A TRUTH DEFICIENCY      BY STEVE FINNELL

Why is there such a large truth deficiency among those who search the Scripture for God's message to mankind? Why the disparity between what the Bible says and what men teach?

1. The Bible says: Acts 4:10-12 ....that by the name of Jesus Christ.....12 "Nor is there salvation in any other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."(NKJV)

Men say: "Jesus is one way, however, there are many names and various religions by which men can be saved."

Why do men have a truth deficit?

Matthew 15:9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."(NKJV)

2. The Bible says: Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,(NKJV)

Men say: "The grace of God has only appeared to a select few who have been preselected by God for salvation and that all others will burn in hell."

Why do men have a truth deficit?

Mark 7:13 "making the word of God of no effect through your traditions which you have handed down, And many such things you do."(NKJV)

3. The Bible says: Act 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(NKJV)

Men say: "Water baptism is not essential to the forgiveness of sins."

Why do men have a truth deficit?

Mark 7:9 And He said to them, "All to well you reject the commandments of God, that you may keep your tradition.(NKJV)

4. The Bible says: Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.(NKJV)

Men say: "He who believes is saved the minute he believes and then is baptized because he is already saved."

Why do men have a truth deficit?

Matthew 15:3 But He answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?(NKJV)

5. The Bible says: 1 Peter 3:20-21...were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism... Acts 8:27-38 ......38...And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.(NKJV)

Men say: "Water baptism is not essential for salvation. There is only spiritual baptism under the New Covenant, water baptism will not be administered here."

Why do men have a truth deficit?

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. (NKJV)

Why do men have a truth deficit?

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For there is going to come a time when people won't listen to the truth, but will go around looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear. 4 They won't listen to what the Bible says but will blithely follow their own misguided ideas. (The Living Bible--Paraphrased)

The truth is found in the Bible.

Men's opinions are found in man-made creed books and other extra-Biblical writings.