A Healthy Doubt
When it comes to our religious beliefs it is much better to question what we believe, that to assume that we know the truth concerning what our Heavenly Father requires of His children.
In Christianity today there are many who believe they are the true followers of Christ who are actually outside the “Body of Christ,” because they have not closely examined their belief structure. They are quick to defend their beliefs, without first examining why they believe what they believe, In this we have the crux of how Cults and Christian Sects are flourishing in our world. They fail to recognize that Satan is the greatest counterfeiter. He is able to make his counterfeit religion seem like the real thing. Why would he want to do this? Because those who accept his lies quit searching for the truth, and he has them.
This happens one of two ways. Either an individual has a spiritual experience that convinces them that they have found the Lord, or they have been brought up in a particular religious belief. In either event, they are satisfied, they have found the truth.
Finding the truth is critical when it comes to our religious beliefs. If we follow a cleverly concealed lie and end up in hell, it will be too late. Apparently Jesus put a lot of stock in the truth for He said; “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me.” John 14:6. A red flag ought to go up right here if our religious leaders are teaching us ways to please our Father God that do not adhere to a strict following of the teachings of Christ. For he also said; “ If ye continue in my word, then ye are my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, an the truth shall set you free. John 8:31, 32.
Let’s examine this a little further. There are many religions out there; each claiming to have the truth. How many truths can there be? Actually there can be only one truth; which means that everything that deviates from that truth is a lie. So it behooves us to find out what that one truth is. Well how does one do that?
If you are going to research something; it is important that your source of research material be an accurate source. I personally believe that the only accurate book to research the will of God is the Bible. Why? Because it is the only book of religious writings that has been examined with a fine toothcomb for error.
It claims to be God’s manual. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16. Jesus said; “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him, and Matthew 6:33 says that if we will seek him first, he will give us everything else we need. From these verses it would appear that a diligent search of the writings of the Bible would lead to a knowledge of what is pleasing to God, and the way to receive his blessings. But how do I know that the Bible is truly the “Word of God”?
The truthfulness of the Bible being God’s Holy Word, has been best brought out by its detractors. Unbelievers down through the ages have been trying to disprove the Bible, and they have failed miserably. The science of archaeology was established largely to disprove the Bible, but in every archaeological digging of Biblical significance it has been shown the Bible to be 100% accurate. Of the many thousands of prophecies recorded in the Bible, all have been fulfilled exactly as they were prophesied. Even to the virgin birth, death and resurrection of the Messiah.
Why then have so many people who have made a search of the Scriptures gotten so screwed up in their lives and in their theology? Several reasons! First off God Himself wants to interpret the Scriptures to you, but your religious leaders insist that they must help you to understand these “Holy Writings.” 1 John 2:27 says; “But the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is the truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, ye shall abide in him.” The anointing spoken of here in this Scripture is speaking about the anointing of the Holy Spirit of God, which he places on the children of obedience. God is Holy, and he wants his Holy Spirit to make his Word plain to us.
There is one other reason why people miss God, while reading his Word. They come into the search for significance with God in an attitude of self-righteousness. That is, they believe God owes them something. When the truth of the matter is, we have been separated from God’s presence because of disobedience. The only proper way to approach God is with a humble and repentant heart. Psalm 51:17 says; “A broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” James 4:7 says; “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” If we will humbly seek to know God, admitting our own unworthiness, he will reveal his true plan of salvation.
I pray that this has helped open your eyes to the need to have a healthy doubt as to why you believe what you believe, and cause you to search the scriptures for God’s truth.
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