A Word for the Truth by J. D. Bandy

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Sep 16, 1875

A Word for the Truth.

By J. D. Bandy

I have often heard persons say that it makes no difference what we believe if we are only sincere in it. But let us go back with our readers to the case of Nadab and Abihu who "offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not, and there went out fire from the Lord and devoured them." Lev. 10:1, 2. I suppose they thought like many people of the present day that if they were only sincere it made no difference what kind of fire they offered.

But not so. The Lord had spoken concerning it and his word must be obeyed. Here is where they made the sad mistake, and should not their fate be a warning to us upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Another case, and of more recent date, was that of Ananias and Sapphira, who sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, but "brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet." They doubtless thought that if they were only sincere in bringing a part of the price of their possessions, it would make no difference if they did secretly keep back the other part.

But see how evidently the displeasure of God at such a course was manifested. "And Ananias hearing the words of Peter fell down and gave up the ghost."

This is sufficient to show to all that we must believe the truth; nay, more we must obey the truth. But what is truth? Christ says in his prayer for his disciples, "Thy word is truth." John 17:17. The words of the Lord spoken upon Mt. Sinai are the words of truth. Says the psalmist, "Thy truth shall be my shield and buckler." It is the pure truth of God that shall make us able to stand the test of the Judgment-day. Paul says in 2 Thess. 2:11, that "God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie, that they all might be damned who believe not the truth."

Dear reader may it be our happy lot to be numbered with those who believe and obey the truth, that we may be able to stand in that great and terrible day.

J. D. BANDY.