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J.C. Philpot

Ephesians 4:21

Ephesians 4:21
J.C. Philpot April, 12 2016 3 min read
660 Articles 41 Sermons 54 Books
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April, 12 2016
J.C. Philpot
J.C. Philpot 3 min read
660 articles 41 sermons 54 books
What does the Bible say about truth in Ephesians 4:21?

Ephesians 4:21 emphasizes that truth is essential to the Christian faith and life.

Ephesians 4:21 states, 'As the truth is in Jesus,' underscoring that truth is foundational to regeneration, justification, sanctification, and salvation. The passage indicates that without truth, one cannot experience the blessings of faith. Regeneration is brought about through the 'word of truth,' as seen in James 1:18 and 1 Peter 1:23. Furthermore, justification is contingent upon faith in God's truth, creating peace with God. Thus, truth is not just a concept but is integral to the believer's experience of salvation and spiritual growth.

Ephesians 4:21, James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23

How do we know that salvation requires truth?

Salvation is dependent on the truth as revealed by God, which is essential for faith and justification.

Salvation cannot exist without truth, as emphasized in the article. The truth acts as the instrumental cause of all spiritual blessings, including justification and sanctification. It's stated that 'God has chosen us to salvation through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.' This directly links salvation to an individual's acceptance of God's truth. Therefore, without acknowledging this truth, one cannot genuinely possess the faith required for salvation, affirming the doctrine of sovereign grace.

2 Thessalonians 2:13, Ephesians 4:21

Why is love of the truth important for Christians?

The love of truth distinguishes the saved from the lost in the Christian faith.

The love of the truth is vital for Christians as it sets apart those who are saved from those who are not. According to Scripture, those who perish do so because they do not receive 'the love of the truth' needed for salvation. Additionally, it is through speaking the truth in love that believers grow spiritually, aligning with Ephesians 4:15. Therefore, embracing and loving the truth becomes a hallmark of genuine faith and the work of the Spirit in a believer's life.

2 Thessalonians 2:10, Ephesians 4:15

What role does hope play in relation to truth for Christians?

Hope is anchored in God's truth, providing a steadfast consolation to believers.

Hope is inextricably linked to truth within Christianity. The believer's hope is described as 'an anchor of the soul' that relies on God's immutability, where truth plays a central role. Hebrews 6:18 mentions two immutable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, assuring believers of their hope. Faith and hope work together, as hope anchors itself in the truthfulness of God's promises, allowing Christians to endure and find comfort amidst trials. Without acknowledging this truth, hope becomes unfounded.

Hebrews 6:18, Romans 15:4

"As the truth is in Jesus."

— Ephesians 4:21

Without truth there is no regeneration; for it is by "the word of truth" that we are begotten and born again (James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23). Without truth there is no justification; for we are justified by faith, which faith consists in crediting God's truth, and so gives peace with God. Without the truth there is no sanctification; for the Lord himself says, "Sanctify them through your truth--your word is truth." And without the truth there is no salvation; for "God has chosen us to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth."

And as the truth is the instrumental cause of all these blessings, the divinely-appointed means whereby they become manifested mercies, so truth enters into and is received by all the graces of the Spirit as they come forth into living exercise. Thus, without the truth, there is no FAITH; for the work of faith is to believe the truth. What is all the difference between faith and delusion? That faith believes God's truth, and delusion credits Satan's lies. "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

Without truth there is no HOPE; for the province of hope is to anchor in the truth. "That by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us; which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil." The two immutable things in which hope anchors are God's word and God's truth; in other words, the pledged veracity and faithfulness of him who cannot lie. This made holy David say, "I have hoped in your word." Those who go down to the pit," said good king Hezekiah, "cannot hope for your truth." No; it is "the living, the living who praise you as I do this day." And it is "through patience and comfort of the Scriptures," that is, the consolation which the truth of God revealed in the Scriptures affords, "that we have hope."

Without truth there is no LOVE, for it is by "the love of the truth" that the saved are distinguished from the lost. "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in those who perish; because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved." And it is only as we speak "the truth in love that we grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ." Thus "the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth;" and this in the Person of the Son of God, for "grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."

From Through Baca's Vale by J.C. Philpot.
J.C. Philpot
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