In a recent study, we considered the account of Isaac’s dwelling among the Philistines. During this time he concealed the truth of his relationship with Rebekah (Gen. 26:1-16). From the patriarch’s dishonesty, we noted that truth concealed is a friend of fear, robs men of freedom, and puts men in jeopardy. From the same text, we also learn valuable lessons about the truth when it is revealed.
First, the truth revealed is restrictive. After learning that Isaac and Rebekah were married, Abimelech straightly charged, “He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death” (Gen 26:11). Two restrictions are clear, no man could touch Rebekah, for she was the wife of another man, and no man could harm Isaac that they might have Rebekah as his own (cf. v. 7). When the truth is revealed restrictions became evident.
This principle is also the truth regarding the truth of God’s word. Paul wrote,
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Gal. 5:13).
The Galatians had been convinced by false teachers that, as Gentiles, they were required to keep the old law. Paul insisted that they had been “called not liberty” both from sin and from the old law, which condemned but provided no means of redemption. However, he warned them not to use their liberty from the law, as a license to sin. The same gospel that set them free is also restrictive.
Peter noted that the truth of the gospel restricts us from returning to the pollutions of the world from which we have escaped (2 Pt. 2:20). John likewise admonished that the truth restricts us from walking in darkness if we hope to maintain our fellowship with God (1 Jn. 1:5-7). Truth revealed is restrictive.
Second, the truth revealed is protective. For fear of his life, Isaac hid the fact that Rebekah was his wife. But the revelation of the truth brought protection rather than destruction (cf. 11).
Scripture is clear that the revelation of truth is protective. When one has a knowledge of the truth they know in which path to walk: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105). When the truth is made known, one understands right from wrong: “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130). John noted that truth protects us from committing sin: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not” (1 Jn. 2:1a).
The word of God is truth (Jn. 17:17). The truth of God’s word has been revealed that we might know that Jesus is the Christ, and that believing we might have eternal life in His name (Jn.20:30, 31). May we ever strive to make known the truth to others that they might keep themselves from sin and guard their souls against the adversary (1 Pt. 5:8).
-Ronnie Scherffius
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