Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 11
April 21, 1960
NUMBER 49, PAGE 9b

Revealed Truth

Gordon Wilson, Sacramento, California

It should not be assumed that all truth known to man is revealed truth. There are some things in human affairs which are leaned to be true through instinct, reason, observation, and experience. However, it ought to be axiomatic with Christians that whatever truth concern God's will toward man and the duty of man toward God, can only be known by divine revelation, and it is to the inspired message of God that we must turn in matters of religion. Whenever man relies solely upon humanistic and naturalistic methods in his attempts to know the truth the results are bound to be disastrous. For confirmation of this fact read Romans 1:18-32.

1. Truth must be properly understood. If the truth could not be understood the word "revealed" would be a mis-term, for revelation is an uncovering or disclosing. We should not then be so foolish as to accept the loose statement, "We cannot all see it alike." Revealed truth is truth that all can understand, and understand alike even though it may be the case that all do not understand it. There are a number of things that sometimes act to keep men from understanding the truth. Foremost is indifference, for no one learns the truth by accident. Prejudice can keep one from understanding the truth, for it keeps him from wanting to understand. A lack of earnest effort prevents many from understanding the truth, for it cannot be assimilated by a process of osmosis. Following blind guides in a study of the Bible will lead men into the ditch of misunderstanding. God intends that we should use our own brains; it doesn't hurt a bit! Things which will help us to understand the truth are diligent study, open-mindedness, and calm discussions with persons whose conclusions differ from our own. "Ye Shall Know The Truth, and The Truth Shall Make You Free." (John 8:32.)

2. Truth must be properly applied. All of God's revelation is not to be taken as specific instruction to all people. We must learn to apply the truth where the application was intended by the Divine Author. There should be, for instance, no difficulty in recognizing that the covenant which the Lord made with Israel was for a particular people in a particular age and for a particular purpose. God "hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit." (2 Cor. 3:6.) Likewise the law of Christ, with its commission to preach the gospel to every nation, was not given and was not applicable before Jesus' death and resurrection. "For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth." (Heb. 9:16.) It is necessary to discern what applies to us and under what circumstances. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15.)

When we recognize the importance of abiding in revealed truth, come to properly understand the truth, and then properly apply the truth, appropriating it through obedience, then, and only then, shall we be saved by the truth. (I Pet. 1:22, 23.)