How Does the Truth Transform?

Published on March 12, 2018 10:59:56 AM - Written by Robert Chambers

Divine Truth transforms troubled lives by revealing the error of our ways and directing us to the lifestyle God always intended for humanity. Following His guidance not only leads to an improved quality of life on earth but also restores our broken relationship with God and holds the promise of an enduring peace beyond the grave in Heaven with Him. 

An alternative to stumbling through life

Many people live their whole life by trial and error, learning what seems to work through the “school of hard-knocks”, unaware that there is a divine instruction manual for how to live. While life experience can be a good teacher, it also comes with a cost. The self-inflicted pain from poor choices can hurt not only the individual but also innocent bystanders producing effects that can last for a lifetime. Wouldn’t it be nice to possess guidelines guaranteed to keep us away from needless pitfalls while at the same time providing us with all the ingredients essential for a meaningful, productive, and happy life? The Creator of the universe has provided these guidelines in the Truth revealed through the Bible.

A fresh start - getting back on track

It is rare that we are given an opportunity for a “do-over”. Indeed, the harm created by a careless word or thoughtless deed often has a snowball effect that follows us our entire life. That does not mean we cannot try to make things right as best we can, nor does it keep us from resolving to do better in the future. These choices are ours to make, but we must live with the consequences of our actions. That is how things work in the physical realm.  

Amazingly, we are blessed with the opportunity for a completely fresh start when it comes to our spiritual relationship with the Creator. No matter what the circumstances may be, sinners (those who have missed the mark defined by God’s holiness) always can be reconciled to God through Jesus as revealed by the Truth. This offers a promise of hope for everyone willing to submit to God’s will. Not only does this concession produce wisdom for a better life on earth, it also secures a future home in Heaven with God when we die. By revealing the existence of the spiritual realm, Truth inspires us to aim for something big - a future beyond this earthly existence. 

The many ways Truth Transforms

God’s Truth Transforms lives by purifying our hearts and changing the way we think about things. As our attitude changes so does our behavior. Those who put aside selfish desires and pattern their lives after the nature of a holy God can live the fulfilling, productive life God always wanted for humankind and enjoy the promise and prospects of eternal life with Him. The Truth Transforms by offering:

Enlightenment: telling us who we really are
Our prospects and personal identity encompass who we are, where we came from, and where we are going. This is valuable information influencing how we live our life on earth. Having created humankind in His own image (Gen. 1:26-27) and having designed the world for our dwelling, God is uniquely positioned to teach us how to be good stewards, meeting His expectations and preserving fellowship with Him. Knowing the Truth about our spiritual identity and the existence of life beyond the grave is essential for us to be able to make informed decisions and properly prepare for the future.

The meaning and purpose of life
The significance of life lies in our role as a created being with responsibilities to the Creator. We are not our own. God’s expects us to serve Him by living a holy life patterned after His nature. In return, as faithful children of God, we are promised an eternal reward in the spiritual realm when our physical existence comes to an end. This gives us a true meaning and purpose in life.  

Knowledge of our spirit and the spiritual realm

Although we can infer the existence of a Creator from the intelligent design, vastness, and working complexity of the universe (Rom. 1:18-20), we are unable to explore other spiritual realities beyond our physical realm. That revelation of Truth must come from God. It is He who commands the knowledge to share intimate details about our dual nature - possessing not only a physical body but an eternal spirit crafted in the image and likeness of God. The existence of the spiritual realm and life beyond the grave would be totally unknown to us were it not for the Truth revealed by God. This knowledge changes our whole perspective about life and death on earth and gives us the motivation to trust and honor God.  

Awareness of the threat of Hell
When we sin by rebelling against God, living the selfish life we chose instead of the holy life He expects, our fellowship with God is severed. Iniquities separate us from Him (Isaiah 59:1-2) and put us at risk of spending eternity in the anguish of Hell. It is important for us to understand the severe consequences of an eternity separated from God and thereby separated from all the blessings He provides. This is valuable information needed to make informed decisions about how to prepare for what comes after physical death.  

A path to reconciliation

While it is true that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23), it is also true that God loves us and wants to preserve our fellowship with Him. However, that is not an easy task. A just and righteous God cannot indiscriminately forgive disobedience and sin. To redeem humankind, He who was without sin – namely Jesus, the Son of God – willingly sacrificed Himself taking the burden for our sins in His death on the cross. This was God’s plan to save all who are willing to trust and obey Jesus (The Message and Mission of Jesus).  

Salvation through Jesus Christ
Although God offers forgiveness and salvation as a free gift through Jesus, we must still acknowledge and accept that gift. God does not force Himself on anyone. The Truth tells us how to claim His gift by our obedience of faith (Rom. 16:25-26; Heb. 5:9) when we answer the call of the Gospel (2 Thess. 2:14).  

Guidance for a fulfilling life on earth

By learning how to live a holy life in a corrupt world, we model behavior that can influence others for good. This develops friendships and has a lasting impact on those around us. Furthermore, it leaves a legacy for good and brings the personal satisfaction of knowing we have made a difference.  

Wisdom

Truth is the source of all wisdom. “For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Prov. 2:6). Just as it is important to learn how we should live, it also is important to learn what things we should avoid. A misplaced love of the world and the things in the world (1 John 2:15) can bring us to ruin. Materialism draws us away from the more important spiritual realities. Being physical in nature, it is easy for us to be tempted by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).  

A code of conduct defining moral & ethical behavior

What are the basic principles of moral and ethical behavior, and how do we go about defining them? The Truth that Transforms has instructed us to pattern our lives after God. We are to be Holy as He is Holy (1 Pet. 1:14-16). The Truth is we must avoid immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these (Gal. 5:19-21) and instead embrace love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). Moreover, we find a perfect example through the life of Jesus revealed in the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  

Integrity, values, and a set of priorities for living

Armed with the Truth, we need no longer be “tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Eph. 4:14). We possess a standard of living defined through the Truth of the Bible. This not only provides guidance in matters of personal conduct but gives us tangible incentives for living a holy life. God is a rewarder of those who seek Him (Heb. 11:6). By knowing the Truth, we are able to properly prioritize the choice between physical and spiritual things.  

A cure for loneliness

Those who submit to God’s will become Christians - true disciples of Jesus. That instantly makes them part of the Lord’s Church enjoying fellowship with a large community of other believers all over the world. These are people who love God and have a genuine love and concern for each other.  

A spiritual family and support network

Those who have embraced the Truth of God are blessed to be a part of the Body of Christ (the Church), a family of believers made up of many spiritual brothers and sisters who stand ready to help in all aspects of life. All of us struggle with day to day challenges whether they be physical or spiritual. No longer must we endure mourning the loss of a loved one, illness, financial need, depression, or temptations while all alone. There is a loving community able and willing to offer help and encouragement in times of need.