WHAT IS TRUTH AND HOW TO PROVE IT - CHARLIE CABURIAN
I THANK GOD for this rare opportunity of presenting a simple message. I pray that this message may be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and at the same time anointing will be given to every reader.
Salvation is a popular and controversial issue among professing Christians. The sad fact is, it is also widely misunderstood thus causing confusion, and as a result many precious souls treat Christianity as failure. But despite these, the truth about salvation still exists and only those who are motivated by right intentions, those who accept the Bible as it is, those who are willing to meet the conditions, will find this “Pearl of Great Price.” “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” The title of this message is simply, “What Truth is and How to Prove it.”
In the gospel of St. John 8:32 we read, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” These words from the Master aroused His hearer’s interest about an amusing subject, that of freedom. Here, let us first set aside truth and focus our attention about freedom. In fact, this freedom is “vital” in letting us understand truth.
Let me ask a question that will lead us to understand freedom. What was binding these Jews that brought them to a position that they were in need of freedom? They even insisted that they were Abraham’s seed and were never in bondage to any man. But to this our Master responded, “Verily verily, I say unto you, Whosoever COMMITTETH SIN is the SERVANT OF SIN.” Here we understand that anyone who is living in sin is a servant, or simply, a prisoner. May that be plain and simple enough.
It has been said, “The first step to victory is to know who our enemy is”; and since sin is man’s greatest enemy, it is highly important that we understand the nature of sin, the cause and effect of it, and its attributes. Sin of course is empowered by Satan, and we see the first person to be captivated by sin was Eve. To understand further, sin has three forms and the Bible calls it as the things of the world. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh [fornication, vices, anger, etc.], the lust of the eyes [pornography, sexual movies], and the pride of life [fame, selfish ambitions], is not of the Father, but is of the world” (I John 2:16). Sin is defined in the Bible as “transgression of the law” (I John 3:4). But, let us understand that sin has two definite senses. Here, I ask the reader to CAREFULLY CONSIDER this part. Let us read I John 5:17. “All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin [that leadeth] NOT unto death.” In verse 16 we read, “… there is a sin [that leadeth] UNTO death.” What is the difference between the two? In one sense it is NOT UNTO DEATH, while in another sense it is UNTO DEATH. So sin is clearly identified by the cause and effect of it, because in one text we read, “The wages of sin is death.” To make it more simple, let us name “sin unto death” as IMPUTED SIN, and “sin not unto death” as UNIMPUTED SIN. Unimputed sin is a transgression of God’s law and leadeth NOT unto death, because anyone who UNKNOWINGLY transgresses a law of God is innocent for “… sin is not imputed when there is no law” (Romans 5:13). Imputed sin, either commission or omission, involves our will, freedom, knowledge and consent. Anyone who is found guilty of this sin is under condemnation; dead, a prisoner, and if not amended eternal punishment will be his final destination. I believe this is the sin that Jesus was talking about when He said, “Whosoever committeth sin is a servant of sin.” This is the condition of many. That’s why our Master said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
If we desire freedom, Dearly Beloved, the truth is clear. Jesus is the “way, the truth and the life.” It is a failure when we use our own feeble strength in obtaining this freedom. More religions, more prison houses or organizations won’t do because, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved [freed]” (Acts 4:12). “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save [free] his people [creation; family of man] FROM their sins” (Matthew 1:21). But, we cannot obtain this freedom or salvation without realizing our need of God. There must be a SINCERE heart’s desire to leave the life of sin, and a desire to stop sinning. If no desire is found, better not start at all because it will only end up into another failure. Leaving a life of sin is launching to a different kind of life, the very opposite of sin—holiness. And, we are aspiring for a life of service and sacrifice for Jesus. We must deny ourselves. That’s why it is important to COUNT THE COST. Salvation is experienced and obtained through the process of conversion or being born again, justified or pardoned from sin simultaneously. True repentance is necessary. The time must come that we feel sick and tired of sin and come to God really repenting of our sins. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). This is now, or never; tomorrow might be too late. “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). Redeem the time, Sinner Friend. We are free moral agents and the choice is left to us. Come to God with an open and humble heart. Though this freedom will cost your whole life, it is all worth it. So if there is something holding you back, let me ask you a question to answer with reasonableness. If you are going to surrender your life to Jesus, will it lead you to destruction or harm you? No, no and no! Of course not. In fact it’s the other way around. Life is joyful if we are living free from sin. I know what it is to be in bondage to sin—no peace of mind; no life’s purpose; no assurance; something is always lacking; afraid to die; a life full of confusion and misery. But thank God, Jesus came on the scene and liberated me. PRAISE AND MAGNIFY HIS NAME! Though I’m still a literal prisoner who was convicted for murdering my own cousin and grandmother, I have real freedom, because indeed the truth has set me free. I’m thankful because through those iron bars and thick walls, I was led to be still and consider who God is. I was also given the opportunity to listen to His words that helped me realize my need of salvation. And by meeting the Bible conditions, I can boldly say I’m free. Glory to His name! Dear Sinner Friend, you may be in a free society but if sin is dominating your life, you are bound by a powerful force and that kind of imprisonment is worse than being literally bound by chains or thick walls. May I point you to Jesus Christ and be set free. I sincerely pray that God will move on your heart. What will be your decision?
We proceed now to the remaining part of this message and it is centered on providing the truth. The dictionary defines prove as, “to establish validity; assertion; confirm; be found to be.” How then are we going to prove the truth? When I say truth, I mean the truth that Jesus Christ has indeed set you free from sin. The great Master said, and it is a logical explanation, “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit” (Matthew 7:17). And verse 20 says, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” What’s on the inside will NATURALLY come out. The life we live will prove who we really are because actions SPEAK LOUDER than words. If we truly are saved from sin, then the change or transformation that took place inside our hearts will show its effect in our lives and conduct. We will no longer be a liar, a thief, a murderer or any wicked kind of person. We are already “new creatures in Christ.” These words are plain and easy to understand, but because of many NOT having the desire to completely live from sin, they come up with the conclusion that it’s impossible to live free from sin, thus ending with a “sin you must” doctrine. I pray that this is not your ground, Friend, but instead you would be one of the precious souls that are willing to meet the conditions, and be a living proof of the TRUTH OF SALVATION. The Bible says, “Whosoever is born of God [saved from sin] doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (I John 3:9). This text is very clear. Salvation or being born of God is the cause, and “doth not commit sin” is the effect. So to cut it short, salvation is the STARTING POINT of holiness and through the sufficient grace of God we stay holy as we combat the temptations of the world, and will willingly walk in every light that shines on our way.
My prayer is that all Christians will stay true and a clear testimony will be exhibited before the sinners’ clear eyes and ears, so that they’ll conclude that “truly freedom from sin is possible.” “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Salvation is a popular and controversial issue among professing Christians. The sad fact is, it is also widely misunderstood thus causing confusion, and as a result many precious souls treat Christianity as failure. But despite these, the truth about salvation still exists and only those who are motivated by right intentions, those who accept the Bible as it is, those who are willing to meet the conditions, will find this “Pearl of Great Price.” “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” The title of this message is simply, “What Truth is and How to Prove it.”
In the gospel of St. John 8:32 we read, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” These words from the Master aroused His hearer’s interest about an amusing subject, that of freedom. Here, let us first set aside truth and focus our attention about freedom. In fact, this freedom is “vital” in letting us understand truth.
Let me ask a question that will lead us to understand freedom. What was binding these Jews that brought them to a position that they were in need of freedom? They even insisted that they were Abraham’s seed and were never in bondage to any man. But to this our Master responded, “Verily verily, I say unto you, Whosoever COMMITTETH SIN is the SERVANT OF SIN.” Here we understand that anyone who is living in sin is a servant, or simply, a prisoner. May that be plain and simple enough.
It has been said, “The first step to victory is to know who our enemy is”; and since sin is man’s greatest enemy, it is highly important that we understand the nature of sin, the cause and effect of it, and its attributes. Sin of course is empowered by Satan, and we see the first person to be captivated by sin was Eve. To understand further, sin has three forms and the Bible calls it as the things of the world. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh [fornication, vices, anger, etc.], the lust of the eyes [pornography, sexual movies], and the pride of life [fame, selfish ambitions], is not of the Father, but is of the world” (I John 2:16). Sin is defined in the Bible as “transgression of the law” (I John 3:4). But, let us understand that sin has two definite senses. Here, I ask the reader to CAREFULLY CONSIDER this part. Let us read I John 5:17. “All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin [that leadeth] NOT unto death.” In verse 16 we read, “… there is a sin [that leadeth] UNTO death.” What is the difference between the two? In one sense it is NOT UNTO DEATH, while in another sense it is UNTO DEATH. So sin is clearly identified by the cause and effect of it, because in one text we read, “The wages of sin is death.” To make it more simple, let us name “sin unto death” as IMPUTED SIN, and “sin not unto death” as UNIMPUTED SIN. Unimputed sin is a transgression of God’s law and leadeth NOT unto death, because anyone who UNKNOWINGLY transgresses a law of God is innocent for “… sin is not imputed when there is no law” (Romans 5:13). Imputed sin, either commission or omission, involves our will, freedom, knowledge and consent. Anyone who is found guilty of this sin is under condemnation; dead, a prisoner, and if not amended eternal punishment will be his final destination. I believe this is the sin that Jesus was talking about when He said, “Whosoever committeth sin is a servant of sin.” This is the condition of many. That’s why our Master said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
If we desire freedom, Dearly Beloved, the truth is clear. Jesus is the “way, the truth and the life.” It is a failure when we use our own feeble strength in obtaining this freedom. More religions, more prison houses or organizations won’t do because, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved [freed]” (Acts 4:12). “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save [free] his people [creation; family of man] FROM their sins” (Matthew 1:21). But, we cannot obtain this freedom or salvation without realizing our need of God. There must be a SINCERE heart’s desire to leave the life of sin, and a desire to stop sinning. If no desire is found, better not start at all because it will only end up into another failure. Leaving a life of sin is launching to a different kind of life, the very opposite of sin—holiness. And, we are aspiring for a life of service and sacrifice for Jesus. We must deny ourselves. That’s why it is important to COUNT THE COST. Salvation is experienced and obtained through the process of conversion or being born again, justified or pardoned from sin simultaneously. True repentance is necessary. The time must come that we feel sick and tired of sin and come to God really repenting of our sins. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). This is now, or never; tomorrow might be too late. “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). Redeem the time, Sinner Friend. We are free moral agents and the choice is left to us. Come to God with an open and humble heart. Though this freedom will cost your whole life, it is all worth it. So if there is something holding you back, let me ask you a question to answer with reasonableness. If you are going to surrender your life to Jesus, will it lead you to destruction or harm you? No, no and no! Of course not. In fact it’s the other way around. Life is joyful if we are living free from sin. I know what it is to be in bondage to sin—no peace of mind; no life’s purpose; no assurance; something is always lacking; afraid to die; a life full of confusion and misery. But thank God, Jesus came on the scene and liberated me. PRAISE AND MAGNIFY HIS NAME! Though I’m still a literal prisoner who was convicted for murdering my own cousin and grandmother, I have real freedom, because indeed the truth has set me free. I’m thankful because through those iron bars and thick walls, I was led to be still and consider who God is. I was also given the opportunity to listen to His words that helped me realize my need of salvation. And by meeting the Bible conditions, I can boldly say I’m free. Glory to His name! Dear Sinner Friend, you may be in a free society but if sin is dominating your life, you are bound by a powerful force and that kind of imprisonment is worse than being literally bound by chains or thick walls. May I point you to Jesus Christ and be set free. I sincerely pray that God will move on your heart. What will be your decision?
We proceed now to the remaining part of this message and it is centered on providing the truth. The dictionary defines prove as, “to establish validity; assertion; confirm; be found to be.” How then are we going to prove the truth? When I say truth, I mean the truth that Jesus Christ has indeed set you free from sin. The great Master said, and it is a logical explanation, “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit” (Matthew 7:17). And verse 20 says, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” What’s on the inside will NATURALLY come out. The life we live will prove who we really are because actions SPEAK LOUDER than words. If we truly are saved from sin, then the change or transformation that took place inside our hearts will show its effect in our lives and conduct. We will no longer be a liar, a thief, a murderer or any wicked kind of person. We are already “new creatures in Christ.” These words are plain and easy to understand, but because of many NOT having the desire to completely live from sin, they come up with the conclusion that it’s impossible to live free from sin, thus ending with a “sin you must” doctrine. I pray that this is not your ground, Friend, but instead you would be one of the precious souls that are willing to meet the conditions, and be a living proof of the TRUTH OF SALVATION. The Bible says, “Whosoever is born of God [saved from sin] doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (I John 3:9). This text is very clear. Salvation or being born of God is the cause, and “doth not commit sin” is the effect. So to cut it short, salvation is the STARTING POINT of holiness and through the sufficient grace of God we stay holy as we combat the temptations of the world, and will willingly walk in every light that shines on our way.
My prayer is that all Christians will stay true and a clear testimony will be exhibited before the sinners’ clear eyes and ears, so that they’ll conclude that “truly freedom from sin is possible.” “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
God bless you, and to God be the honor and glory Bro. Charlie Caburian, Philippines
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