Glass Street church of Christ

site last modified
February 26, 2008

Why 1st Century Truth?

by Randy Meyer

In our daily lives, if we wish to determine the length of an item, we use a ruler or tape measure. In finding the weight of an object, a scale is used. We understand in order to be accurate in such occasions, we must use a predetermined set standard. For example, if you are on a diet, you will use a scale to determine if you have lost weight. But, many people weigh themselves to find that they haven’t lost as much weight as they desired and therefore determine that “the scale must be off.” Is the scale, which has been set to a predetermined standard, wrong or does the error arise when the individual’s perception of truth becomes their standard? We understand in this example that the scale is the standard and not a person’s personal belief, opinion, or desire.

Why is it then, when we consider religion, it seems there is no set standard? Society’s actions indicate that the standard is set by each individual’s personal feelings and ideas. Is this real truth or is there a set standard for truth which is pleasing to God? The answer to this is found in the words of our Lord and the inspired writers of the 1st century which was recorded for us in the Bible. We are told in II Timothy 3:16 that the word is given by the inspiration of God. This is restated in II Peter 1:20-21 where we are advised “that no prophecy of the scripture is of private interpretation…but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” In Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 24:35 and I Peter 1:25, we have been assured by God that his word will endure the test of time and stand forever. It is becoming apparent that there is a standard for religious truth, but let us continue to see if any other indications are given about such standard of truth.

In John 17:1-26, John, by the inspiration of God, records a prayer between the Jesus and God the Father. Christ defined the standard of truth in that “Thy (God’s) word is truth.” We are also told by Christ himself in John 14:6 that “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Christ explains his authority for such a statement in verses 9-11. Those that follow after the truth are given an assurance. The Lord states in John 8:31-32 “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Will each individual’s feeling of truth set them free or is it the truth that God has given?

God gave the “yardstick”, “scale”, and predetermined standard of truth by which the people of the 1st century were to judge their philosophies. Is this not the same standard by which we must examine our doctrines today? Has Truth changed? Not according to Hebrews 13:8. God revealed his word once for all mankind and in a way that everyone that is searching after Him can find His truth. The Word alone is sufficient “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:17). As we have seen, His unchanging Word is TRUTH. Therefore, we must each strive to set our standard to the predetermined standard that God has set.