John 7:53-8:11 (Woman Caught In Adultery)

I received a question from a fellow believer:
“Was John 7:57-8:11 added and if so, is the scripture still inerrant?”

Those are good questions. Your questions invoke a similar response to a YouTube video I already posted titled, “Why Are There Missing Verses In My Bible?” If you haven’t seen that video yet, watch that video either before or after you read this article.

1. Regarding John 7:53-8:11, the perceived problem is that some scholars question whether this story should even be in the Bible at all. This story of the woman taken in adultery is found in the KJV, ASV, NASB, and NIV. However, the NEB places it at the end of the Gospel under the caption, “An incident in the temple.” And since 1971 the RSV places it in special print set off from the rest of the text, as does the NRSV. The standard Greek New Testament (Nestle-Aland Text, United Bible Societies) places brackets around it, indicating that it is not part of the original text of John. So, why do many scholars believe this story is not part of the original manuscript of the Gospel of John?

Well, there are several reasons why many scholars question whether this passage belongs here in John’s Gospel.

1. The passage does not appear in the oldest and most reliable Greek manuscripts.
2. It is not found in the best manuscripts of the earliest translations of the Bible into Old Syriac, Coptic, Gothic, and Old Latin.
3. No Greek writer commented on this passage for the first 11 centuries of Christianity.
4. It is not cited by most of the great early church fathers, including Clement, Tertullian, Origen, Cyprian, Cyril, and others.
5. Its style does not fit that of the rest of the Gospel of John.
6. It interrupts the flow of thought in John’s Gospel; it reads better if one goes directly from John 7:52 to 8:12.
7. The story, either wholly or in part, has been found in several different places in Bible manuscripts – after John 7:36,44,52; 21:25; and after Luke 21:38; 24:53.
8. Many manuscripts that include it in John 7:53-8:11 have it marked (with an obelus), indicating they believe it is doubtful.

However, in spite of all this, because this story has been found either wholly or in part in other places in other manuscripts (albeit later in dating), it has been included in many Bible translations [in brackets]. Many Bible scholars believe this story can be authentic because there doesn’t seem to be any reason to reject it apart from the aforementioned reasons. It certainly contains no doctrinal errors, it fits with the character of Jesus and His teachings, and fits with the character traits of the Pharisees; however, there is no certainty that it was in the original Gospel of John.

Examination:

In John 8:5, the Pharisees brought a woman caught in the act of adultery and proposed that she should be stoned to death. However, Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22-24 state that both the man and the woman caught in the act should be stoned. So, where was the man? In Matthew 23, Jesus condemns the Pharisees for devouring widows’ houses (23:14), and for tithing yet neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness (23:23). It is for this reason Jesus said the Pharisees do not practice what they preach (23:3).

In John 8:6, the Pharisees used this scenario as a trap in order to condemn Jesus. This fits with other accounts we see throughout the other Gospels (Matthew 16:1; 19:3; 22:15,18,35; Mark 8:11; 10:2; 12:15; Luke 10:25; 11:16,54). Not only does it fit with the other Gospels, but it fits with the Gospel of John (John 7:19; 8:37,40).

In John 8:7, Jesus told the Pharisees that whoever is without sin should be the one to cast the first stone. This is actually extremely important and relevant because Deuteronomy 17:7 states that the witness of the crime must be the one to cast the first stone. However, because they were the witnesses, that would put the guilt of the woman’s blood on them. And again, where was the man who committed adultery? Either one of the Pharisees had committed the act of adultery or the Pharisees allowed the guilty man to leave (thus showing partiality in judgment and violating the Law – Exodus 20:16; 23:1; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:17; 5:20; 16:19; Proverbs 18:5; 24:23; James 2:9). Another possible scenario is that the Pharisees conspired together to lie against a woman they hated even though she had been innocent of adultery on that occasion. But if that were the case, then the Pharisees were guilty of being false witnesses and thus violated the Jewish Law according to Deuteronomy 19:18-19. If Jesus said the woman should not be stoned, the Pharisees would have accused Him of violating the Law. However, if Jesus ordered that she should be stoned, Jesus would have violated the Law of the Jews (because the guilty man was not present) and the Roman empire’s law that only Romans could execute capital punishment (John 18:31). So Jesus’s clever response called attention to their own guilt. Only the one without sin could cast the first stone. However, they were already guilty because the man who committed the adultery was not present. Thus, if they did cast the first stone, they themselves would have broken their own Law as well as Rome’s law and would be condemned. Checkmate. And this is very similar to Paul’s rebuke we see in Romans 2:1,22 as well as Jesus’s warning in Matthew 7:1-5 about hypocritical judgment. And so when Jesus said that whoever is without sin was able to cast the first stone, He boldly declared that only He was able to cast the first stone because He was without sin (2Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1Peter 2:22; 1John 3:5). But instead, Jesus merely told the woman to go and sin no more.

In John 8:11, Jesus told the woman to go and sin no more. We also see this in John 5:14. And this fits well with what we see in Luke 5:32 and Romans 2:4.

In conclusion, simply because there’s less evidence for this particular passage, that doesn’t mean this incident didn’t actually happen. In fact, Jesus did many things that aren’t recorded in the Gospels (John 21:25); it might have come from oral tradition. Though this passage is clearly out of place, ancient scribes clearly attempted to insert this story in different places they believed it would blend while they created copies. However, because there’s less evidence for this particular passage, it’s wise to allow this passage to simply remain as background information; do not formulate any foundational beliefs on this story. There might be a few reasons to reject it, but there are also many reasons to accept it. Scripture interprets Scripture. And in this case, all of Scripture is able to affirm several aspects of this story. And in the end of this story, all the religious hypocrites walk away defeated just as we see in Matthew 22:46.

Inerrancy Conclusion:

In regard to the question as to whether this affects the inerrancy of the Bible, I don’t believe it does because even with this story, the Bible is still without error or fault in all of its teachings. Again, the teachings or truths of this story is only affirmed by multiple other scriptures; in addition, this story does not contradict anything else in the Bible because it does not contain doctrinal errors, it fits with the character of Jesus and His teachings, and it fits with the character traits of the Pharisees.

For more about how we got the Bible in its finalized format, please see my article: “How Did We Get The Bible?”

The Need For Apologetics

Many Christians talk about the need for apologetics. But what is it and why does it matter? It is the discipline that deals with a rational defense of Christian faith. The word “apologetics” comes from the Greek word apologia (ap-ol-og-ee’-ah), which is a reasoned defense as if making a legal defense in the court of law. And so apologetics is not merely for reassuring believers of the Truth, it also serves the purpose of exposing the lies of the accuser. By countering the lies with reasoned truths, we knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and destroy false arguments, we destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing GOD, and we capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ (2Corinthians 10:4-5). We also sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts, always being ready to make a defense to anyone who asks us to give an account for the hope that is in us, yet with gentleness and reverence (if at all possible); and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which we are slandered, those who revile our good behavior in Christ will be put to shame (1Peter 3:15-16).

In these last days of the great apostasy, Christians are going to be mocked, challenged, and even persecuted. And yet throughout all of it, we are called to remain steadfast and speak Truth out from love (Ephesians 4:14-16). Paul was imprisoned for his “defense and confirmation of the gospel” (Philippians 1:7), but he always spoke Truth out from love, knowing that he was “appointed for the defense of the gospel” (Philippians 1:16). But this implies that the defender of the Gospel will be where he/she encounters others. And if we are living obediently to the command of Christ in our great commission of “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you,” then we most certainly will be where we will encounter others who challenge us to defend the Gospel. Even the brother of Jesus, writing to other Christians, expressed the necessity of defending the Gospel in Jude 1:3-4: “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Moreover, Titus 1:9 informs us that an elder of a church must “[hold] fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.”

But why do Christians defend the Gospel? Our main goal for apologetics is exactly as it is written in 2Timothy 2:23-26: “But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” 

To paraphrase, Christians are called to avoid fruitless arguments. We must know when to walk away. However, we are to have mercy on those with doubts (Jude 1:22), be patient while we teach, and be able to correct opposition with as much love as possible in the hope that they will come to their senses and repent. Anyone attempting to answer the questions of unbelievers will surely be wronged and be tempted to lose patience, but our ultimate goal is that they might come to a knowledge of the truth that Jesus died for their sins.

In summary, every Christian should be an apologist and every apologist should act like a Christian. Now, of course we don’t always succeed in our attempts at gentle and respectful responses, but we are all sinful and fall short of the glory of GOD. But that’s why the Gospel is both urgent and important: “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8). And John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

Conclusion:

It’s not a Christian’s assignment to convict unbelievers of their sins or convert them. Only the Holy Spirit is able to bring conviction (John 16:8-11). I’m called to share the Truth of the Gospel with those who are willing to receive the good news. I will not fruitlessly argue with a hardened unbeliever; however, for those truly seeking to understand, I will patiently explain so that they might understand and be set free.

But… “How Do I Know If I’m Saved?“

GOD: Lord Of The Lies?

Is the Bible full of lies and liars? Does GOD lie? Does GOD ever condone lies? Does GOD ever bless people because they lied? Many critics believe that GOD is the Lord of lies and deity of deception; however, a full investigation into the critics’ claims only reveals their ignorance of GOD’s Word. 

The first one to plead his case seems right, until another comes and cross-examines him.
(Proverbs 18:17, AMP)

Perceived Problem:
We are told in the Bible not to lie (Exodus 20:16), but, in Genesis 12:10-20, when Abraham lied about Sarah, his wealth increased. But if we’re not supposed to lie, why did GOD bless Abraham and allow him to prosper by lying?

Solution:
First, Abraham’s increase in wealth should not be viewed as a divine reward for his lie. Pharaoh’s gifts to him were understandable. Pharaoh may have felt obligated to pay amends for the wicked constraint that his corrupt society put on strangers who visited his land. Furthermore, Pharaoh may have felt he had to make amends to Abraham for unwittingly taking his wife into his palace. Adultery was strictly forbidden by the Egyptian religion. And of course, Pharaoh could have merely given to Abraham out of his fear of the Lord, believing that his gift was appease an angry god. What is more, Abraham paid for his sin. The years of trouble that followed may have been a direct result of his lack of faith in GOD’s protecting power. And finally, although some people are portrayed as men of GOD, they are still fallible and responsible for their own sin (ex: David and Bathsheba, 2Samuel 12). GOD blessed them in spite of, not because of, their sins. In fact, this is the message of the Gospel: GOD blessed us and gave us the gift of salvation in spite of our sins (Romans 5:8).

Context is key. Abram told his wife, Sarai, to lie so that he wouldn’t die. This decision was based on fear, not love. Understand this: there is no fear in love for perfect love casts out fear (1John 4:18). Love puts others first. Abram put himself before Sarai with this decision. Fortunately, GOD loved and protected Sarai as Abram should have done (Genesis 12:17). As believers, we will find that when we make a determined decision to follow GOD, we will almost immediately encounter great obstacles that will challenge our faith. Just as Noah was a righteous man yet eventually sinned, Abram was a man of faith yet eventually lost faith. However, Noah’s moment of failure and Abram’s moment of flounder are mere flaws from finite and fallible beings. But as the entire Bible reveals, faith in the Lord is greater than our flaws. When Abram lied, his problems multipLIED! He could have been welcomed; instead, he was kicked out of that land. Abram’s life was not spared because of his lie, but because of GOD in spite of the lie. 

In Genesis 20:1-18, Abraham lied yet again, using the same tactic as he had before (12:11-13). And just like before, it did not work and the situation did not go well. And just like the time before, GOD had to come to their rescue (12:17; 20:3). Abraham did not learn his lesson the firs time. In fact, by giving in to the temptation again, he risked turning a single sinful act into a sinful pattern of lying whenever he suspected his life was in danger. What habit do you now have because you had given in to the temptation long enough for it to become a habit? Which is easier: to walk away before the habit takes you captive or to escape captivity while in chains? Was there a careless expectation for GOD to save Abraham and Sarah from their wrong choices? As if to say, “It’s okay because I know GOD will forgive me.” But is that acceptable? No (Romans 6; James 4:17)! Are you still living in sin because you have taken GOD’s grace for granted? Abraham believed it would be more effective to deceive Abimelech than to trust GOD to work in the king’s life. We should not assume that GOD will not work in a situation that has potential problems. Isn’t GOD capable of changing hearts? In fact, GOD did work in the heart of Abimelech and even prevented him from sinning (Genesis 20:6). How many times has GOD worked in your heart and prevented you from sinning in certain situations? Have you not felt the  change within due to the Holy Spirit speaking conviction? Abimelech ended up being an example of righteousness when he chose not to retaliate against Abraham (20:14-16), thereby providing us with an example of what is written in Matthew 5:38-41 of not taking revenge but to bless your enemy instead. Abraham’s action was a sin against Abimelech yet the king chose to bless Abraham. Are you willing to bless someone who has sinned against you? If not, why do you think you are unwilling to live as GOD commands us to live? Have you ever blessed someone who sinned against you? If not, now is a good time to start forming new helpful habits to replace the old harmful habits. GOD clearly used Abraham’s sin as a lesson for us.

Perceived Problem:
In Genesis 31:20, Jacob is said to have deceived Laban by not telling him that he was fleeing. However, GOD blessed Jacob by appearing to Laban and warning him not to speak either good or evil to Jacob (31:24). How could GOD bless Jacob after he had deceived Laban?

Solution:
First, it is not necessary to translate the Hebrew word in Genesis 31:20 as “deceived.” The passage literally states, “And Jacob stole Laban’s heart.” This is a Hebrew idiom which can be used in a given context to mean “to deceive” or “to outwit.” Jacob did not tell Laban that he was going to leave, nor did he tell Laban that he was going to stay. He may have left in secret because he feared Laban (31:2). Neither was Jacob obligated to remain with Laban, since he had fulfilled all the requirements of the contracts between them. In spite of the accusations by Laban, Jacob was justified in his fear and his action to leave without telling Laban.

Second, even on the assumption that Jacob was involved in deception, GOD would not bless him because of it, but in spite of his shortcomings. This kind of situation is an example of the principle that not everything recorded by the Bible is approved by the Bible. Description does not equate to prescription. It is a mistake to assume that everything contained in the Bible is commended by the Bible. The whole Bible is true (John 17:17), but it records some lies, for example, Satan’s lies (Genesis 3:4; John 8:44) and Rahab’s lies (Joshua 2:4). Inspiration encompasses the Bible fully in the sense that it records accurately and truthfully even the lies and errors of sinful beings. The truth of Scripture is found in what the Bible reveals, not in everything it records. Unless this distinction is held, it may be incorrectly concluded that the Bible teaches immorality because it narrates David’s adultery (2Samuel 11:4), that it promotes polygamy because it records Solomon’s hundreds of wives (1Kings 11:3), or that it affirms atheism because it quotes the fool as saying “there is no God” (Psalm 14:1).

GOD had chosen Jacob to become the father of the 12 tribes of Israel, not because of any righteousness in Jacob, but on the basis of GOD’s grace. GOD could bless Jacob according to His grace even though Jacob was a sinner. Through Jacob’s experiences with Laban, and later his confrontation with Esau, and his wrestling with the angel of the Lord in the night, Jacob’s character was changed so that he became a fit vessel for GOD to use. 

Perceived Problem:
Genesis 31:32 makes the statement that Jacob did not know that “Rachel had stolen” Laban’s idols. However, it seems that GOD blessed Rachel because she lied to Laban.

Solution:
GOD did not bless Rachel either for stealing the idols or for lying about her deed. Simply because Laban did not discover that Rachel was the thief does not mean that GOD blessed her. On the contrary, it is more reasonable to assume that GOD did not expose Rachel’s theft in order to protect Jacob. Also, Genesis 35:16-19 reports that Rachel died in delivering her second son, Benjamin. In the intervening chapters between 31:32 and 35:19 very little is said about Rachel. The biblical record reveals that in fact GOD did not bless Rachel for what she did, but allowed her to fall into the background of importance until her painful death. 

Perceived Problem:
The Bible declares that “the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Romans 13:1). The Scripture also says, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 12:22). But the Pharaoh (king) of Egypt had given a direct order to the Hebrew midwives to murder the newborn Hebrew boys. “But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive” (Exodus 1:17). Not only did the midwives disobey Pharaoh, but when he questioned them about their actions, they lied saying, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are lively and give birth before the midwives come to them” (1:19). In spite of this, 1:20-21 states that GOD “dealt well with the midwives… He provided households for them.” How could GOD bless the midwives for disobedience and lying?

Solution:
There is little question that the midwives both disobeyed Pharaoh by not murdering the newborn male children, and that they lied to Pharaoh when they said they arrived too late to carry out his orders. Nonetheless, there is moral justification for what they did. First, the moral dilemma in which the midwives found themselves was unavoidable. Either they obeyed GOD’s higher Law, or they obeyed the lesser obligation of submitting to Pharaoh. Rather than commit deliberate infanticide against the children of their own people, the midwives chose to disobey Pharaoh’s orders. GOD commands us to obey the governmental powers, but He also commands us not to murder (Exodus 20:13). Moreover, murder naturally goes against the absolute moral standard we innately possess (Romans 2:12-16). The saving of innocent lives is a higher obligation than obedience to government. When the government commands us to murder innocent victims, we should not obey. GOD did not hold the midwives responsible, nor does He hold us responsible, for not following a lower obligation in order to obey the higher Law (Acts 4; Revelation 13). In the case of the midwives, the higher Law was the preservation of the lives of the newborn male children. 

Second, the text clearly states that GOD blessed them “because the midwives feared God” (Exodus 1:21). And it was their fear of GOD that led them to do what was necessary to save these innocent lives. Thus, their false statement to Pharaoh was an essential part of their effort to save lives. 

Third, their lying is comparable to their having disobeyed Pharaoh in order to save the lives of the innocent newborns. This is a case where the midwives had to choose between lying and being compelled to murder innocent babies. Here again the midwives chose to obey the higher moral Law. Obedience to parents is part of the moral Law (Ephesians 6:1). But if a parent commanded his/her child to kill a neighbor or worship an idol, the child should refuse. Jesus emphasized the need to follow the higher moral Law when He said, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37). It’s important to realize that GOD didn’t bless the midwives because they lied; rather, GOD blessed the women for deciding to save lives rather than be an accomplice in mass murder. GOD blessed them because they were loyal to the Lord.

Perceived Problem:
When the spies came to Jericho, they sought refuge in the house of Rahab. When the king of Jericho commanded Rahab to bring out the men, she lied saying that the men had already gone and that she did not know where they went. However, when Israel finally destroyed Jericho, Rahab and all her family were saved alive. How could GOD bless Rahab for lying? 

Solution:
Some people argue that it is not clear that GOD blessed Rahab for lying. GOD certainly saved Rahab and blessed her for protecting GOD’s men and assisting them in the overthrow of Jericho. However, nowhere does the Bible explicitly say that GOD blessed Rahab for lying. GOD could have blessed her in spite of her lie, not because of it. Actually, Rahab’s act of protecting GOD’s men was a demonstration of great faith in the GOD of Israel. She firmly believed that GOD would destroy Jericho, and she exhibited that belief by siding with Israel against the people of Jericho when she protected the spies from being discovered. In fact, Rahab is in the Hall of Faith as it is written in Hebrews 11:31: “By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.” Rahab is also commended in James 2:25 for her faith producing good works. 

Other people insist that Rahab was faced with a real moral conflict. It may have been impossible for her to both save the spies and tell the truth to the soldiers of the king. If so, GOD would not hold Rahab responsible for the unavoidable moral conflict. Certainly a person cannot be held responsible for not keeping a lesser law in order to keep a higher obligation. The Bible commands obedience to the government (Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1; 1Peter 2:13), but there are many examples of justified civil disobedience when the government attempts to compel unrighteousness (Exodus 5; Daniel 3, 6; Revelation 13). 

Although the Bible records Rahab’s lie, the Word is silent regarding her lie. Rahab is, however, commended for her faith in GOD. Several explanations for this have been offered: 

• GOD forgave Rahab’s lie because of her faith;
• Rahab was simply deceiving the enemy, which is a normal and acceptable practice in wartime;
• Rahab was not a Jew, so she could not be held responsible for keeping the moral standards set forth in GOD’s Law; 
• Rahab broke a lesser principle— telling the truth — to uphold a higher principle — protecting GOD’s people.

Rahab risked her life to hide GOD’s men (Joshua 2:1-8), confessed her faith in GOD’s acts of redemption (2:9-11), and negotiated for her family’s preservation (2:12-21). Thus, what she did was out of reverence of the Lord and love for her family. Therefore, GOD blessed her in spite of her lie because of her faith and her love.

Perceived Problem:
Abraham was judged by GOD for telling the half-truth that Sarah was his sister (she was his half sister) when she was really his wife. However, in 1Samuel 16, GOD actually encourages Samuel to tell only half of the truth, namely, that he had come to offer a sacrifice, when he had also come to anoint David king as well. Two problems emerge from this. First, did not GOD encourage deception here? Second, why did GOD condemn Abraham for the same thing that He commanded Samuel to do?

Solution:
The first thing to note in response to this perceived problem is that the two situations are not the same. In Abraham’s case, his so-called “half-truth” was in fact a whole lie, for the question he was asked was, “Is Sarah your wife?” And his answer in effect was really “No. She is my sister.” By his answer to this question Abraham intentionally misrepresented the facts of the situation, which is a lie.

Samuel’s case was different. The question he was asked is, “Why have you come to Bethlehem?” His answer was, “I have come to sacrifice to the Lord” (1Samuel 16:2). This was truthful in that it corresponded with the facts, namely, it is why he came and it is what he did. The fact that he also had another purpose for coming is not directly related to the question he was asked and the answer he gave, as it was in Abraham’s case. Of course, had Samuel been asked, “Do you have any other purpose for coming?” then he would have had to come clean. To say “No” would have been a deception.

Second, concealment and deception are not the same. Samuel certainly concealed one of the purposes of his mission so as to save his life. It is not always necessary (even possible) to tell all the truth. The fact that GOD told Samuel to conceal one of the purposes of his visit to avoid possible death does not necessarily mean he was guilty of lying. Not telling part of the truth and telling a falsehood are not necessarily the same. Secrecy and concealment are not the same as duplicity and falsehood. In this specific scenario, GOD in His omniscience knew the best way to respond so as to both answer truthfully yet also secure safety.

Perceived Problem:
Scriptures teach that GOD is Truth (Deuteronomy 32:4; 1Samuel 15:29; John 14:6; Romans 3:4) and that it is impossible for Him to lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). Furthermore, GOD commands us not to lie (Exodus 20:16), and He will severely punish those who do (Revelation 21:8). And yet, in spite of all this, GOD is portrayed in 1Kings 22:22-23 as enlisting lying spirits to entice wicked king Ahab to seal his own doom. The text says, “Now therefore, look! The Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours.”

Solution:
Several factors should be considered in understanding this situation. First, this is a vision. As such, it is a dramatic picture of GOD’s sovereign authority spelled out in regal imagery. Second, this dramatic vision represents GOD in all His sweeping authority so that even evil spirits are represented as being subjected to His ultimate control. Third, the GOD of the Bible, in contrast to gods of pagan religions, is in sovereign control of everything, including the forces of evil which He uses to accomplish His good purposes (Job 1-3). Fourth, the Bible sometimes speaks of GOD “hardening” people’s hearts (Exodus 3:19; 4:21; 5:2; 7:3; Romans 9:17) or even sending them strong delusions (2Thessalonians 2:11). However, on closer examination of the text, we discover that GOD allowed this only on those who freely hardened their own hearts (Exodus 8:15) and who “did not believe the truth” (2Thessalonians 2:12). In short, GOD is not commending lying here. He is simply utilizing it to accomplish His purposes; GOD always creates good from the bad and uses evil to accomplish good (Genesis 50:20). GOD is not promoting lying, but permitting it to bring judgment on evil. That is, GOD, for His own purposes of justice, allowed Ahab to be deceived by evil spirits whom He knew in His omniscience would be used to accomplish His sovereign and good will. 

Perceived Problem:
When Elisha went out to meet his enemies, he told them “this is not the way, nor is this the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek” (2Kings 6:19). how could a man of GOD lie to these Syrian troops?

Solution:
What Elisha told them was not actually a lie. The Syrian troops were sent to Dothan to capture Elisha. The Lord blinded them, and Elisha came out of the city to meet them. What Elisha told them was “this is not the way, nor is this the city.” Once Elisha came out of the city he was no longer in Dothan. Consequently, entering Dothan was no longer the way to capture Elisha, neither was it the city. Elisha also instructed them, “follow me and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” This was also true. Elisha went before them into Samaria, and when they arrived, the Lord opened their eyes and they saw Elisha, and that they were in Samaria. 

Perceived Problem:
In Jeremiah 20:7, the KJV reads as, “O Lord, thou has deceived me, and I was deceived.” But, GOD is a GOD of Truth who cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18), nor can He tempt others to sin (James 1:13). How then could GOD deceive Jeremiah?

Solution:
The Hebrew word (patah) translated “deceived” by the KJV does not imply moral deception here. It can be translated “induced” or “persuaded” (NKJV and NIV note). It simply means that GOD persuaded or constrained Jeremiah into a ministry of which he was not fully aware of all the consequences. This is merely a case of Jeremiah venting from his prior unrealistic expectations of his role in the ministry. But this is a good description of marriage. And who but the most cynical would insist that all romance and courtship are moral deception simply because the couple could not foresee all they were getting into. In context, Jeremiah was venting because Pashhur the priest beat Jeremiah and put him in the stocks (Jeremiah 20:2). But GOD never promised Jeremiah a lifetime of happiness during his ministry; in fact, GOD informed Jeremiah from the beginning that his enemies would fight against him but that they would not prevail against him (1:19). Jeremiah’s complaints to GOD come from emotion as is evident by the fact that he shifts from lament to praise (20:9-13), but then shifts again to distressed realism over his calling (20:14-18). There is a reason Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet and that is because he was a very emotional person. 

Perceived Problem:
In Ezekiel 14:9, Ezekiel declares that GOD “induced” the false prophets to speak and then would “destroy” them for doing so. But this sounds deceptive.

Solution:
GOD’s action was neither deceptive nor morally coercive. Giving false prophecies is exactly what false prophets do. So, there is no coercion by GOD in inducing them to ply their trade. The sovereign GOD so ordered the circumstances that these evil men would, by their own free will, utter false prophecies that would reveal their true character and lead to their eventual doom. It is because they did not love the Truth that GOD gave them over to error and its eventual consequence, destruction (2Thessalonians 2:10-11).

Perceived Problem:
In John 7:3-4, Jesus’s unbelieving brothers challenged Him to go up to Jerusalem and show Himself openly if He was the Messiah. Jesus refused, saying, “I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come” (7:8). However, only a few verses later Jesus “went up to the feast” (7:10). So, didn’t Jesus lie to His brothers?

Solution:
Jesus did not go up to Jerusalem at the exact time or in the exact way in which His brothers suggested. They suggested He go at that moment and also be “known openly” (7:4). But the Scripture explicitly declares that “He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret” (7:10). The Greek present tense in 7:8 can legitimately have the sense, “I am not now going,” indicating that Jesus did not go up to the feast at that time and in the way the brothers suggested. And because the Jews had plotted to kill Jesus (5:18), and “the Jews were seeking Him at the feast” (7:11), and because GOD’s timing is precise and with purpose (7:6,8), Jesus delayed His journey to Jerusalem. Midway into the festival, Jesus went to the Temple and began to teach (7:14), declaring publicly that the mob had the mind to murder Him (7:19). Consequently, because their denial of wanting to murder Him (7:20), the Jews had to scheme of legal ways to get rid of Jesus, which thereby delayed His inevitable death to the exact moment which GOD had arranged from the beginning. 

Perceived Problem:
The high priest Ananias commanded that Paul be struck on the mouth. Paul rebuked him for doing so, and those who stood by condemned Paul for reviling the high priest. Paul responded by claiming, “I did not know… that he was the high priest” (Acts 23:5). But this is highly unlikely, since Paul himself was a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin and worked closely with him before his conversion (Acts 19:1-3). So, did Paul lie?

Solution:
There are several views taken on this passage. Some suggest that Paul may have not known the high priest personally, even though he was previously a member of the Jewish Council. Others claim that Paul may have had poor vision (perhaps his “thorn in the flesh”) and not been able to see him clearly. Still others believe that Paul could have been lying to get himself out of a bad situation. Apostles sinned too (Galatians 2:11-13). If this were the case, Acts is simply giving us a true record of Paul’s sin. However, it seems more plausible to take Paul’s statement as sarcastic but not false. In this case, his statement, “I did not know… he was the high priest,” could be translated something like this: “This sinner is the high priest of GOD’s Law? I would never have known it by his unlawful command to strike me!” After all, Ananias had violated Jewish law by assuming that Paul was guilty without a trial and ordering his punishment (Deuteronomy 19:15). Further, Paul could have insinuated that Ananias was not the true high priest because Christ Jesus is the true High Priest (Hebrews 2:17; 4:14; 5:6; 7:26-27; 9:12).

Perceived Problem:
Paul wrote, “And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie” (2Thessalonians 2:11). But Revelation 21:8 says, “the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” But it seems inconsistent for GOD to condemn liars and yet send such a strong delusion that people should believe a lie. So, how can GOD send a lie for people to believe and yet not allow liars into Heaven?

Solution:
GOD does not send a lie but simply confirms those who do not wish to believe the truth. GOD is not responsible (i.e., culpable) for those who go to Hell. For it is because of their rejection of the Gospel that they eventually end up there, not because of GOD’s negligence. The context of this passage reveals that man has already rejected the Gospel of Christ. Paul says that when the Antichrist comes, he will come with signs and false wonders with all deception of wickedness (2Thessalonians 2:8-10). These things happen for “those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2:10). When GOD sends the deluding influence, Paul says He does so in order “that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2:12). They have chosen to reject GOD rather than to accept His provision of salvation. GOD is not sending the lie to trick people, but He sends delusions to reveal human depravity in which they freely choose evil over good. 

Conclusion:

The question then remains: is there ever a time when lying is the right thing to do? The most common illustration of this dilemma comes from the life of Corrie ten Boom in Nazi-occupied Holland. Essentially, the story is this: Corrie ten Boom is hiding Jews in her home to protect them from the Nazis. Nazi soldiers come to her home and ask her if she knows where any Jews are hiding. What is she to do? Should she tell the truth and allow the Nazis to capture the Jews she was trying to protect? Or, should she lie and deny that she knows anything about them? In an instance such as this, where lying may be the only possible way to prevent a horrible evil, perhaps lying would be an acceptable thing to do because it is the lesser of two evils. Such an instance would be somewhat similar to the lies of the Hebrew midwives and Rahab. In an evil world, and in a desperate situation, it may be the right thing to commit a lesser evil, lying, in order to prevent a much greater evil. However, it must be noted that such instances are extremely rare. It is highly likely that the vast majority of people in human history have never faced a situation in which lying was the right thing to do. 

Colossians 3:9 says, “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” Lying is also listed in 1Timothy 1:9-11 as something practiced by the lawless. Furthermore, liars will be among those judged in the end (Revelation 21:8). In contrast, GOD is Truth (Deuteronomy 32:4; 1Samuel 15:29; John 14:6; Romans 3:4) and it is impossible for Him to lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18).

Jesus called Himself the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and He expects those who follow Him to be people of Truth. The truth is to be expressed in love (Ephesians 4:15), offering hope to those seeking redemption from the lies of the world.

It is important to note, however, that GOD never condones lies. Despite the “positive” outcome of these lies, the Bible nowhere praises the lies themselves. The Bible nowhere states that there are instances where lying is the right thing to do. At the same time, the Bible does not declare that there is no possible instance in which lying is an acceptable option.

Should a Christian ever lie or bend the truth? To answer that, we must know what GOD thinks about lying. GOD hates lies (Exodus 20:16; Psalm 119:29,163; 120:2; Proverbs 6:16-19; 12:22; 13:5; 1Corinthians 13:6; Colossians 3:9; Ephesians 4:25; 1Timothy 1:9-11; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18; Revelation 21:8). Lies are not good. But is there ever a time when it’s acceptable to lie in order to save ourselves or others? The Bible nowhere presents an instance where lying is considered to be the right thing to do; however, there have been a few times when it was the lesser evil out of two evils. Time after time, we see that falsehood leads to misery, loss, and judgment. However, even though lying is never the right thing to do, it might be a necessary lesser of two evils forced upon us in order to do what’s best in a sinful and fallen world and prevent an even greater evil. Even GOD’s chosen, Abram (Abraham), lied. Lying is not a good thing. Lying is bad, especially if you lie to good-natured people.

However, in my personal opinion (which is prone to being wrong), lying to those who desire to do evil in order to prevent a greater evil seems wise to me. This is war after all. All around us. We are in a constant war to save souls and protect the ones that are already saved. In war, the ultimate victory is when you are able to use the enemy’s own weapon against himself to defeat him. However, I strongly recommend that you don’t ever lie unless you absolutely must do so in order to save lives. The consequence associated with the risk simply isn’t worth it. If you use a lie against evil it could be a good thing and could potentially save yourself and others. It’s possible to trick evil with its own evil. However, with one misuse of a lie, Abram was treated well because of Sarai, but then got kicked out of the land once his lie was discovered. The lie that Abram told ended up hurting good people and caused Abram and Sarai to be thrown out. Also, how do you think that entire situation made Sarai feel? Her husband told her to be someone else’s wife just so he wouldn’t be murdered. I’m willing to bet she probably felt betrayed and hurt. And if that Pharaoh had taken Sarai for sexual relations, the marriage covenant would have been violated and broken. Before you make your decision on whether or not to use a lie, you need to think about the consequences of your choice. Is the situation dire? Is it a life or death situation? Will telling the truth set you free or lead you to your death? But even if you escape physical death from your lie, will it lead to a spiritual death? Should you risk rotting your character because of this lie? To whom are you lying? Is the person evil? Would GOD want you to lie at that moment or tell the truth? Would your lie prevent an even greater evil? You better be absolutely certain that the other party is in fact an evildoer and darkness dweller before committing to the lie. If you lie to someone of good nature, things will certainly go wrong and be bad.

Lying is a rotten thing to do, and it will rot any good situation. If you lie and don’t prevent a greater evil, you’ve rotted a portion of your character. A lie is a powerful weapon, but it is usually a weapon we end up using against ourselves. Is it worth rotting your character? A lie can be paralleled to the ring that is well known in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. We can hide behind the cloak of The Lie, and Frodo can hide behind the cloak of The Ring, but it hurts us. The Lie corrodes our integrity and corrupts future judgment. Frodo used The Ring with good intentions, did he not? But it still deteriorated his character, correct? Let us not forget that Gollum had also been a normal Hobbit named Sméagol; however, The Ring (The Lie) eventually corrupted him and changed him. The Ring is one and the same as The Lie. Frodo believed that he could hide behind the cloak of The Ring and it would save him; however, it only hurt him every time he used The Ring. Just as Sméagol and Frodo could not be saved behind the cloak of The Ring, we cannot be saved behind the cloak of The Lie – we might be spared for the time being, but it deteriorates, corrupts, and rots us from the inside out. The only true solution of Frodo’s dilemma was to destroy the ring; likewise, the only true solution to our dilemma is to put the lie where it belongs — in the fire.

Do you know what happens when you make a practice of something? It becomes easier each new time you do it. Change within us is gradual and difficult to notice, but we are all changing every day based on what we choose to believe and do. So, is a lie ever right? No. Is a lie ever acceptable? Yes. But remember — acceptance of something does not mean an approval of that something. Is a lie worth it? In rare occasions, the lie prevents a greater evil (Exodus 1:15-21; Joshua 2:5). You have free will. Choose wisely. Here in this sinful and fallen world, a lie might prevent a greater evil. However, in the new earth to come, lies will never be allowed (Revelation 21:8). So, shouldn’t we be practicing to live like we’re going to live in the life to come?

It is written in Romans 3:3-6 that unbelief will never nullify the faithfulness of GOD. In fact, GOD’s Word will be found true even if every person is found to be a liar. The Lord will be proved right when He wins His case in the court. GOD is entirely just (Acts 17:31; Revelation 20:12) and He will judge the world (Revelation 20:11-15).

Superhero: Armor of GOD: Belt of Truth

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If you would rather read this message, the words are provided below…

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This is Part 15 of my Superhero series. In the introduction of this series, I provided the argument that heroes are real and then I distinguished between heroes and superheroes. I also provided a list of what defines a superhero. In Part 1, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute standard of Good and realize that evil is a mere privation of what is good. In Part 2, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute moral standard and realize that what is wrong can only be known by the standard of what is right. In Part 3, I defined and expounded upon love because all superheroes are full of love and are compelled to act out from love. In Part 4, I explained that superheroes desire to save people from all forms of danger and/or death and this desire comes from love. In Part 5, we learned that superheroes are solution seekers. In Part 6, we saw that solution seekers are willing to sacrifice if necessary. In Part 7, we saw that sacrificial love steps forward and offers service. In Part 8, we saw that superheroes go above and beyond the call of duty. In Part 9, we saw that superheroes never give up! In Part 10, we saw that superheroes don’t need recognition – they are motivated only by love! In Part 11, we saw that relationships matter and teamwork works! In Part 12, we saw that the struggle is real; however, Jesus is the real solution to our real problems. In Part 13, we saw that despite problems, superheroes are more than conquerors! In Part 14, we saw that true superheroes do not have identity crises – they know who they are even if others don’t!

In this message (Part 15), we will see that superheroes are always ready to fight against evil with the belt of Truth.

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This Is War:

When you receive your calling, you have been drafted into the army of GOD. But no soldier goes out onto the battlefield without first putting on his/her armor. Marvel’s Avengers had an Infinity War with Thanos. What we [Christians] face is real life and this is the real infinity war; the outcome of this war determines eternal destinations. Superheroes are fighting in a war against evil. Are you ready for battle? Suit up!

Armor of GOD:

^“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
(Ephesians 6:10-20) -ESV

We are commanded to be strong in the Lord. GOD gave the Israelites a similar charge before they engaged in battle with the inhabitants of the promised land (Deuteronomy 31:23; Joshua 1:6). However, Paul wanted us to distinguish between demons and doctrine, sin and sinners, problems and people. Humans are not the enemies; rather, hostile supernatural entities are the enemies; the devil and his demons are the enemies. Our fellow humans are victims of Satan’s lies and are in need of being saved because the devil prowls around like a lion, seeking to devour, steal, kill, and destroy (1Peter 5:8; John 10:10). The devil fights with lies, and sometimes his lies sound like truth, but they are lies because there is no truth in him and he is the father of lies (John 8:44). Paul instructed us to put on the whole armor of GOD so that we can resist the devil’s schemes. The phrase “whole armor” is taken from the word panoplia and pictures a Roman soldier who is fully dressed in his armor from head to toe. Also, Paul’s use of the Greek word methodeia suggests that the devil is cunning and he uses deception to advance his evil purposes (2Corinthians 11:3). Satan is, after all, the master manipulator (2Corinthians 11:14). But because of Christ’s victory over the evil powers, believers have courage and strength to resist the devil and his demons (Romans 8:9-11; Ephesians 1:19-21; 3:10; Colossians 2:15; James 4:7).

It’s important to take notice that we are instructed to be strong in the Lord and put on the armor of GOD. The phrase “of GOD” is taken from the Greek phrase tou theo, and it is written in the genitive case. Simply put, this means our supernatural and spiritual armor comes directly from GOD. The Lord Himself is the Source of origin for our armor. And because this armor comes from GOD, it is vital for us to remain in relationship with the Lord in order for us to continually enjoy the benefits of our spiritual armor. Just like any of our appliances, if we ‘unplug’ from the Source of Power, the power no longer empowers us. Do not disengage in fellowship with the Lord. 

It is interesting to note that GOD has given us three offensive weapons, three defensive weapons, and one neutral weapon. As I will later explain, the breastplate, shield, and helmet are all defensive weapons. The three offensive weapons are the shoes, sword, and prayer. The neutral weapon is the belt of Truth.

Belt of Truth:

The first item Paul instructs us to put on is the belt of Truth. What is the purpose of the belt? In our present time, the belt is to prevent our pants from falling down. However, in ancient Roman times when Paul wrote to his intended audience, the belt around a soldier’s waist held the breastplate in place, provided an attachment for the sword, provided a resting place for the shield. Without Truth, there’s no protection of the heart nor can anyone possess the defense or weapon necessary to overcome the adversary, which is the shield and the sword. The belt of Truth is central and essential. Without it, it’s easy to fall apart. The belt of Truth holds everything together. 

What Is Truth?

“Then Pilate said to him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.’ Pilate said to him, ‘What is truth?’ After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, ‘I find no guilt in him.’ ”
(John 18:37-38) -ESV

How can we wear the belt of Truth if we do not know the answer to Pilate’s question: “What is Truth?” It was the great subject of inquiry in all the schools of the Greeks. Different sects of philosophers had held different opinions; however, Pilate did not ask the question to receive an answer. Even though Pilate asked the question, he never pursued the answer; instead, he walked outside to the crowd. For Pilate, truth was relative. To many government officials in ancient Roman times, truth was whatever the majority of people agreed with or whatever helped advance their own personal power and political goals. When there is no standard or acknowledgment of absolute Truth, there is no basis for moral right and wrong. Justice becomes whatever works or whatever helps those in power. In essence, relative truth is “whatever floats your boat.” However, we know that Truth is absolutely never relative because it is absolute. We also know that moral relativism is absolutely absurd. In Jesus and His Word, we have the standard for Truth and for our moral behavior. The Lord is not a liar; Christ is our compass. 

GOD is Truth; Jesus is 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) -ESV

Jesus is the way because He is both fully GOD and fully human. When Jesus was conceived, GOD became a man; however, Jesus was not half and half as if a diluted deity; He was completely human and also completely divine (Colossians 2:9). Jesus is the way because Jesus is Truth. By uniting our lives with Him, we are united with GOD.

The Word is Truth:

“God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. By using Scripture, a man of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing.”
(2Timothy 3: 16-17) –NIRV

“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.’ ”
(John 8:31-32) -ESV

“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”
(Psalm 119:160) -ESV

Jesus is the Word:

“¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life, and the life was the light of men…. ¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
(John 1:1-4,14) -ESV

It is important to point out that there are two kinds of words from GOD: logos (written Word) and rhema (revelation). The Word (Greek: Logos) was a term used by theologians and philosophers, both Jews and Greeks, in many different ways. In Hebrew Scripture, the Word was an agent of creation (Psalm 33:6), the source of GOD’s message to His people through the prophets (Hosea 4:1), and GOD’s Law, His standard of holiness (Psalm 119:11). In Greek philosophy, the Word was the ‘reason’ behind everything, the principle of reason that governed the world, or the thought still in the mind. In Hebrew thought, the Word was another expression for GOD. Jesus, therefore, is the Creator of the universe and all life (Genesis 1:3,6,9,11,14,20,24), the ultimate revelation of GOD, the living picture of GOD’s holiness (Colossians 1:15), the One who “holds all creation together (Colossians 1:17). The Word became human. In John 1:14, when Scripture tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, it means that GOD “tabernacled” in flesh (Jesus). As is evident in the book of Exodus, the Tabernacle was GOD’s “home” on Earth. But this “home” was only a temporary tent, which foreshadowed the more permanent Temple (building), which foreshadowed the more personal temple (body), which foreshadows the personal and permanent presence of our immortal resurrected bodies that will dwell with GOD’s presence for eternity (1Corinthians 15:53). GOD started out small with one tent, expanded to a more permanent building, and then dwelt in the body of Jesus. And because GOD tabernacled in flesh, Jesus became:

1. the perfect teacher — in Jesus’ life we see how GOD thinks and therefore how we should think (Philippians 2:5-11);
2. the perfect example — as a model of who we are to become, He shows us how to live and gives us the power to live that way (1Peter 2:21);
3. the perfect sacrifice — Jesus came as a sacrifice for all sins, and His death satisfied GOD’s requirements for the removal of sin (Colossians 1:15-22).

But no longer do people have to travel to one specific place to seek GOD’s presence. Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit dwells within all children of GOD (John 7:37-39; 14:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 3:2; 2Corinthians 1:22). Jesus is the Word and the Word is eternal Truth (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18; Revelation 19:13). Jesus never changes (Hebrews 13:8); Truth never changes (Proverbs 12:19). Truth is always timely; it applies today and in the future. Because it is connected with GOD’s changeless character, it is also changeless. Think about it: how many centuries have passed since the Word has existed? Consider the countless hours that have been spent carefully studying every sentence and every word of Scripture. The Bible has withstood the test of time and is reliable and accurate. GOD is Spirit (John 4:24); Spirit is Truth (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 1John 5:6); Jesus is Truth (John 14:6; 18:37); thus, Jesus is GOD. Jesus is the Son; however, He and the Father are One and Jesus has always existed (John 1:1; 8:58; 10:30). Jesus was One person of two natures, always in relationship with the Spirit. This is the doctrine of the Trinity. And because GOD is Truth and the Word is GOD’s Truth, you can trust the inspired Word to guide you. In fact, apostle Paul declares that this belt of Truth is so powerful and crucial, it can take the average individual and cause him/her to be complete and equipped for every good work (2Timothy 3:16-17). The word translated as “equipped” or “furnished” is taken from the Greek word exartidzo, which means to completely outfit or to fully supply. It was used to depict wagons or ships that were completely outfitted with gear. 

The loinbelt covered the Roman soldier’s loins. One of the obvious reasons for this was because he wanted to protect his ability to reproduce. Likewise, the belt of Truth shows us that our ability to produce for GOD is directly correlated with our relationship with the Word of GOD. We will become spiritually sterile if we do not have GOD’s Word actively operating centrally in our lives. When a person first gets saved, it is written in 1John 3:9-10 that GOD’s seed abides in him/her and that person will practice a life of righteousness. The word “seed” is taken from the Greek word spermata. It is where we derive the word “sperm.” Once that seed is placed into us, that divine seed then immediately begins to produce the life and character of Jesus within us. This divine seed is the reason we cannot go on living the way we once did before we encountered the Lord. The life, character, nature, and attributes of GOD are in that seed; consequently, the Holy Father passes a holy ‘DNA’ to us in a way similar to a father’s DNA passing on to a son/daughter. And for this reason, we are new creations in Christ (2Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4; Ephesians 4:20-24; Colossians 3:1-10)! And unlike all other perishable seeds, this spermata from GOD is imperishable and incorruptible (1Peter 1:22-23)!

Life Application:

“Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.”
(Psalm 86:11) -ESV

It is not enough to merely know the Truth (James 2:19); we must live the Truth out in our lives. Knowing the Truth should launch us into action (Romans 2:13; James 1:22-25; 1John 2:4). It is not enough to merely recognize the belt of Truth as being the belt of Truth — we must put it on! Batman can stare at his utility belt and recognize it as his own, but if he never puts it on, it will never help him while he battles against evil villains. A belt of Truth that is merely on display will not help anyone in any way.

GOD is Spirit; Spirit is Truth; Jesus is Truth; Jesus is GOD; Jesus is the Word; Jesus is Truth. Therefore, the belt of Truth is the Word of GOD. This belt of Truth holds the breastplate in place; Jesus holds everything together!

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
(Proverbs 9:10) -ESV

Wisdom begins with knowing GOD. He gives insight into living because He created life. To know GOD you must not just know the facts about Him; you must have a personal relationship with Him. But how can you know GOD unless you know GOD’s Word? Do you possess GOD’s Word within you? Again, a belt of Truth that is merely on display will not help anyone in any way; likewise, a Bible that is merely on display will not help anyone in any way. You must not only possess the belt of Truth, but you must also use it; likewise, you must not only possess GOD’s Word, but you must also use it. How can you use your utility belt of Truth if you don’t know what’s in it? And even if you know what’s in it, it won’t help you unless you apply it to your life.

Think of the belt of Truth like Batman’s utility belt. When we put on the belt of Truth, “we use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity” (2Corinthians 10:5-6) -MSG.

“We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One.”
(2Corinthians 10:5) -TPT

And for this reason, apologetics is important. The term apologetics derives from a Greek term, apologia, and was used for a defense. Essentially, it is the ability to explain why we believe what we believe. Apologetics is important because we’re all apologists anyway, it strengthens believers, and helps believers fulfill the great commission. But most importantly, Bible study is imperative in our walk with the Lord. Have you ever been asked difficult questions about the Bible you weren’t prepared to answer?

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
(1Peter 3:15) -NIV

As Peter indicates, we are all called to be ready with answers. The best way to identify a lie is to know the Truth. And when we know the Truth, we must follow the example of Jesus and be full of both grace and truth (John 1:14), speaking Truth out from love (Ephesians 4:15). Know the Truth and the Truth will set you free (John 8:32)!

What About Suicide?

First and foremost, may it be known that if you’re considering suicide, you are not alone in this life and many people are available to live life with you — including myself. In fact, I have battled depression for as long as I can remember and I have waged wars through suicidal thoughts myself. If you are considering suicide, do everything you can to get the help you need. Suicide is never the answer! Call 1-800-273-8255, the national hotline, get yourself to a hospital if you can, call 911, go alert someone in your home, apartment, or workplace, or wherever you are, and do whatever it takes to get help.

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National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
To Write Love on Her Arms: http://twloha.com/find-help
Befrienders.org: http://www.befrienders.org/directory
Suicide hotlines available in most countries: http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html

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At the age of 17 going into 18, I had written out my own suicide letter. Before reading this article, I highly recommend that you read my personal testimony: My Testimony. If you have a desire to leave this life here on Earth, it is only because you are not of this world (John 15:18-20; 17:14-19) and are meant to be in the presence of GOD, connected with the Creator. But this is why we need to come to Christ Jesus in faith and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

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(Acts 16:27-30)
“27 When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors opened, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” 29 And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?””

…———…

Because Roman jailers were personally responsible for their prisoners and could be executed for allowing them to escape (Acts 12:19), the jailer decided to kill himself instead of suffering through an execution. But in Acts 16:28, Paul prevented a jailer from committing suicide.

Is suicide wrong? Is it a sin? Will suicide prevent someone from entering the Kingdom of heaven? Because mere human opinion is relative, we should investigate what GOD’s Word says about the topic of suicide being though GOD is the absolute moral standard (Leviticus 10:10; 19:2; Deuteronomy 27:10; 28:9; Romans 3:10,23; 1Peter 1:16; Revelation 15:4).

Samuel was a man of GOD, had always been careful to listen to GOD (1Samuel 3:10; 9:14-17), obey GOD (1Samuel 3:21; 10:1-2), and even ended up in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11:32). But Samuel prophesied that Saul and his sons would die and they would be with him (1Samuel 28:19). We also know that Jonathan was a man of GOD (1Samuel 18:3; 20:8,23,32,42). But if Saul would end up “with” Samuel and Jonathan, does this mean that Saul’s suicide (1Samuel 31:4-5) was justifiable and he would end up in the Kingdom of heaven? Is anyone’s suicide justifiable? Does suicide prevent people from entering the Kingdom?

Well, the verse simply states that Saul and his sons would be with him, meaning they would die and then go to the ‘other side’ (where Samuel went after his physical death) where we all face Judgment (Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:12,15). Scripture does not actually state whether Saul and his sons will be in either Heaven or Hell. But Scripture does inform us that Saul indeed killed himself by falling on his own sword.

However, suicide is not justifiable. Never. Suicide involves the unauthorized taking of a human life, and as such violates the sixth commandment of murder (Exodus 20:13). Suicide is murder; it makes no difference that the life taken is one’s own. All life belongs to GOD, and He alone has the right to take it (Deuteronomy 32:39; Job 1:21). Even the most desperate believers in the Bible who desired death never considered suicide a morally viable alternative. Rather, recognizing the sovereign hand of GOD over human life, they prayed like Jonah: “Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live” (Jonah 4:3). Apostle Paul even prevented the Roman jailer in Philippi from taking his own life (Acts 16:27-28). Abimelech commanded his armor-bearer to kill him out of a selfish and hateful motive because he didn’t want anyone to be able to say that a woman took his life; in fact, his act was not seen as commendable, but as judgment (Judges 9:54,56). Ahithophel committed suicide because he had been publicly humiliated and he wanted to avoid being executed for treason (2Samuel 17:23). Zimri, after murdering an Israelite king, ended his life to avoid being killed by his pursuers (1Kings 16:18). Judas hanged himself after experiencing remorse due to betraying Jesus (Matthew 27:3-5). And as we learned from the “Judas” Picture Scripture, there is good reason to believe that Judas was never saved.

But what about Samson taking his own life? With Samson, his situation seems to be more of a sacrifice, not a suicide. Samson had been humiliated and humbled and then he essentially offered his life as a sacrifice for others’ benefit (Judges 16:30) even though his motive was to get revenge. GOD simply used both the situation Samson had gotten himself into and Samson’s willingness to be a sacrifice to enact judgment upon an evil people. It was in Samson’s humbled decision to offer himself as a sacrifice that he aligned himself with what is written in Scripture (John 15:13). Suicide is acting for one’s self; Samson offered his life for others.

There are no biblical examples of honorable suicide nor is there any reason to believe that anyone who committed suicide was ever saved. But will suicide prevent people from entering the Kingdom of Heaven? Though we have permission to call attention to sin and judge according to righteousness (John 7:24; 1Corinthians 5:9-13; 6:2-6), it is never our place to proclaim with absolute certainty whether someone is going to Heaven or Hell — there is only One Judge (Romans 14:4,10-12; James 4:12). Only GOD knows what happens with a person in their very last moment with their very last breath. Scripture also states that all sins (with the exception of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit) will be forgiven (Matthew 12:31-32) so long as we are in Christ and the Holy Spirit is in us. So, obviously, if a person is not saved, then that person who committed suicide wouldn’t be saved anyway. But what about the person who claims to be saved?

There is good reason to believe that suicide would be sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, and that means there would no longer remain a sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 10:26-27). Would the Holy Spirit ever tell someone to kill him/herself? Or is that something only Satan would do because he was a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44)? Suicide is an attack on the image of GOD in man (Genesis 1:26-27) and an attempt to usurp GOD’s sovereignty over human life. If a truly saved person does not practice lawlessness but bears fruit by keeping with repentance (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:7-17; 1John 3:4-10; Matthew 7:16-20,24-25; Luke 6:43-44; John 13:17; 15:1-11; James 1:21-25), wouldn’t suicide be sinning willfully while cutting down the tree to ensure that no fruit would come from it? Suicide bears no fruit and destroys the tree. Dying daily to our flesh (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6:11; 8:13; 1Corinthians 15:31; Galatians 2:20; 5:24) does not mean literally murdering your body. Anyone who knows the truth yet willfully walks away from the truth would be guilty. It is written in James 4:17 that “one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

Committing suicide is a willful rejection of the Holy Spirit. No one who has the Holy Spirit within them is able to make the claim that the Holy Spirit is telling them it’s acceptable to commit suicide. The very act of committing suicide as a “Christian” would be to either declare the Holy Spirit as evil (for telling you to commit suicide) or to rebel against the Holy Spirit (because He told you not to commit suicide). Either way, suicide is willfully sinning after knowing the truth. And true children of GOD do not reject the Holy Spirit in order to do what they know is wrong. Christians are called to endure until the end, not escape (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13; John 6:27; 1Corinthians 4:12; 10:13; 13:7; 2Corinthians 1:6; 2Timothy 2:10-13; 2Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 12:3-17; 1Peter 2:19-20). It is also written in Philippians 2:3-5: “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (see also, Romans 15:1-3).

The bottom line is that we should not be willing to gamble with salvation or eternity. Even if forgiven, it does not mean that it’s right or acceptable (Romans 6; Hebrews 10:26-27; James 4:17). Life is a gift from GOD and your body is a Holy Temple (1Corinthians 6:19-20) that should be used for service to the Lord and others (Matthew 20:26-28; 23:11; 24:46; 28:18-20; Mark 9:35; 10:43-45; Luke 12:38,43; 22:26: John 12:26; Acts 26:16; Romans 1:9; 12:11; 14:18; 1Corinthians 4:1; 9:19; 2Corinthians 4:5; 6:4; 11:23; Galatians 5:13; 2Timothy 2:24; 1Peter 4:10). How is it possible to serve the Lord and others if you’re not here to do so?

To take a life — even your own — is to play the role of GOD. But GOD is the only One who should give and take away (1Samuel 2:6; Deuteronomy 32:39; Job 1:21). We are instructed to endure until the end and walk by faith (2Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:6). By giving up and quitting early, do you believe you will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21,23) or would you get told that you’re a “wicked and slothful servant” (Matthew 25:26) and get cast into the “outer darkness” (Matthew 25:30)? Is it possible for someone to have faith in Christ yet not have faith in His plan and to abandon the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20; Philippians 1:22-26)? Instead of taking our lives into our own hands, we should place our lives into GOD’s care and trust Him (Proverbs 3:5-8; Romans 14:7-8). If GOD brings you to it, GOD will bring you through it!

Conclusion:

An examination of Scripture reveals the Truth about suicide:

[1] Suicide is an option that some deeply troubled people will choose when facing seemingly hopeless circumstances. There may be perceived problems, but we need to be solution seekers. Suicide is murder and even our own lives are not ours to take.

[2] Suicide is a selfish choice and a tragic end to a human life.

[3] If we place our focus on the great commandment (Matthew 22:36-40; Mark 12:29-31) and the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20), we will know that suicide is not in alignment with GOD’s will because suicide is not in alignment with loving GOD and loving others (1Corinthians 13).

[4] Therefore, suicide is blatant rebellion against GOD’s will, it will never receive divine approval, and it is never justifiable. It is also written in 1Samuel 15:22-23 that “rebellion is as the sin of divination.”

Now, I freely confess that like Elijah in 1Kings 19:4, I have prayed for GOD to take my life and bring me Home. I confess that there have been many days I desired to depart from this world because I know I am not of this world (John 15:18-20; 17:14-19). But because there have been many days I desired to depart, there have also been many days I felt connected with the words of Paul in Philippians 1:21-30: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”

Just like the Roman jailer of Acts 16:25-34, the answer is not suicide. In fact, the answer to being saved is to follow Christ and obey His commandments, enduring until the end. The Holy Spirit would never command anyone to commit suicide. Instead, Jesus tells us to take up our crosses and follow Him.