In our last article, we noted that God’s Word is the standard of truth. This was the case for Israel under the law of Moses (Josh. 1:7; Deut. 4:2). This is true for all men today as they are subject to the law of Christ (1 Cor. 9:21; Gal. 6:2). Some think the gospel is not as strict as the law of Moses, but they are mistaken.
Jesus told the apostles to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:19-20). There is no ambiguity about “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” Jesus did not say this merely to amuse Himself. He meant it.
John said we love God and His children by keeping His commandments (1 Jn. 5:2-3). He also said, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 Jn. 9). The idea is that we must remain within the standard of the gospel. If we deviate to the right or left, we are in error and not be in fellowship with God.
James said the gospel is the “perfect law of liberty” (Jas. 1:25). Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:32). The pure, uncorrupted gospel is the only thing that can set you free from sin and Satan. Paul said the gospel is “the power of God to salvation” (Rom. 1:16).
We have seen the standard of truth, which is the gospel, saves souls and a departure from its servers fellowship with God. This is why we write these articles week after week, setting forth the truth and exposing error. In our next article, we will look at exposing error as a positive part of the standard of truth.
Steven F. Deaton
