Topical Bible: Truth: should be Obeyed

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In the Christian faith, truth is not merely an abstract concept but a divine principle that demands adherence and obedience. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with truth, as it is foundational to a life that honors God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible presents truth as an essential attribute of God Himself. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This statement underscores the belief that truth is personified in Jesus Christ, and thus, following Him is synonymous with obeying truth.

Obedience to Truth in Scripture

The call to obey truth is evident throughout Scripture. In John 8:31-32, Jesus speaks to the Jews who believed in Him, saying, "If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Here, Jesus links discipleship with obedience to His teachings, indicating that true freedom is found in adherence to His word.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the necessity of obeying truth. In Galatians 5:7, he writes, "You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?" This rhetorical question highlights the expectation that believers should remain steadfast in their commitment to truth, despite any hindrances.

Truth and Sanctification

Obedience to truth is closely tied to the process of sanctification. In John 17:17, Jesus prays to the Father, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." This prayer reveals that truth is the means by which believers are set apart for God's purposes. The transformative power of truth is realized as believers align their lives with God's word.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers into all truth. In John 16:13, Jesus promises, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth." The Spirit's guidance ensures that believers can discern and obey truth, enabling them to live in a manner that pleases God.

Consequences of Disobedience

The Bible warns of the consequences of failing to obey truth. In Romans 2:8, Paul writes, "But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger." This passage serves as a sobering reminder that disobedience to truth leads to divine judgment.

Truth in the Life of the Believer

For the believer, obedience to truth is not optional but a vital aspect of the Christian walk. In 1 John 3:18, the apostle exhorts, "Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth." This call to action emphasizes that truth should manifest in the believer's conduct, reflecting genuine love and integrity.

Conclusion

While a conclusion is not provided, the scriptural evidence presented underscores the imperative for believers to obey truth as a reflection of their faith and commitment to God. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the transformative power of God's word, believers are equipped to live in accordance with truth, thereby fulfilling their divine calling.

Nave's Topical Index

Romans 2:8
But to them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Nave's Topical Index

Galatians 3:1
O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Truth Hidden when not Sought After.
... or practices; not considering, that unless we have faithfully obeyed our conscience ...
naturally pleasing to us, rather than that light and truth should have come ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xiii truth hidden when.htm

Justice and the Reason of Effects
... Truth on this side of the Pyrenees, error on the other side. ... 298. Justice,
might."It is right that what is just should be obeyed; it is necessary that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section v justice and the.htm

How Much the Arguments Make for Us...
... so as to say that he held the primacy, and should rather be obeyed of those ... persecutor
of the Church, but he admitted the counsel of truth, and readily ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 1 1 how.htm

That the Philosophers who Give Good Instructions Live Badly, by ...
... ought not to have feared, since he spoke the truth; but as if he were afraid lest
he should be arraigned ... no advantage to life, they neither obeyed their own ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xvi that the philosophers who.htm

The Impending Conflict
... working power; and Protestants, having cast away the shield of truth, will also ... of
their error, affirming that the laws of the land should be obeyed as the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 36 the impending conflict.htm

The Impending Conflict.
... working power; and Protestants, having cast away the shield of truth, will also ... of
their error, affirming that the laws of the land should be obeyed as the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /36 the impending conflict.htm

The Unity of the Church.
... so it is,"they do not obey Him in that way in which it is His will that He should
be obeyed. ... Paul calls it "the pillar and ground of the truth[1].". ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xvii the unity of.htm

The Truth in Jesus.
... whether or not I have spoken the truth concerning our ... your hearts remaining as they
are, I should but add ... I am right in this, that Jesus must be obeyed, and at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the truth in jesus.htm

Covenant Duties.
... erroneous, that till they be regularly removed they should be obeyed. ... It is desirable
that mutual communications regarding the truth should be interchanged ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

The Jew Continues his Discourse Thus: "How Should we Deem Him to ...
... and likeness;" and that the Logos, when commanded, obeyed all the ... words, "I am the
way, and the truth, and the ... is one spirit with the Lord; how should not that ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter ix the jew continues.htm