God is amazing! He has provided us with His living Word, the Holy Bible, aka the Scriptures, so that we can know Him accurately. His Word provides much more, but our focus is on knowing God accurately.
Last week I defined assumption and presumption. Each of these contain the thought that conclusions are based on incomplete information. When we do that, our words and actions are likely inaccurate.
It is good for us to pay attention to whatever is happening around us, in order to be discerning. But Goddoesn’t want us to make inaccurate conclusions. Therefore, He provides us with His Holy Spirit, and His Word, in order for us to be accurate in what we say and do.
Knowing and abiding in God’s Word, the truth, sets us free, according to Jesus in John 8:31-32: “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Truth sets us free, but lies entangle us.
Truth brings peace and harmony to our hearts and minds, but lies mess with our heart and mind.
Truth leads us in God’s path of righteousness, and enable us to accurately know God, and lies lead us astray, especially in our understanding of God.
God’s Word does not contain all there is to know about God, but God has provided sufficient content in His Word to enable us to know Him accurately and intimately.
We start with a relationship with God, through the atonement provided by Jesus. Proverbs 1:7 indicates this is necessary in order to gain proper knowledge, which leads to wisdom, and will negate assumptions and presumptions: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
We assume many things about God, such as:
*God owes us.
The truth is, God loves us and wants good for us. He does not “owe” us anything. We, through Adam (and Eve) showed our true inclination to reject Him. But God, in His love, made a way for redemption and healing of that split.
*God’s love must be earned.
Not the truth. We could never do anything to earn God’s love. We are imperfect, sinful people. But Godfreely gives His love to us.
*God can’t forgive my sins, they are too big and/or too many.
Not the truth. Jesus’ death and resurrection paid the penalty for ALL sins, no matter their egregiousness or the number committed.
*I am indebted to God.
Not the truth. God’s gift of salvation is free. If we owed Him anything, then we would be purchasing our salvation. That is not the way of God, according to the Bible. However, we should respond to His generosity with eagerness to obey and serve Him however He best determines.
*Suffering and hardship mean God doesn’t love.
Not the truth. Suffering and hardships take place for various reasons. God may use them to refine those who love and serve Him, but they are a by-product of mankind’s sinful behavior. Therefore, we will experience suffering and hardship because of mankind’s bent toward evil. When we sin on a personal level, God will chastise His own, and that is exactly what any good father would do for a child who needs to be redirected onto a different path, one that is edifying, not destructive.
*I will make it into heaven with God because – “I’m a good person.”, “I go to church.”, “I give money to my church”.
Not the truth. All of these raise questions: “How good do I have to be?” “How many times must I go to church?” “How much money must I give to my church?” These criteria are subjective. God’s word provides one means to attaining entrance into His kingdom: Jesus!
The truth is, that Jesus is the only means to a true relationship with God: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” [John 14:6] This verse makes it clear that all the other ways people assume will get them into heaven are really lies.
The truth about God is that He has secured our salvation, our eternal life.
* This existence is all there is.
Not the truth. Everyone will live for eternity…either eternal life with Jesus, or eternal suffering separated from Jesus.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 addresses this lie: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” God has placed in our hearts the desire for eternal life with Him. Most people will fail to acknowledge that truth. But God makes it clear in His Word that He has magnificent plans for eternity for all who love Jesus. The truth about God is that He is eternal – without beginning or end.
Hebrews 7:3: “Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually.” This verse is referencing Melchizedek, and indicates the eternality of God.
John 5:24 states: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” This verse states the truth of eternal life.
Revelation 21 and 22 further support the truth that God is eternal.
On and on go our thoughts about what is true, our presumptions and assumptions, but God determines truth, not our fallen and sinful thinking.
It is paramount that we think Biblically about God, because our thoughts will influence how we live our lives. With fewer presumptions and assumptions, and increased truth in our hearts and minds, we will be able to face eternity with joy, when Jesus is our Lord and Savior, and tread the waters of adversity with faith, and decreasing fear and anxiety.
If I can help you work through any assumptions and presumptions, please contact me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com
Living for Jesus, Donna
P.S. If this has helped you, please feel free to share it with others!
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Copyright 2022 Donna Shappy
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