The Athenians encountered Paul preaching in the marketplace and asked, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak?” (Acts 17:16-19). Paul graciously obliged them and preached about the one true God, finishing on the subject of Christ’s resurrection (vv. 22-31). Here’s some observations based on the first part of their question, “May we know …?”
Postmodernism and doctrinal relativism have greatly shifted people’s attitudes toward definitive truth over the last several decades. However, the Bible says that truth is identifiable (John 17:17), attainable (John 8:32), understandable (Ephesians 5:17). Furthermore, truth is consistent. It’s impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18; Titus 1:2); therefore, if God says homosexuality is wrong, then it can’t be right; if God says baptism is immersion, then it can’t be sprinkling; if God says man can fall, then he can’t be eternally secure without obedience. If anyone suggests something different, then God would be speaking “out of both sides of his mouth.” He wouldn’t be worthy of belief!
It’s refreshing to find people who are interested in the truth and will give it a fair hearing. The New Testament declares, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). It won’t come any other way. Faith isn’t “caught” as some claim, but taught. As Jesus asked, do you have “an ear to hear” (Matthew 11:15; 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9, 23; 7:16; Luke 8:8; 14:35)? So few today do, yet that’s how the Corinthians (Acts 18:8), Galatians (Galatians 3:2), Ephesians (Acts 19:1-10), Colossians (Colossians 1:5), and every other person in the first century became a Christian (Mark 16:15-16). And you can too!
Yes, you can know God’s will. It’s not a mystery revealed by some modern-day priest or prophet, creed book, catechism, dream, vision, or personal experience. You can read and understand it because God expects you to (Ephesians 3:3-5; 5:17), provided you want to know and have a love for the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:9-11). Many wonderful Christians all over the country (and world) are deeply interested in truth and want to talk to you about it!
Adapted from Shawn Smith