In our American society today, truth is under incessant assault. It is rare that you hear anyone talk about absolute truth. Instead, truth is relative depending on the person and situation. Unfortunately, even in Christian circles, too often you hear the phrase, “the Lord told me” rather than “the Bible says.” This can be very dangerous since the Scriptures are absolute truth, whereas “the Lord told me” can be open to contradiction from the Bible and thus not the truth.
It is time that we as Christians take a firm stand on the word of God – the Bible. If we believe that God is the source of all truth then His Word must be held up as divine, absolute truth on all matters. It is also important to realize that Satan is the source and author of lies. The battle, therefore is between God’s truth – the Holy Bible – and Satan’s lies. And this is the cosmic battle of the ages – the battle for truth. There is no neutral ground. One either believes in the absolute truths contained in the Scriptures or in Satan’s perversions of the Bible – his lies.
While we know that the world is under the dominion of Satan we must not dialogue with the world when it comes to a discussion of biblical truth. Truth is truth and we will gain nothing from dialoging with error. We must always proclaim biblical truth and expose error instead of bargaining with it. While I know this will make us unpopular and considered narrowminded, if the truth offends then so be it. Proclaiming biblical truth is the only way to expose the lies of the enemy and allow the Holy Spirit to start the process of conviction of sinners. I believe that when we proclaim biblical truth and unite it with believing prayer for Holy Spirit conviction of sin, we maximize the potential to reach sinners with the gospel.
It is so important that we read, study, and mediate on the Scriptures so we can know the truth and always be prepared to combat error with truth. The world may not like to hear the truth but it is their only hope to escape the bondage to sin that they are in.
Knowing essential Christian doctrines is critical if we are to be good witnesses for Christ because knowing these doctrines will help us divide truth from error. In our relativistic world absolute truth will never be popular but it is the only way to live for Christ. Yes, biblical truth, is absolute, and must be if we are to understand the nature of truth.
When Jesus said in (John 14:6): “…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me,” He was making one of the most divisive statements in the Scriptures. This verse teaches the exclusivity of Christ as the only way to God. We must never waver from this “truth” for it is the only way of salvation. Not only that, but this absolute truth is the only way to unlocking all other biblical truths. For without knowing Christ we will never be able to experience all the other life changing truths contained in the Bible.
Standing firm on the truths of Scripture in our country today has never been more unpopular but it is the only way to please our Savior and to reach the lost. I pray that all of us who call Jesus our Lord will commit to never negotiating away biblical truth regardless of the personal cost.
“The world is under the dominion of Satan” is a common refrain but we need to see what Scripture says about that. “It is so important that we read, study, and mediate on the Scriptures so we can know the truth,” encourages today’s devotion. So, let’s see how Scripture answers the question, “Is Satan the god of this world?”
For those who believe in the truth of the Bible, we know that Satan is alive and wanting the downfall of humanity and the defeat of God’s purposes in the world. He uses his power and demonic minions to achieve his goal but
are we giving too much power to Satan and his evil hordes when we say, ”Satan is the god of this world? How does the Bible describe our foe?
Firstly, Satan is a creature with limited powers. Even under the Old Covenant he had to be granted permission by God before he could act (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7). These limitations have been multiplied since the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus.
Let’s follow the Biblical evidence of how toothless this defeated lion is:
He flees in the face of our resistance (James 4:7)
The only power he has is what we give him or is granted by God (2Cor 12:7-12)
He is Biblically described as defeated, disarmed and spoiled (Col 2:15; Rev 12:7 and Mark 3:27)
He has “fallen” (Luke 10:18)
He was “thrown down” (Rev 12:9)
He is “crushed” under the feet of Christians (Romans 16:20)
He has lost authority over Christians (Col 1:13)
He has been “judged” (John 16:11)
He cannot “touch” a Christian (I John 5:18)
His works have been destroyed
(I John 3:8)
He has been ”cast out.” (John 12:31,32)
He has “nothing” (John 14:30)
He is “bound” (Mark 3:27; Luke 11:20)
The gates of hell “shall not overpower” the advancing church (Matt 16:18)
There are other passages that portray this defeated foe but hopefully this brief outlook will renew our resolve to be engaged with confidence in Kingdom work and to see the world and history through God’s eyes rather than the evening news.
Surely, Satan is alive but he is not well on planet earth. Progressively, the enemies of Christ are being defeated and made His footstool.
As Martin Luther said,
”And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure,
one little word shall fell him.”
Excellent article Curt, as usual! I know there are a lot of brothers and sisters who need to read this and I hope they do! God bless!
This is so good Curt! I appreciate your posting this.
Elaine