The wise man who wrote the book of Proverbs said, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on” (Proverbs 4:14).
Thousands of years after the creation of man, many think themselves very capable of identifying what is truly evil. Yet with this supposed knowledge of right and wrong, it is obvious that evil persists and even flourishes in our day.
I submit that people are less knowledgeable than they think. For every condemnation of murder there is a rationalization of the act in any particular circumstance. Too often men designate what they do not like as evil, and pronounce what they desire as good. In effect, the concept of right and wrong varies depending on who you talk to. Few will accept the contention that right and wrong can be objectively attained, or know how it can be done!
The apostle Paul noted this as he wrote about the Jews, “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:2-3).
This establishes the crux of the issue. Right and wrong are determined by God, and Him alone. Actually that is a point that is acknowledged by most. The argument surrounds whether this determination can be known, understood or agreed to by men who seek him. Jesus said YES! For example, He affirmed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Further he stated that if men substitute their own views to what He has revealed, they make “the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down.” Further, he indicated thatt this was a common thing, “And many such things you do” (Mark 7:13).
In the centuries since, men have continued to substitute their own traditions for God’s word. It may be by creating rules and ordinances that God does not require. It may be usurping His authority by allowing what God would never allow. The key to knowing how to act before God is to let Him speak for Himself! This He has done through the divine word. “Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:128). “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven” (Psalms 119:89).
Examples both of this knowledge, and the reality that God requires us to have and use this knowledge proliferate in both the Old and New Testaments. For example, consider God’s words to Joshua as he took his place as leader of Israel, “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:7-8).
Conversely Peter condemned false teachers for departing from God’s word. “They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Peter 2:15).
Knowing the truth was a primary message from the Lord Himself during His ministry on earth. “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me” (John 6:44-45). Another time He stated it more concisely, “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).
Which leads to the second question. As we acknowledge the necessity of knowing the truth, is it possible? The premise of inspiration affirms it is. God created us as creatures of reason. He sufficiently revealed His will for us. God is eminently capable of doing it in a way that we can objectively know His statutes! This premise is implied in Paul’s exhortation to Timothy: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). He wouldn’t have expected such from Timothy if it was not possible.
Here are the keys. Believe the truth is attainable. Open your heart and study the Bible to ascertain that truth. Test every thought and action by the Word of God. Then, commit yourself to always do what God has told you to do. “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23).
There are so many applications. What does God reveal for us to do to be saved? God has established His will, and explained it to us! (cf. Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38). Which church is keeping Christ’s will? The scripture gives us the standard to examine! (cf. Matthew 16:18). How are we to worship God? Remember our worship must be in spirit and truth! (cf. John 4:24). In fact, Paul wrote, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).
It’s not rocket science or brain surgery. But God does expect diligence to know His will that we might serve Him.
