (Psa. 89:49).  As the God of truth His eyes are always open to see the truth of your behavior (Jer. 5:3) which He will judge in truth when He comes again to judge the world (Psa. 96:13) and to remember Israel (Psa. 98:3).  It is only by the AMEN that we can sware, and only in His return can we be truly blessed (Isa. 65:16).

 

 

          When we approach the throne of God we need to confess and acknowledge the truth (OMNAM: surely, verily) concerning our situation -- including the enemy (2 Kings 19:17; Isa. 37:18).  We need to do this for when we do enter His presence we are in the presence of the abundance of truth (EHMETH: stability, faithful, Ex. 34:6).  In His faithfulness to deliver the captives and proclaim liberty God directs the work of rebuilding in His truth (Isa. 61:8).  By the exercise of His truth and faithfulness God causes Israel to be stabilized upon Himself (Isa. 10:20).  In this captive return Israel is to repent and confess that all of this about God is true (Jer. 4:2).  Israel is to dump her idols and worship the Lord God of truth (Jer. 10:10).  When Israel repents and returns then God will reveal upon them an abundance of His peace and truth (Jer. 33:6).  The remnant of Israel under Jeremiah make an agreement that God will be their true witness that they will obey (Jer. 42:5).  God then in turn by-passes their sin and performs His truth to them (Micah 7:20).

         

          The faithful, stable, plenteous truth of God is always in company with His mercy (Psa. 86:15) and it is always in front of His face (Psa. 89:14) as He looks on us.  His mercy and truth is large enough for all as it extends to the clouds of heaven (Psa. 57:10).  Whatsoever God does stands forever in His stability and faithfulness (Psa. 111:7-8) as the faithful Creator (Psa. 146:6).  For this he is worthy of our eternal  gratitude and praise (Psa. 25:5).  In the truth of His salvation and mercy He will hear our prayer and respond (Psa. 69:13).  God will respond for it is the full intent of His mercy and truth to provide salvation (Psa. 57:3).  As we commit ourselves to God (Psa. 31:5) and obey we will find His pathway is always true (Psa. 25:10).  It is in the context of this mercy and truth that political leadership is preserved (Psa. 61:7).  Because David fit this prerequisite God promised that his seed would remain on the throne (Psa. 132:11).  Later an end-time prophetic promise is made that Jerusalem would be a city of truth and Jehovah would be God in truth and righteousness (Zech. 8:3,8).  Therefore, because of the “certainty” (EMETH) of God’s truth and mercy we should give Him glory (Psa. 115:1).  The truth of God’s promises are exemplified in the rebellion of Israel (Num. 14:28-29) when God promised they would die;  in the spying of Jericho--we win (Josh. 2:24); and in the hand writing on the wall (Dan. 4:37).

 

 

 

          Returning to the Greek of the New Testament the next word of truth is

 ALETHOS: to be sure of eternal life in our knowledge of God (Jn. 17:3).  The truth of salvation is of course in Jesus the AMEN, and He says to trust Him when he says to receive Him is to receive the Father (Jn. 13:20); that what He does so does the Father (Jn. 5:19); that if we ask in His name the Father will give (Jn. 16:23); that one day heaven will open and He and the angels will descend (Jn. 1:51); that Moses was not the bread of heaven --He is (Jn. 6:32); that if you don’t forgive you will be in prison (Mt. 5:26); that the God who sent Him is true (Jn. 8:26); and is a freeman (Jn. 7:28).  Therefore, we should let God be true (APELEGMOS: separate from fault: Rom. 3:4) and ourselves liars.  If we will do this we will become like Him in being freemen (APELEUTHEROS) and we will know Him and know we are in Him (1 Jn. 5:20), and will serve Him accordingly (1 Thes. 1:9).

 

 

R = E

Part II

The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Son of Righteousness

Emanuel: God with us

 

 

          It is “firmly-certain” (AKEN) that to look for salvation any place else but the God of Israel is to look in vain (Jer. 3:23).  It is so because of God’s “faithfulness” (KUWN) making salvation “rightly so”(KEN).  God sent His Servant to establish judgment for the Gentiles who refuse this salvation provided through Israel’s elected Judge.  One day the whole earth will be under the judgment of Jesus which will be executed in the truth (Isa. 42:1-4).  Associated with the true judgment of Jesus is His mercy, peace, and righteousness:

 

                   Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed                                 each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look                      down from heaven          Psalm 85:10-11

 

This AMEN of God is “trustworthy” and “faithful”.

 

          The Lord Jesus Christ give us (in order) God’s grace, mercy, and peace in His love and truth (2 Jn. 1:5).  We need teachers to teach His truth so people can hear His truth, which is in Jesus (Eph. 4:21).  The Herodians in their hypocrisy acknowledge that Jesus was true (ALETHES: not ignorant) and was such a teacher of truth (ALETHIA; Mt. 22:16; Mk. 12;14).  John tell us that it is by Jesus that we have the grace and truth of God (Jn. 1:17), and thereby every man has true light (Jn. 1:9).  The enemies of Christ accuse Him (and His followers) of being false witnesses, but Jesus responds with the testimony of God on His life and works, and the testimony of John the Baptist (Jn. 5:31-33).  It was the desire of the enemy to kill Christ for the truth (Jn. 8:40). Jesus questioned their dis-belief and concluded it was because they had turned a deaf ear to the Word of God (Jn. 8:45-46).  Jesus declared Himself to be the absolute truth and the one and only avenue for man to reach God (Jn. 14:6).   He also bear truthful witness before Pilate (Jn. 18:37) and the rulers who stood against Him (Acts 4:27).  In His birth, life, death, resurrection, and assention Jesus the Christ became the administrator of all of God’s promises to the fathers and confirmed them by all that He was and is (Rom. 15:8).

 

          Jesus Christ also declares Himself the “True Vine” (ALETHOS: surety; Jn. 15:1) into which we are to be grafted (Rom. 11:17-23).  He could say-so because He was foreordained to that office before creation (1Pet. 1:20).  In His life and in His death the witness of the people is that Jesus is truly the prophet and the Son of God (Jn. 6:14; 7:40; Mk. 15:39; Mt. 27:54).

 

          Jesus is also the trustworthy door (AMEN: verily; Jn. 10:11).  All other claims to messiahship are lies of the destroyer (Jn. 10:10). We are to enter this door for salvation from the destroyer in the safety of the sheepfold (Jn. 10:7-9).  Jesus is doubly trustworthy   for   believing   unto   everlasting      life     (Jn. 6:47).  We      receive this double portion when we partake of the spiritual sacrifice that Jesus made of Himself (Jn. 6:53).  When we respond to His Word in obedience and faith we are doubly assured of not dying -- eternally (Jn. 8:51).  Again, He can say this for He is doubly trustworthy as the “I AM” (Jn. 8:58).

 

          Jesus makes an exodus from Jerusalem telling His audience they will not see Him again until His triumphal entry and they call Him the “Blessed One” (Lu. 13:35).  He talks about His doubly assured death (Jn. 12:24).     He

 

 tells the disciples that their sorrow will be turned to joy (Jn. 16:20), and at the supper table, says He will surely drink with them in His coming kingdom (Mk. 14:25), and that one of them will verily betray Him (Jn. 13;21; Mk. 14:18; Mt. 26:21).  On the cross Christ assures the thief of his place in paradise (Lu. 23:43), and confirms that He will serve those who have been faithful to Him (Lu. 12:37).

 

          Jesus said John the Baptist was a great man (Mt. 11:11) and what John said about Jesus was without fault (APELEGMOS: Jn. 10:41). The Pharisees took exception to this and called Him a liar (Jn. 8:13) and Jesus responded that their judgment would be in accord with His Words (Jn. 8:16).  The prophets wanted to see Jesus -- but the Pharisees did (Mt. 13:17).

 

          If “truth”  =  “freedom” then for you to be free you must come to Him who is at one and the same both.  Jesus is the true (APELEUTHEROS) witness: i.e., a separate freeman at liberty to come and go as he pleases (Rev. 3:14).  He is both true (Rev. 3:7) and holy (Rev. 6:10) and faithful (Rev. 19:11) -- the true God (I Jn. 5:20).  The tabernacle and priesthood of the Old Testament were only earthly figures of that true creation made by God (Heb. 8:2; 9:24).  He is the absolute Seed of Abraham (DEPOU: doubtless, now, the right place at the right time; Heb. 2:16).

 

          We must concede and affirm the Scripture that Elias must come before the Messiah, and we affirm that he did come (MEN: Mt. 17:11; Mk. 9:12).  We affirm that Jesus the Christ the Savior of the world was foreordained (I Pet. 1:20), was the last of a long line of priests (Heb. 7:23) and that He did the signs to validate His claim to authority (Jn. 20:30). We concede and affirm that Jesus went and that His betrayer was cursed (Lu. 22:22).  Surely all these Words of the Lord are TRUE (Mt. 15:27).

 

U = S

Part III

An Unction from the Holy One

The Spirit of Truth

That Leads us to Jesus

 

          True light is sweet and will bring prosperity (Eccl. 11:7; Psa. 45:4).  True light (EMUNAH) is firm fidelity to take the right road, on the right side because it is right.  Micah the prophet was such a person.  he professed to have received his power from the Spirit of God (Mi. 3:8).

 

          The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Truth (ALETHEIA).  The world cannot know Him or receive of His truth but the follower of Jesus Christ can for the Holy Spirit comes to indwell the temple of the believer (Jn. 14:17).  The Spirit of Truth comes forth from the Father when sent by Jesus.  His purpose in coming to us is to comfort and to bear witness to Jesus (Jn. 15:26).  He becomes our guide into all truth which He speaks.  When He does speak it is always of Jesus (Jn. 16:13).  If Jesus had not left this world, as He did, then the Holy Spirit would not have been able to come to our aid and comfort (Jn. 16:7).

 

          We are to try the spirits that cross our way to see if they are of Christ or of anti-Christ.  The true test of the Spirit of Truth is that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He came in the flesh (I Jn. 4:6).  This testimony of truth is compounded by the Spirit in the “water”, “blood”, (I Jn. 5:6) and the Spirit of Truth is affirmed by the “Father” and the “Word” (I Jn. 5:7).

 

          What ever the Spirit teaches, in Its anointing by Jesus, will be truth (Professed doctrine, not concealed in ignorance; I Jn. 2:27).  In our lives this truth comes out as the Fruit of the Spirit (Eph. 5:9; Gal. 5:22-23).  We begin by being born again of the Spirit.  Christ said this is doubly trustworthy for us to heed (Jn. 3:3,5).  We can trust Him for Jesus is a true witness (Jn. 7:18: APELEGMOS - not tell a lie).  Because of the truth about Jesus the light now shines and the darkness is over.  This sets us free (APELEUTHEROS) to come and go in His light (I Jn. 2:8-9).  This is all part of the promise of Jesus that we would be thoroughly immersed in the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:5) -- the Spirit of Truth.

 

T = U

Part IV

The Word of Truth

That Sets us Free

 

A Lamp Unto our feet

 

          One problem with us earth bound creatures is our link to the physical.  For that reason God has given us His Living - Written Word of Truth.  The first word on the Word in the Authorized Version -- Hebrew is EMUNAH in Psalm 100:5 and 33:4.  It is affirmed that what God does and what God says is “firm” and has “fidelity” and forever endures.  For the Adamic nature in space-man-time the Word of God is an “OHMAN” of God’s faithfulness (Isa. 25:1).  The Psalms speak volumes of the various aspects of the true “stability” and “faithfulness” of God’s EHMETH, especially Psalm 119.  Our prayer should be for the Word to preserve us (40:11) and to lead us on our journey (43:3) for they will cut of our enemies (54:5).  A good reading on the Word of Truth is Psalm 19:7-9:

 

          The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD   is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the             heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and         righteous altogether.

 

          The truth of God is to be our shield and buckler (91:4). I will work for it reaches to the clouds of glory (108:4).  Therefore, we should ask that God’s truth (119:15) not be taken from our mouths (119:43).  It is the law of God that is truth (119:142) from the beginning (119:160).  Therefore, we praise the Lord (138:2).

 

          The prophets of God gave us the words of truth both orally and in writing.  Isaiah said that the Lord was displeased when He saw truth fallen in the streets (Isa. 59:14-15).  Jeremiah said the Lord sent him to be a prophet (Jer. 26:15), and that the way to prove a prophet to be true is to wait and see if his prophesy is fulfilled (Jer. 28:9).

 

 

          Daniel saw visions of truth (Dan. 8:26).  He said the way to understanding the truth (Neh. 9:13) of the law of Moses is to turn from your ways and follow it (Dan. 9:13).  He could say so because his revelations were truth (Dan. 10:1) and became for us the “Scripture of Truth” (Dan. 10:21).  It was delivered to him by an angel (Dan. 11:2).

 

          The conclusion of the Kings is that the Word of God is true (I Kings 17:24; 2  Sam. 7:28).  This truth is in the WORD-S Written (Eccl. 12:10).  Note the truth is in the plurality of the words!  We are to put these words in our heart and around our neck (Pro. 3:3).  These words of certainty in the heart will give us balance and equity (GOSHT) of life within (Pro. 22:21) and provide us words to answer those without (Pro. 22:21).

 

          This outward testimony of truth is to be the Gospel of Jesus.  It is a gospel of freedom based on truth (Jn. 8:32).  It is a truth that sanctifies -- the truth of the Word (Jn. 17:17).  It is the truth of Christ (Jn. 17:19) manifest in His incarnation (Jn. 1:14).  We are to trust this Gospel Word of Truth and be sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13).  When we do so we are begotten into God’s family by this Word of Truth (Ja. 1:18).

 

          We are to rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Tim. 2:15) for it is by the truth that we will be proved (2 Cor. 6:7).  The heathen in world history, past and present, have changed God’s  truth for a lie (Rom. 1:25).  We are not to be so and be part of such a lie (1 Jn. 2:21) but speak the truth with God’s Apostle Paul (Acts 26:25) and enter the family of the accepted (Lu. 4:25).

 

          In doctrine and profession (ALETHENO) we should acknowledge with the Herodians that Jesus teaches truth (Mk. 12;14), the truth of the gospel (Col. 1:5).  This gospel will teach us the grace of God (Col. 1:6), and with it we can gird our loins against the seeds of falsehood (Eph. 6:14).

 

          The believer of God receives the Word of God in love and surety (ALETHOS: 1 Jn. 2:5; 1 Thes. 2:13).  When we believe the “trustworthy” AMEN we receive life (Jn. 5:24).  This word is trustworthy for Christ Himself has pledged its endurance to the JOT & TITTLE (Mt. 5:18).  Whenever this gospel truth is preached then the woman who anointed Jesus is to be mentioned with honor (Mt. 26:13; Mk. 14:9).

 

          This gospel of the Grace of Jesus Christ is a testimony separated from fault (APELEGMOS: Jn. 21:24), and this is where our thought life is to be centered (Phil. 4:8).  As we meditate on these things we will come to understand that God’s final judgments are in total accord with freedom (APELEUTHEROS), especially that of the White Throne (Rev. 16:7; 19:2).  The most blessed sayings of truth written on which we can meditate are the 

 

 marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9); the New Heaven and Earth (Rev. 21:5); and that all the Words of God’s book are true (Rev. 22:6).

 

          God’s first covenant, with Israel, had ordinances and devine services.  This is affirmed (MEN: Heb. 9:1) by the Apostle Paul to the Hebrews.  This first covenant was weak in the flesh and dissanuled (Heb. 7:18) and life is not given through the law for it cannot give it (Gal. 3:21).  WE need to join in with the spread of this gospel of peace (Rom. 10:18).

 

 

 

H = S

Part V

His Testimony of Truth

Which We Speak

 

          Our preaching should be for God’s reward, and to receive such we need to be careful not to abuse our power (I Cor. 9:18).  We need to be truthful about our association with Jesus and not be in denial (Lu. 22:59).  We need to speak the truth as did Jesus (Mk. 12:32) and Paul (I Tim. 2:7).  Our words of truth need to be manifest clearly to all hearers (2 Cor. 4:2) that they might acknowledge the truth and repent (2 Tim. 2:25).  By the acknowledging of the truth (Tit. 1:1) those that disbelieve will be damned (2 Thes. 2:12) and those that believe will be chosen (2 Thes. 2:13).

 

          Our boasting should be centered in the truth spoken by the Apostle Paul (2 Cor. 7:14; Rom. 9:1).  He claimed that the truth of Christ was “in” him (2 Cor. 11:10).  This truth is to be ingested from the church which is truth’s pillar in this world (1 Tim. 3:15).  This is where our doctrine should come from lest we be destitute of truth (1 Tim. 8:44).  Then we open ourselves to him who is without truth -- the devil (Jn. 8:44).

 

          If we are among those who disobey, then we join the devil in having no truth within (1 Jn.2:14; 2Jn.2). When we see a brother error from the truth we need to persuade him to conversion and cover his sin (Jam.5:19). When such men error from the truth it is vain (2 Tim. 2:18). We should seek to establish them in the truth--presently (2 Pet. 1:12).  This will cause them to avoid the fables of man (Tit.1:14) and enable them to be fellowhelpers (3 Jn.8)

 

          When, or if, I sin God’s truth abounds exposing my lie (Rom. 3:7).  I can then be at liberty to continue in the gospel (Gal. 2:5) truth as I walk (Gal. 2:14).  Then I can in truth list my name with Demetrius (3 Jn. 12).

 

          The Jews have the truth of the law of God (Rom. 2:20), but we can exceed the law in the true Passover of unleaven bread (1 Cor. 5:8).  Those who know these truths know they are free (Jn. 8:32), and know that the truth is within them (2 Jn. 1).  While some groups still insist on abstinence from certain or all meat those who know the truth see no problem ( 1 Tim. 4:3).  The other are never able to come to such knowledge of truth (2 Tim. 3:7).  If you truly believe that the word that is written that you read is God’s then you will know (1 Jn. 2:21).  That is why those who know the truth don’t worry about loosing salvation after they get it (Heb. 10:28).  Such unbelieving doubters usually get bitter and often lie against God’s truth (Jam. 3:14).  When you partake of such lies then your fellowship with God is broken (1 Jn. 1:6).  These folks usually run from light when it shines (Jn. 3:21).

 

          Our love as true believers of truth is to be evidenced by true deeds, beyond words (1 Jn. 3:18). Saint John set the example and wrote of others who did likewise (3 Jn.1; 2 Jn.1).  There is no love outside of truth (1 Cor. 13:6), and those who not only disobey but hinder others are not of the truth (Gal. 5:7).  Many such fakers have never come to the truth for personal salvation (2 Thes. 2:10).  Rather, in today’s world, people are seriously lovers of themselves, their affections are quite unnatural, and pleasure receives all their attention.  If they have any religion it has no power in their daily living for men are overpowered by women, and neither recognize the truth when presented (2 Tim. 3:1-8).

 

 

 

          It, therefore, becomes us professing Christianity to insure that all our communications are for the truth and never against it (2 Cor. 13:8).  Again Paul set us an example (2 Cor. 7:14; 12:6; 1 Tim. 2:7).  Part of the confession of truth is the acknowledgment of sin.  If one is deceived about sin they are void of God’s truth (1 Jn. 1:8), and will speak evil of the way of truth (2 Pet. 2:2).  This is exemplified in the way the Herodians treated Jesus (Mt. 22:16; Mk. 12:14).

 

          In our testimony he truth is to  be  in  us  and  come  out  in  our  walk        

 (3 Jn.3).  When the woman touched Jesus and was healed she could not hide the truth (Mk. 5:33).  We live in a time where we are turning away from the truth (2 Tim. 4:4).  God wants to hear that we walk in the truth (3 Jn. 4) -- it give Him great joy!  When our own children do what we say it brings us joy, -- God feels the same when we walk in His truths (2 Jn. 4).  When we make this walk of truth it’s reward is full assurance of faith ( 1 Jn. 3:19), and leads to true worship (Jn. 4:23, 24).  Contrarily, the disobedient receive the wrath of God for rejection of the intrusion of truth into their lives (Rom. 1:18; 2:8).  This is the end of those who are outside of ALETHEIA (truth).

 

          We now turn to doctrinal profession (ALETHENO), ignorance (ALETHES), and truthfulness (ALETHINUS).   As a professing Christian does your walk match your talk, and does your talk line up with God’s written Word?  Paul says when the truth of Christ is preached he rejoiced (Phil. 1:18).  Others who hear the truth think of the bearer of the gospel as the enemy (Gal.4:16).  This is what will happen when you begin to share the truth with your neighbor (Eph. 4:25) even though you will speak it in love (Eph. 4:15).  But, if you continue speaking the truth, it will lead to reaping the harvest (Jn. 4:37) and lead to true worship of God (Jn. 8:23).

 

          In your simple daily witness for Christ Jesus you need to insure that you do it faithfully in truth (Mt. 14:33) for the unfaithful steward will not receive the true riches of God (Lu. 16:11).  The reward of the true and faithful witness is to be made the ruler (Lu. 12:44).  When you have given all you have to give in truthful witnessing it will be recognized in the kingdom to come (Lu. 21:3; 9:27; Mk. 12:34).  If John the Baptist can give a true witness  of the Messiah -- so can you (Jn. 19:35)!

 

 

          Your testimony for the Lord should also be trustworthy (AMEN).  It is a testimony that will pass that of Jesus (Jn. 14:12) and avoid the calamity of Peter’s campfire fallible profession (Mk. 14:30; Jn. 13:38).  His call to repentance led to a hard line conclusion (Jn. 21:;;18).  Your true testimony of Christ will lead to child-like conversion (Mt. 18:3) that can grow into mustard seed faith that will reach to the sea (Mt. 21:21; 17:20).

 

          This testimony of truth will endure to the coming of Jesus (Mt. 10:23).  It is a testimony that will give life to the dead (Jn. 5:25) and give you a place in the kingdom when it appears (Mt. 19:28).  When we truly thirst for Jesus

 

we will be filled (Jn. 6:26).  The opposing truth is a greater condemnation than that which fell on Sodom and Gomorrah (Mt. 10:15; Mk. 6:11).  We would end up on the outside wanting to get in after having been so foolish (Mt. 25:12).  Let us not then weaver in our testimony of truth (Mt. 26:34) but speak up concerning the truth that we do know (Jn. 3:11).  We may well be in the generation that will see the completion of God’s truth (Mt. 23:35; 24:34) upon the earth.  As we have therefore opportunity let us exercise our power to bind the strong man of the house and loose the captives that are his (Mt. 18:18).  Remember the words of our Lord Jesus regarding our actions to others.  In the truth of the matter what we do or do not do unto others is what He will see as our having done to, for, or against Him (Mt. 25:40, 45).

 

          Part of the truth tought us by Jesus  in the case of the harlot verses the hypocrite is that the harlot may enter in but the hypocrite most likely will not get there (Mt. 21:31; 6:2,5,16).  If we are true and faithful in our witness for the Lord, no matter what the cost, we will be rewarded at more than a hundred percent (Mk. 10:29; Lu. 18:29).  The disciples of Christ were promised they would see the kingdom before they faced death (Mt. 16:28; Mk. 9:1; Mk. 13:30; Lu. 21:32), but to the rest of His generation Jesus said there would be no sign (Mk. 8:12) but the true utter destruction of the stones of Jerusalem (Mt. 24:2).  True faith was witnessed before that generation by outsiders (Mt. 8:10).  That generation rejected the true prophet of God and crucified Him, as would this generation today (Lu. 4:24).  It is therefore imperative that the kingdom be truly received as a little child (Mk. 18:13; Lu. 18:17) for then the angels of heaven would rejoice over the finding of the lost sheep (Mt. 10:13).  In this kingdom to come we will receive the true rewards of our true deeds including the simplest feat as the giving of a drink of water (Mt. 10:42; Mk. 9:41).   The person who trusts in his riches will have great difficulty in finding entrance into this kingdom of truth (Mt. 19:23).

 

          A true witness of faith can move mountains (Mk. 11:23) just as Jesus did miracles in His earthly ministry (Mt. 24:47; Jn. 13:16).  A witness of true faith will be a witness that is forgiving of sins (Mk. 3:28) and refrains from being a servant to sin (Jn. 8:34).  Two of Christ’s followers were such true witnesses of the truth: John (Jn. 19:35; Acts 12:9).  Peter witnessed the true grace of God and His Word (1 Pet. 5:12; 2 Pet. 2:22) and John had Christ’s command of truth and the record of His truth (1 Jn. 2:8; Jn. 8:14).   Coming behind them in the truth was the Apostle Paul (2 Cor. 6:8).  These were true  witnesses of the Messiah in their separation from the world while living in it (3 Jn. 12; Jn. 8:17; Tit. 1:13; Rev. 15:3; Heb. 10:22: APELEGMOS-- separate from fault).

 

          Our testimony of truth should be one without doubt (Lu. 11:48: APA), and within reason and pleasant (Acs 16:37; Rom. 15:27: GAR).  We need to be a completely legitimate and genuine yokefellow (Phil. 4:3: GNESIOS) walking in the fellowship of the Son of God (1 Jn. 1:3: DE).  Such a testimony will carry us through the worst of tribulation (1 Thes. 3:4: KAI). 

 

          The testimony of truth will be a firm concession to knowing that we will be in the presence of the Lord when we leave this world (1 Cor. 5:3: MEN).  Paul was a Jew (Acts 22:3) and knew the law of Moses (Acts 3:22).  Paul new how faithful Moses was (Heb. 3:5) and desired to be named among the faithful.  Paul wanted to be sure he was in on the great harvest of the world spoken of by Jesus (Lu. 10:2; Mt. 9:37).  Part of the testimony of truth is repentance that leads to baptism of water and the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:4).  It will profit the believer far more than fleshly circumcision (Rom. 2:25). 

 

          When men take an oath they normally ask the person to sware by some great person or being (Heb. 6:16).  God the Father being the greatest Moses was faithful to Him (Heb. 3:5); he had a mind-set in God’s country (Heb. 11:15).  The sons of Levi followed in the path of truthful testimony (Heb. 7:5) when they dealt according to Moses’ holy laws.  Paul followed in his steps and God worked in his life to produce a truthful testimony (2 Cor. 12:12).  Paul in his pre-Christian days lived a true testimony in the Jewish faith (Acts 26:9) and then carried that same testimony into his Christian faith.   In starked affirmation of faith Peter was able to leave a well guarded prison (Acts 5:23).  As in the case of Peter, Paul, and others, your testimony of truth may cost you your life (Lu. 11:51) but will result in the affirmation that indeed God is in you (1 Cor. 14:25).  This true testimony is a result of having the holiness of the new man (Eph. 4:24) and can take a person to the office of bishop ( 1 Tim. 3:1).

 

          We turn now to the Old Covenant and the Law of Moses and those things that were written beforehand for our learning and hope.  The first Hebrew word translated “Verily” is ABAL for Nay or Indeed.  It is used when David made Solomon king (1 Kings 1:43), when Joseph’s brothers acknowledged their guild over their brother (Gen. 42:21), and concerning the Shunamite woman that helped Elisha (2 Kings 4:14).  The next word is UWLAM for “on the contrary” and Jacob uses it in setting the younger son of Joseph over the elder son (Gen. 48:19).  The next word is translated both Verily and Truly (AK).  Job uses it concerning his friends being estranged (Job 19:13), and Jeremiah said he truly had a grief to bear (Jer. 10:19).  The Psalmist said he truly waited for the Lord to save him (Psa. 62:1) even though he was a vain man (Psa. 39:5).  In the truth of God’s law Israel was to keep the sabboath as a sign of the covenant (Ex. 31:13).  By so doing they would reap the reward of righteousness (Psa. 58:11).

 

          Jeremiah told Israel their treatment while in captivity would be “conditional” (IM LO) on their submission and behavior (Jer. 51:11).  Isaiah told of the desolation of the situation in his prophetic truths (Isa. 5:9).  The witness of the prophets shows the “firmness” and “fidelity” of  their testimony of God’s truth.  Isaiah said for them to enter God’s peace and salvation they had to keep righteousness (Isa. 26:2).  Those who do so are His delight (Pro. 12:22).   Isaiah said that the God he spoke truth for was looking for a man of truth among the nation but all He found was liars (Isa. 59:4).  Jeremiah adds to Isaiah’s truth in stating that the people were not viliant for the truth but for lies (Jer. 9:3).  In a search for a man of truth to pardon Israel none were found (Jer. 5:1).  Jeremiah said they couldn’t speak truth for all they were taught were lies (Jer. 9:5).  Such false deceit can only be overcome by a showing of right (Pro. 12:17).   To end of such infidelity  you must not let the Word of Truth perish out of your mouth (Jer. 7:28).  If you will trust in His truthful testimony you will be fed (Psa. 37:3).

 

          Job said his words were OMNAM, i.e., surely, verily, not false (Job 36:4), and he had a problem with how God would be able to justify unjust man (Job 9:2).  But God’s justification is just as sure as was Boaz was that there was another near kinsman for Ruth (Ruth 3:12), and just as sure as Samson’s father though Samson hated his wife and gave her away (Jud. 15:2: AMAR - avouch, certify).

 

          Primarily the testimony of the Old Covenant is stable and faithful (EHMETH) contrary to the truth cast to the ground by the anti-Christ (Dan. 8:12).  We are told to teach truth to our children (Isa. 38:19).  In the execution of true judgment we are to have mercy and compassion (Zech. 7:9) relative to the stoning of those committing abominations against the law of God (Deut. 17:4).   We are to pay whatever the price to gain God’s truth, wisdom, and instruction (Pro. 23:23).  When we learn the truth, and call upon God in that truth He will be near to hear (Psa. 145:18).  Without the truth then our relationship with God turns into a controversy (Hos. 4:1). 

 

          Jerubbaal was asked to be king.  He said if you do so in truth then fine, but if not in truth then fire will burn you (Jud. 9:15-19).  What about your testimony for Christ?  Is it praise worthy?  Is it worth the same as if your were dead?  What does your testimony declare (Psa. 30:9)?  Do you desire truth in the inward parts so there is something there that can come out in testimony (Psa. 51:6)?  The truth will come to those who devise that which is good (Pro. 14:22).  Such a testimony will be a testimony of true judgments (Ezk. 18:8) executed in the truth (Zech. 8:16). 

 

          Israel had a failing, fickle testimony of the truth.  Often they were without the influence and power of the God of truth in the life of their nation (Gen. 24:27; 2 Chron. 15:3).  But Abraham did not start that way, and neither did his servants.  They knew truth when they saw it (Gen. 24:49; 32:10).  And although the Hebrews have been so fickle in their faith God has promised that in the end Jerusalem will be called the city of truth (Zech. 8:3).  Joseph knew this truth and asked to be buried in the promised land (Gen. 47:29).  The kings of Israel often had to tell the prophet of God to tell the truth because some would refrain from truth knowing the attitude of the king (1 Kings 22:16).  Malachi the prophet had the law of truth in his mouth (Mal. 2:6) as people of leadership are to be people of truth (Ex. 18:21). 

 

          If you want to have an established testimony of truth (Pro. 12:19) then you need to ask the Lord to show you His truth (1 Sam. 2:6), and let Him know that you love the truth (Zech. 8:19).  Hezekiah was such a king of truth (2 Kings 20:19).  He maintained a good repore with the prophet of God--Isaiah (Isa. 39:8).  Hezekiah walked before the Lord in truth (2 Kings 20:3; Isaiah 38:3) and wrought truth in his leadership (2 Chron. 31:20). 

 

          Under the law of truth a woman not found to be a virgin was to be stoned (Deut. 22:20).  In the wisdom of King Solomon it is declared that the truth will preserve the king (Pro. 20:28) and purge out iniquity (Pro. 16:6).  The Queen of Sheba came to Solomon and had her own personal interview with the wise king.  Her conclusion was that what she had heard about this wise king were all true (I Kings 10:6: 1 Chron. 9:5).  Rahab, though a harlot, ask a sign of the spies of God (Josh. 2:12-14) and would accept nothing but he truth (2 Chron. 18:15).  The spies had made a diligent search for the truth of the situation and Rahab wanted to be a part of that truth (Deut. 13:14).  Eventually Rahab became a true worshipper of Jehovah (Josh. 24:14; 1 Sam. 12:24).  The prophet Zechariah said we are to speak truth, every man (Zech. 8:16), but all Israel was speaking lies (Jer. 9:5).  It therefore becomes me as a testimony of Christ (and fellow Christians) to speak truth with my mouth (Pro. 8:7) that come from the heart (Psa. 15:2).  Israel did a lot of swearing by the name of God, but not in truth (Isa. 48:1).  The testimony of God is to be a truth that will spring up out of the earth (Psa. 85:11).

 

          David the King expressed his desire of truth upon the Gittite (2 Sam. 15:20).  David set the pace for leadership in the avenue of truth from the throne (Isa. 16:5).  Truth is our only hope at any level of the food chain (Isa. 38:18).  Truth is to enter in to our praise of the Almighty (Psa. 71:22), and is not to be concealed (Psa. 40:10).  The King and his people are to walk in a truthful testimony (1 Kings 2:4) just as David did (Psa. 26:3; 86:11: 1 Kings 3:6).   As followers in the faith we should choose with David to walk in the truth (Psa. 119:30).  We need to take a good look at our testimony and see if we have the absolute truth in our total living (Isa. 43:9).  Such a testimonial witness of truth will lead to deliverance (Pro. 14:25).  This testimony of truth will need to match that of the words of  Esther (Esther 9:30).  The question needs to be asked: “it there any truth in YOU (Gen. 42:16)?”  This can only be insured by a steady intake of the true counsels of the Lord (Isa. 25:1) contained in the truth of the Law (Mal. 2:6).  Our prayer to God should be, “I beseech (ANNA: Psa. 116:16) thee, Lord, I am thy servant.

 

          Daniel was a witness for God that was always “firm”, “sure”, “fixed”, and “certain” (YETSEB & YATSTSIYB).  The same is true of the three Hebrew children and the fiery furnace (Dan. 3:24).  It was true of Daniel’s prayer life (Dan. 6:12).  And the same can be said of our knowledge of the future (Dan. 7:19).  The same may be said of Joseph and his KEN (right, surely).  Joseph had the grand opportunity to test his brothers truthfulness concerning his own and his father’s welfare.  They professed to be true men while Joseph pretended he thought they were spies (Gen. 42:11,19,31,33,34).  When you are put on the spot what are you?  Are you ready for the fire (Dan. 3:14: TSEDA: intent, true)?  Will you sell out cheap, or are you ready to pay the price (I Chron. 21:24: QANAH: redeem, surely)?  Is your life’s testimony covered with a banner called TRUTH (Psa. 60:4: GOSHT: balance, equity)?  Just as a test of your testimony of truth: do you tithe (Deut. 14:22)?