Nothing But The Truth

And we also thank God continually for this, that when you received the word of God [concerning salvation] which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its inherent, supernatural power in those of faith]. (1 Thessalonians 2:13) In whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him [that is, our faith gives us sufficient courage to freely and openly approach God through Christ]. (Ephesians 3:12) For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Romans 8:14)

For you [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified and] are all children of God [set apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)

See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. (1 John 3:1) So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ. (Romans 10:17) For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed in a way that awakens more faith]. As it is written and forever remains written, THE JUST and UPRIGHT SHALL LIVE BY FAITH. (Romans 1:17)

BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE [the one justified by faith] SHALL LIVE BY FAITH [respecting man’s relationship to God and trusting Him]; AND IF HE DRAWS BACK [shrinking in fear], MY SOUL HAS NO DELIGHT IN HIM. (Hebrews 10:38) Look at the proud one, His soul is not right within him, But the righteous will live by his faith [in the true God]. (Habakkuk 2:4) Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

So get rid of all uncleanness and all that remains of wickedness, and with a humble spirit receive the word [of God] which is implanted [actually rooted in your heart], which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21) But he who looks carefully into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and faithfully abides by it, not having become a [careless] listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he will be blessed and favored by God in what he does [in his life of obedience]. (James 1:25)

But He said, On the contrary, blessed (happy, favored by God) are those who hear the word of God and continually observe it. (Luke 11:28) For it is not those who merely hear the Law [as it is read aloud] who are just or righteous before God, but it is those who [actually] obey the Law who will be justified [pronounced free of the guilt of sin and declared acceptable to Him]. (Romans 2:13)

The law of the LORD is perfect (flawless), restoring and refreshing the soul; The statutes of the LORD are reliable and trustworthy, making wise the simple. (Psalm 19:7)

But Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT COMES OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’(Matthew 4:4) In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. (John 1:1)

So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)

Jesus said to them, If you were blind [to spiritual things], you would have no sin [and would not be blamed for your unbelief]; but since you claim to have [spiritual] sight, [you have no excuse so] your sin and guilt remain. (John 9:41) This is the reason I speak to the crowds in parables: because while [having the power of] seeing they do not see, and while [having the power of] hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand and grasp [spiritual things]. In them the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says,

YOU WILL HEAR and KEEP ON HEARING, BUT NEVER UNDERSTAND;

AND YOU WILL LOOK and KEEP ON LOOKING, BUT NEVER COMPREHEND;

FOR THIS NATION’S HEART HAS GROWN HARD,

AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY HARDLY HEAR,

AND THEY HAVE [tightly] CLOSED THEIR EYES,

OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES,

AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS,

AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART, AND TURN [to Me]

AND I WOULD HEAL THEM [spiritually]. (Matthew 13:13-15)