Truth Does Not Suffer From Investigation
by Kelly Sharp
November 13, 2000
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
(John 8:32)
Truth does not suffer from investigation; The result of investigation is to bring
out, to make plain, that the superiority of truth and right may appear, in contrast to the designs
and weaknesses of wrong and error.
Jesus said,
"Everyone that doeth evil hateth the light ... lest his deeds should be
reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest that
they are wrought in God." (John 3:20)
The Believing Christians in the Ministry of Jesus Christ are confronted by active
and deceitful opposers of the truth. Is it not a true believers policy to shut off all discussion
simply because articles take on something of a controversial nature?
True Believers are readily prepared to expose the false positions of their
opponents.
People who simply read one side of a matter are not strong advocates of their own
principles. Not knowing the positions urged against their beliefs, they are unprepared either to
fully appreciate the truth or to defend it.
Truth appears in its superiority when attacked by error; it shines out clearly and
strongly by contrast, and its heights and depths are seen and understood and the faith of the
believer is confirmed as he more fully comprehends its immovable character.
The Apostle Paul commended some as full grown men in Christ because by reason of
'exercise' of their 'senses,' or powers of mind, they were able to discern between good and evil.
It is stated in the word of God that:
"the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth."
(John 16:13)
The true Believer who is so undeveloped as to be unable to discern where the truth
lies in any question, has not yet come to the full measure of his development; and until he
exercises his powers of mind, in study, in prayer, and in diligent application in the line of
privilege and duty, will not reach the condition of understanding and usefulness designed.
Christ is the pattern in all things. And, He was not only good in heart; He was
also intelligent, and was thus able to comprehend and to meet the conditions everywhere prevailing
against Him.
The gospel comprehends the elevation of the Believers by spiritual, moral and
general education. We shall not be made free until we "know the truth.
We must speak of the truth in love to be acceptable before God.
"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which
is the head, [even] Christ:" (Ephesians 4:15)
The prophetic statement concerning the people of God.
"It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every
man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me." (John 6:45)
A True Believing Christian can not be saved without understanding, without knowledge, without
the ability to discriminate and to reach correct conclusions upon all questions in which they are
to act.
God has commandeth all men every where to repent and why:
"Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness
by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that
he hath raised him from the dead." (Acts 17:30-31)
In matters pertaining to the Gospel and other duties, It is important to continue on with the
rule and truth of God.
Salvation without knowledge is presumptive. A Christian Believer who cannot reach a correct
conclusion, concerning matters upon which he or she is obliged to act according to his moral
agency, in the interests of the Gospel is unprepared to do his part in the interests of the work
The policy of crying down discussion is one of the Devils favorite themes. He is pleased
when people are willing to glide along being lulled away easily and dreamily without knowing just
where they are, what they are doing, or where they are going.
It is the people in truth who think and act from an understanding of law that the devil is
afraid of, he cannot easily mislead those who, acquainted with Gods law, humbly but firmly
refuse to be led by what is in opposition to it; and who, having acquainted themselves with the
misleading and deceptive devices of the enemy of truth, understand his devilish tactics and are
able to detect them - to discern their real character!
"All people should study the revelations of God to understand the Gospel, and become
familiar with them. They should know what they are doing and why they act. The Lord can scarcely
be pleased with less than this.
God designs the development of all His children - He is no respector of persons; He is.
however, a respector of character; and Christ-like character includes information, knowledge,
intelligence, goodness.
The greatest things in the universe are heart and mind - love and intelligence. The glory of
God is intelligence. The Apostle Paul wrote to the early saints.
"Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged
by you, are ye unworthy to judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life?"
(1Corinthians 6:2-3)
The idea that men should not judge at all - nor discriminate or choose is erroneous, for daily
choices and judgments are made ongoing day and night. Discern Good from Evil, to render a proper
judgment, this requires care, accuracy, consideration, and information; all of which are
commendable and strictly essential to the "perfect man.".
True Believers, believe in investigation. We are here to be tested and tried, and to solve
problems. No subject of importance is beyond the realm of proper investigation, criticism, and
analysis. We plead for open, unhampered full investigation. It means death to tyranny and error,
but life to the race by manifestation of the truth.
When the people become well posted in the revelations of God, they will be better able to
comprehend the purposes of God and the work of the Gospel, and to stand by the ministry of Christ
in the execution of their work.
Christs ministry in the Believers life will also be moved upon to occupy higher ground, to
lead the way upward and onward in the principles of life and godliness. Let the good work of
investigation go on in the interests of the whole of mankind to reveal Gods unchangeable Eternal
truth.
