As we continue to look at opportunities that God not only gives but also holds us accountable for our response, we will examine the command to take a stand for truth. Throughout the ages, multitudes have stood for the truth of God’s word. Some have died for His truths; others have been tortured or berated. However, most of us have never suffered for standing up for the truths of God’s word.
There are certain core biblical truths we must stand for, regardless of opposition.
God is holy. His nature does not allow Him to sin. To be holy is to be without sin. In I Peter 1:15-16 God declares His holiness, and we are to be as He is holy.
Psalm 99:5 Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
I Peter 1:15-16 “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Jesus is the only way to be in right standing with God. He took our sins on Himself when He died on the cross and became our substitute to satisfy the wrath of God.
John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
The Bible is the inspired Word of God—therefore authoritative. The Word is living, inspired, and the authority for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
II Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
II Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
God is eternal. He is the creator of everything. In Genesis 1, He created everything. In Colossians chapter 1:15-23, we see the preeminence of Christ, and in verse 16 and John 1:1-3, we see His role in creation. In Psalm 90:2, the commentator Albert Barnes describes God as “From duration stretching backward without limit to duration stretching forward without limit; that is, from eternal ages to eternal ages; or, forever.”
Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
Colossians 1:16 “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
John 1:1-3 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
Psalm 90:2 “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”
God is a triune God. We have God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We have an account of all three on earth at the time Jesus was baptized. They are all God, but there is one God who shows himself to us in three roles.
Matthew 3:16-17 “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
We are saved by God’s grace through faith. We are the finished work of Jesus. We are not saved by works. However, once we are saved, we will want to do things for Him and tell others how they can come to know Him and escape Hell.
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
These are seven of the truths of the Bible on which we must stand. We should never compromise the truths of God’s word for anyone. For us to stay silent is to allow others to think we agree with them. When was the last time you saw an opportunity to speak up for Christ? All around us, we see and hear unbelievers who treat God’s word as if it were any other book. I even hear Christians who do not have these truths anchored in their soul. We must teach them the truths of God’s word. We must encourage them to stand up for Jesus and to get into the Word. However, the most dangerous ones to shut us up are those who profess Christianity while they compromise the gospel. A common fallacy is that we are saved by our works, or that our works gain us merit in Heaven. Almost all false religions have this idea. Others say the cross is the basis for our salvation, but it is “Jesus plus our works” that grants us eternal life.
Anytime we are around those who are not sold-out, consecrated believers, there is an opportunity to weave the truths of the Bible into our conversations. It is time we realize we hold the truth, that we must live the truth, speak up, and, in love, share the truth. We cannot allow the world to intimidate us. We are left here to be a witness, and that is not always easy, but it is a command. Listen to those around you. Pray for opportunities, and study so that you know the truth!
