The Battle for the Truth

A subtle battle is being fought in our society this very minute. The battle is over the definition of terms. Although this battle may seem to be just a minor battle over semantics, much more is at stake than a mere choice of words. What is at stake is the political correctness or implied acceptability of practices which were previously understood as sinful or unlawful. (example: 'Abortion' appears much more acceptable when it is called 'choice' than when it is called 'murder'.)

Bottom line the battle over definitions is a battle over who holds the control and power over society and the lives of men. The battle over definitions is indeed a battle for the hearts and minds of men, for whoever determines definitions consequently determines practice.

Bottom line the battle is over who will determine by definition what is right and what is wrong. Will it be society (man) or will it be God ?

This is not the first battle of this type nor will it be the last.

While Moses was at the top of Mt. Sinai receiving God's definition of truth according to God's Word, Aaron is at the base listening to society (people) and building a golden calf. [Ex 32]

The prophet Isaiah runs into the same type of difficulty where he says, The LORD spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. He said: "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary; [8:11-14a].

The prophet Jeremiah faced the same type of challenge and God says, Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them. I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you," declares the LORD. [15:19b-20]

God's blessing is resident in his definition of good and evil in his Word. In God's Word, God is present to bless, prosper and protect, by defining where the path of life is, and where it is not.

The only question is this... who will people listen to... God... or the world, their flesh, and the devil ?

What are the definitions which the world, sinful flesh, and the devil are trying to put on the Church today ? Well lets see (as best as our brief time together here allows).

How about the definition of God ? Is there One True Triune God as God's Word reveals... or is there a multitude of gods which are the same, as the world states ?

How about the definition of the Church itself ? Is it faithful believers in God's Son, Jesus Christ, who are gathered around his Word and Sacrament as God's Word reveals... or is it an assembly of people who believe and practice anything they want ?

How about the definition of salvation ? Is salvation first and foremost God's work for us in Christ (justification), and only secondarily what I do in grateful response to God's work for me in Christ (sanctification)... or is it how I feel and what I do ?

How about the definition of membership in the body of Christ ? Is it the close personal intimate knowledge of God through faith in Jesus Christ as God's Word says or... is it whether or not someone's name is on a Church roster ?

How about the definition of success? Is it measured by the faithfulness and obedience to God's Word worked by the Holy Spirit or... is it numbers of folks, popularity, and dollars contributed ?

And yes, the list just goes on and on involving every issue and practice in the Church.

Whose definition of right and wrong do we embrace and practice... Almighty God's or our society ? Whose definition of Doctrine (the faith and practice of the Church) do we embrace and practice... Almighty God's or our society ?

At just what point does the Church and the people of God cease to be the Church and the people of God ? Is it not when we cease to faithfully live in relationship with God according to the will he has expressed in his Word ?

We dare not 'buy into' the subtle betrayal of our Lord, and his revealed will as promoted by the world, our flesh, and the devil. To do so would be to choose death over life.

What we need to do in this day is what God's faithful people have always done in such days... boldly confess the truth of God's Word in the practice of their lives.

When facing a like challenge 422 years ago Luther confessed the truth of God's Word and boldly said "Here I Stand". The stand he took by the power of the Holy Spirit lead to a revival in the hearts and minds of many men. Today is the time we need to make the same stand by confessing the truth of God's Word for life and salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord.