During the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, the cry "Sola Scriptura" was not merely a slogan but capsulated the basis for the radical changes that affected not only the church but all areas of society. Fast forward 500 years. What is the reigning idea of the twenty-first century that affects most Americans' thinking and lives? Is it not the belief that there is "absolutely" no such thing as absolute truth? We are told that truth is based upon the opinion of the individual or the consensus of opinion of those who have the power to enforce it. In many ways, do we not live in a time similar to that recorded in the book of Judges, "And everyone did that which was right in their own eyes"?

Is this pervasive idea true? Not according to our Lord Jesus Christ. He declared to His disciples that He is truth personified (John 14:6) and furthermore that God's Word is truth (John 17:17). The Apostle Paul agreed when he wrote, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The question is not whether there is absolute truth, but whether you will receive and submit to the absolute truth found in Jesus Christ and His inscripturated word.

Moreover, notice that Paul used the phrase "all Scripture is God-breathed." What did he mean by "all Scripture"? He was referring to the Bible of his day, primarily the Old Testament. Its every word was inspired by God. Jesus Himself declared, "I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law (God's Word) until everything is accomplished." Every word and even every letter is God-breathed and trustworthy.

Unfortunately, many today would disagree with Jesus and His apostolic representatives. Some declare that the Bible contains historical errors and that it is not reliable since it is merely the words of men. Others maintain that the Bible "contains" the Word of God. Still others affirm that it "becomes" the Word of God through some type of experience. Notice that all of these statements make the same assumption. In each, the speaker himself assumes the authority to determine what is or isn't the Word of God. In essence, we find ourselves back in the Garden of Eden with everyone determining what is good and evil, what is truth and error. Like Adam, we are tempted to seize a right that we do not possess. We have no authority to sit and judge God's Word as being true or false, it is God who sits in judgment over us. Again we must come under His authority and seek to know Him and His will for us as it is recorded in His Word. Anything less is rebellion.

This brings us back to my opening question. Is it your heart's desire to seek to delight in God and in His revelation of Himself recorded in the Bible? When God speaks through His Word; "Seek My face," does your heart respond, "Your face, Lord, will I seek." My prayer to God is that He will work in your heart to give you this desire all the days of your life, that you could join John Calvin, who established the following as his motto: "My heart, Lord, I offer to You, promptly and sincerely." Sola Deo Gloria.