Exploring the concept of truth necessitates grasping its four fundamental characteristics. The foremost characteristic is the accuracy of the subject in question, implying alignment with facts or actuality. This typically demands direct observation of the matter at hand. A person’s claims cannot be considered credible without personally witnessing what they profess to know. Consequently, this eliminates the possibility for conjecture derived from hearsay or indirect information, irrespective of the claimant’s status as a distinguished academic or spiritual leader. Facts are established as such through direct observation.
The second characteristic necessitates logical coherence and sound reasoning. While individuals may debate and argue over philosophical topics, the ultimate conclusion must be grounded in logical coherence and sound reasoning. To address the subject matter persuasively, there must be a logical consistency underpinned by sound reasoning. In matters concerning the survival of humanity, sound reasoning should reflect the greatest good for the majority. Any reasoning that proposes benefiting a minority at the expense of the majority is either irrational or nefarious. This underscores the importance of consistently striving to embrace the truth.
The third characteristic implies reliability, which is measured by consistency and dependability. A professional dealing with clay products is recognized for testing their product by exposing it to intense heat to verify its reliability. Neither a potter nor a ceramicist can presume the durability of their product without confirming it for public use. Similarly, before Abraham was given the promise of becoming the father of many, he was tested by God, who asked him to sacrifice his only son, a test he passed as recorded in Genesis 22:12.
The fourth and final characteristic, but certainly not the least, is authenticity. This signifies genuineness and sincerity. When something is based on its origin, it becomes synonymous with that origin. If the checking mechanism includes the previous three characteristics, then authenticity is confirmed. Once authenticity is verified, trust follows, eliminating any doubt about the product’s functionality. This forms the basis of truth, and in the absence of these standards, truth would not exist. Authority is based on authenticity.
Truthful information holds more relevance to the individual than to anyone else. What is considered true does not need verification by others, as it aligns with the individual’s perspective. In the realm of truth, certainty provides empowerment and control. For instance, idolatry flourishes where truth is absent since being truthful prevents the idolization of entities. Holding true information endows a person with the power that comes from knowledge, thereby, enabling them to exercise control. Fundamentally, the existence of problems usually signifies a lack of truth.
Blaming others, when one possesses the relevant information, indicates a lack of knowledge. The state of our world is such that many are devoid of truth. Those who are truthful ought to wield control so as not to fall prey to adverse circumstances. Life is fundamentally about embracing truth rather than finding solace in presumed truths. Jesus declared that adherence to His teachings would lead to knowledge of the truth, and this truth would liberate them. Thus, a free individual carries the responsibility for issues recognized as true.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32 NKJV).
This raises the question of Christianity’s relevance today. Why should one maintain Christian beliefs in the modern era? The name of Jesus is known worldwide, yet the credibility of His story is often questioned. Without verifying Jesus’ credibility, misconceptions about Christianity abound. Did Jesus rise from the dead after his crucifixion as the Bible claims? A thorough investigation into Jesus’ narrative is essential before fully embracing Christianity. Understanding the importance of Christianity is crucial; without it, life may seem as void as being unaware of its significance. Humanity’s hope hinges on the relevance of Christianity.
The first step is to distinguish order from chaos. Comprehending the teachings of Jesus necessitates dispelling the prevailing confusion that has rendered Christianity a subject of ridicule. The narrative of Jesus corroborates the truth that he is the sole reliable authority on the certainty of the existence of the Creator God. While some argue that all claims of knowing God should be respected, the verifiable truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection stands unparalleled throughout history. It is crucial to eliminate confusion and seek accurate information.
Rational individuals are not defined by their proclamations of being the sole bearers of truth atop a mountain. Truthfulness stands independent of any claims to its origin. What is true has persisted, long before the era of Jesus. The challenge lies in interpreting the available information to discern the truth. The Bible contains credible information, yet it is not readily comprehensible to the unenlightened mind. This is due to the plan of salvation, which adheres to a logical sequence designed to redeem humanity.
Before His crucifixion, Jesus introduced the gospel, which foretells the future establishment of the Kingdom of God. The proclamation of the Kingdom was not primarily intended to recruit humanity into the Christian cause in large numbers. Beginning with the twelve disciples, those who took up the mantle of His followers accepted the same responsibilities for which He was crucified. The vast numbers claiming to be His followers have never been overtly significant to Jesus. The decision to follow Him comes with responsibilities that are often misunderstood.
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV).
The referenced Scripture should not be misinterpreted as suggesting that all of humanity will be doomed to hell, with only a select few being saved. Rather, it speaks to those who fall prey to deception, as opposed to those who lack exposure to Christian teachings. The ‘few’ mentioned, who enter through the narrow and challenging gate, are the genuine Christians. These individuals are akin to Jesus Christ. The Scripture pertains to those who fully embrace the life and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus regards them as His brothers.
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Luke 14:28-35 NKJV).
Jesus was simply cautioning those considering following Him without recognizing the associated responsibilities. Verse 35 highlights the genuine risk of embracing Christianity without considering its obligations. Only the followers of Jesus are endowed with the honour of receiving the Holy Spirit. However, those who receive the Holy Spirit and subsequently become enticed by worldly pleasures risk forfeiting their place in God’s plan of salvation. This concept is also echoed in the parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14).
“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:26-27 NKJV).
Indeed, it is acknowledged that certain evangelists who draw many people to their congregations may avoid discussing specific Scriptures. Their objective is to gain as many followers as possible, who are then urged to give tithes in the hope of achieving salvation. Regrettably, these deceivers prey on the economically disadvantaged, luring them with false promises of immediate wealth. Deception entails exploiting the uninformed and taking advantage of their vulnerability, only to later forsake them. This is precisely why our compassionate Saviour, Jesus Christ, sternly cautioned against discipleship without full comprehension. The principal deceiver is Satan, who manifests through such predatory ministers.
Jesus never intended to draw multitudes into Christianity. Understanding comes from embracing the truth through the four previously outlined characteristics. The Bible serves as a coded book, meant for those earnestly seeking truth. The salvation plan spans seven thousand years, represented by a week, culminating in the Lord’s Sabbath on the seventh day. The Israelites were commanded to keep the Sabbath to underscore its prophetic importance.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:6-11 NKJV).
The six days depicted symbolize six thousand years of humanity pursuing their own endeavours without divine interference. However, on the seventh day—the Lord’s Sabbath—they were prohibited from their usual work. The “Sabbath” signifies a time of rest, as religiously mandated for the Israelites. Observing this day remains a personal decision and its importance may remain elusive, even to those who honour it, if they are not among the followers of Jesus.
“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:8-9 NKJV).
Taking into account the ‘day for a thousand years’ concept mentioned by Peter, humans have been labouring for approximately six thousand years. The thousand-year Sabbath of the Lord is still to come. During that time, humans will not be able to carry out their own works, as described in Revelation 20:3-7. Notably, after that millennium, Satan will be released from his prison to deceive people once more. There is nothing remarkable about that development. The potter must test the product’s durability before confirming its functionality.
Regarding the ones currently called, it is not necessarily accurate to assume they are superior to those not yet called. They are honoured as the first fruits, yet they are not different from those still awaiting their call. The critical issue is how they utilize the privilege of being called first. Remember, the directive requires them to forsake all worldly things if they truly intend to follow Jesus Christ. In this decision, there is no room for compromise; it is as dangerous as mixing negative and positive electrical currents. The guidance from our Lord and Savior is unmistakably clear to those who are discerning, as demonstrated below:
“Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace” (Luke 14:31-32 NKV).
The business of religion belongs to this world, yet it is not connected to Christianity. Those called to follow Christ are no different from the physically deceased in terms of their physical recognition. Their challenge lies in detaching from the physical world, which is impossible if one is uncertain about the future. It must be emphasized that genuine Christians are indistinguishable from Jesus Christ. The erroneous notion of separating believers from Jesus Christ originates from deceitful preachers who aim to exploit the naivety of ordinary people.
Renouncing physicality is not a matter to be taken lightly. This website aims to expose falsehoods and help a broad audience understand the risks involved. Assisting in the dissemination of its teachings can be considered a significant service to God. Christianity demands unwavering dedication, as exemplified by Jesus in His three-and-a-half-year ministry, which concluded with His crucifixion before His resurrection. No endeavour surpasses the importance of rescuing humanity from the clutches of evil.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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