Thursday: The Scriptures and the Truth
Daily Lesson for Thursday 5th of December 2024
Throughout the Gospel, Scripture plays an important role in telling us about the One who is the way, the truth, and the life. All through the Gospels, as all through the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, the Scriptures play a key role in revealing truth. This is especially true when it comes to teaching us about who Jesus is and what He came to do.
Read John 5:38-40. What is Jesus saying here about the Scriptures?
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Jesus and His disciples pointed to Scripture again and again to validate Him as the Messiah. Christ said, “ ‘If you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?’ ” (John 5:46-47, NKJV).
Read Luke 24:27. Why is it important that Jesus first pointed to the Scriptures in order to reveal the significance of His ministry?
In another place, while quoting from the book of Exodus, Christ said, “ ‘Have you not read what was spoken to you by God . . . ?’ ” (Matthew 22:31, NKJV). Zacharias referred to the promises of God that “He [God] spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began” (Luke 1:70, NKJV). In his sermon on the day of Pentecost, Peter said, “ ‘This Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David’ ” (Acts 1:16, NKJV).
The Bible is not a textbook on science. It does not explain how to split the atom or perform brain surgery. But it does something even more significant. It provides the context within which our universe has meaning. It is the key that opens the door, the light that makes it possible to see. Without it, we would be in the dark about the existence of God, His role in the universe, our own origin, the meaning of life, and the future.
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What are some truths taught in the Bible that science, even in theory, can never teach us? |
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Pilate asked the question, "What is truth?" and we like to respond confidently with, "Jesus is the Truth!" But, both the question and our answer are rather enigmatic and we should be very careful about throwing slogans around. Even in Christian circles where we all exclaim, "Jesus is the Truth!" we go on from that with volumes as to why our view of Jesus is better than everyone else's.
I grew up in the Seventh-day Adventist Church during a period where the elephant in the room was the "nature of Christ". Cottage meetings were held, and sermons were preached with each person trying to push their view of the truth about the nature of Christ. "Prelapsian" and "Postlaspian" were words that entered my vocabulary when I was far too young.
It seemed that the basis for this argument was the notion that one of these ideas was the truth and if we got that right we would be saved; if we got it wrong, we would be lost.
Jesus had his own take on these sorts of argument:
The key to understanding this is the notion that truth in the Christian sense is not some sort of static monolith waiting to be discovered but rather a dynamic relationship with Jesus that grows and develops.
Much of our church experience is based on establishing doctrine and proving that our doctrine is better than everyone else. While I don't deny the importance of doctrine, if that is the total of our Christian experience, we have denied the very essence of Christianity. Truth is not about being right, but in living a relationship with Jesus that is inclusive of others.
As Seventh-day Adventists, we often like to mention our "Pillars of Faith" as though we have discovered the doctrines that are going to save us. Have we also discovered the dynamic relationship with Jesus?
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful reflection. It’s a reminder of the deep tension we often experience as Christians: between upholding truth in doctrine and living out the relational, transformative life that Jesus calls us to.
Truth, in the Christian sense, is not just a set of correct beliefs, but a growing, dynamic relationship with Jesus. As you've pointed out, it’s easy to get caught up in debates over doctrine, especially when we see these ideas as the key to salvation or the distinguishing mark of the "true" church. But the truth of the gospel isn’t merely intellectual—it’s relational. Jesus himself made it clear that the Scriptures point to Him, but the goal is to come to Him for life.
In the end, it’s not our "correctness" in doctrine that defines us as Christians, but our relationship with Jesus, our willingness to follow Him, and the way we live out His love and truth in community with others.
Jesus is the foundation, and as we grow in that relationship with Him, the doctrines we hold to should shape how we reflect His character to others. It’s a humbling reminder that we are called not just to defend a set of beliefs, but to live a life that points others to Jesus.
May we all continue to grow in that dynamic relationship with Him and allow that to shape our lives.
The authenticity of scripture as the Word of God among Christian believers is never in doubt. Sadly, and unfortunately, a recent survey found that qualitative Bible study time is greatly diminishing. The diminishing time spent by many Christian believers on qualitative Bible study is a concerning trend, as it affects spiritual growth, understanding of God's will, and the ability to live a faith-centered life. Addressing this issue requires intentional effort from both individuals and church communities to restore the centrality of Scripture in believers’ lives. Jesus affirmed the inerrancy and reliability of Scripture, saying, "Scripture cannot be broken" (John 10:35). He upheld the authority of God's Word as unchangeable and trustworthy.
In the Old Testament, the Jewish people were commanded to make Scripture central to their lives, with directives such as tying the laws to their foreheads and wrists (Deuteronomy 6:6-8). This instruction was not just literal but deeply symbolic, reflecting the importance of integrating God's Word into every aspect of life. In the New Testament, Scripture was regarded with the same seriousness and critical importance as in the Old Testament, if not more so. Jesus and the early church emphasized the enduring significance of the Scriptures, seeing them as the foundation for faith, life, and salvation. Scripture was critical because it was the foundation for Israel's relationship with God, their identity, and their way of life, making it the cornerstone of their spiritual and communal existence
How can we believers possibly overlook the vitality and critical significance in not spending quality time in the Word of God? How can we say “it is written” if we do not read? It is a good practice with eternal rewards if we believers can search scripture purposely under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We also need to encourage one another not to neglect the eternal Word of God. How can we possibly do this?
a)Reaffirm Scripture’s Importance - Psalm 119:105 ("Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path") and Matthew 4:4 ("Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God").
b)Practical Steps - Encourage daily Bible reading plans or guided studies and leverage technology by using Bible apps with reminders and resources.
c)Community Engagement - Foster small group Bible studies to provide accountability and encouragement.
d)Teach Study Methods - Equip believers with tools for effective Bible study, such as inductive methods, commentaries, or theological resources.
e)Pray for Revival - Spiritual renewal often leads to renewed passion for Scripture. Churches can pray collectively for a rekindling of desire for God's Word.
Profound.
Science starts by studying the process that materializes the evidence. Faith is also recognized by its evidence, but the link connecting faith to evidence materialized only once. This Link is in the Truth, the Word, a Person called Jesus.
Thieves broke into my house on Monday night and made away with a few property of mine, I'm still in fear ,I pray for safety for me and my kids .Their father works far away from home.
Elsie, we will pray that you have peace of mind, safety, and the protection of mighty angels. Burglary and thievery, leaves a person feeling violated and vulnerable. May the peace that Jesus gives, guard your heart and mind. I invite other members of this forum to likewise pray for you and your situation.
I will keep you in my prayers. May our Lord Savior keep you and your family safe. May he also give you peace and a restful mind.
Elsie dear, l'm ancient and often am alone. I claim this promise daily: "God is my refuge and strength--an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1. Good to remember--God is faithful to His promises!
Elsie,
`The Lord frequently places us in difficult positions to stimulate us to greater exertion. In His providence annoyances sometimes occur to test our patience and trust.
He would teach us where to look for help and strength in time of need. Thus we obtain practical knowledge of His divine will, which we so much need in our life experience. Faith grows in earnest conflict with doubt and fear.`2MCP 476.2
I read the passage today, and it is helping me battle fear. I am praying for you to have peace as you fully trust in God.
Will be praying for you and your family!
Could anyone claim to ‘know’ the ultimate Truth unless he/she has supporting evidence? If the supporting evidence is generated by another person who is as fallible as any other person, how could they be the ‘proof’ to vouch for the person’s claim of having the Truth.
John 8:12-18 speaks to Jesus’ answer He gave the Pharisees who challenged Him to verify His authority by another witness. John 8:17-19 speaks to that second witness who testifies that He represents Truth in all its applications - His Father. There exists a Truth which is eternally true.
John 8:19 reveals why the Pharisees could not accept Him as bringing Truth to them - 'Jesus replied': ”You do not know me or my Father, if you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 'Though they searched their Scriptures because they thought that in them they had eternal life', they were unable to recognize in their spirit the Truth personified in Jesus Christ.
In order to recognize God's Truth one needs the help of the Holy Spirit – Scriptures, by themselves, do not 'reveal the Truth to man's heart and mind'. No matter how much ‘evidence’ Scripture brings forth, if a person does not believe in God, he/she will not believe in His Son either.
We who believe 'know' that the Son is: ”The radiance of God’s Glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Heb.1:3
To those seeking His Truth, the Scriptures reveal the loving and just Truth of God. To those not ‘seeking to find His Truth' in them, can only find a God with ‘shortcomings’ or serious faults to be judged using their own standards.
Unable to recognize His Truth, they do not see/grasp that, in Jesus, God reveales Salvation to the broken-hearted seeking righteousness. We, who by His Mercy and Grace accepted Him, can now wholeheartedly testify that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and our Lord, sent by our heavenly Father to lead us on His Way by His Truth and Life and so reunite us with Him. 1 Heb.1-14 NIV
The distinction should be between Bible science and secular science. As it says in the first chapter of Romans,'the things of nature that are created reveal his eternal power and Godhead.'
It been said that all true science will be in harmony with the Bible. God created Science. Science didn't create God.