The Truth Cannot be Refuted (1 John 1:5-7)
Fig 1: 2021.09.12 Carlsbad, CA
Apart from the disclosure that is General Revelation (Psalm 19:1-4; Romans 1:20) and what God is willing to reveal about Himself (Exodus 3:1-3; 33:17-20; 34:5-7), nothing can be known about the Almighty. [Of course there are some who will respond to this proposition with the idea that humanity can discover the truth using Science. As an amateur scientist I applaud the bravado but say that such a view is (i) hubris, (ii) misplaced confidence in the intellectual abilities of mankind, and (iii) a downplaying of God’s ability to conceal things that He does not want to share.] Jesus revealed the Father. In His earthly time with the motley crew of men chosen to lead the church the Son of God put on display the character of God, explained the heart and nature of God, and unpacked the aims of God in sending His only begotten Son (John 3:16). One of the men that saw and heard the revelations that came through Jesus was a young man named John.
The message that John and the others disciples saw and heard they taught to others. Those that received and believed the message of the disciples became Jesus followers and the initial congregants of a radical new community. Soon after the community was formed the enemies of God began to fight against it and assail the message upon which it was founded. Attacks on the deity of Christ (ebionism), the humanity of Christ (docetism), and the cross work of Christ were non-stop. In fact the attacks keep coming.
What are we to do? We need to become grounded in the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17); we must abide in His word. The better we know the truth the more adept we are at recognizing false doctrine. What are we to do? Know the message well and stand ready to defend our faith in Jesus Christ. The word they heard has been handed down to us and we do well to know it well and teach it to others. And when we find ourselves face-to-face with someone who is against the Truth remember this: the truth cannot be refuted.
In His grip by His grace,
Roderick L. Barnes, Sr.