Searching for Truth - Numbers 18-20

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2018-20&version=NIV

Today’s passage brings to mind something that isn’t necessarily related to the passages, but is always related to the Word of God – the search for truth. The reason this is on my mind is because it was Numbers 19 that led me to a truth from God’s word that refuted a human tradition I accepted as truth most of my life.

Let me explain. I grew up in the Lutheran church – a denomination that has so many amazing aspects. It was, after all, founded on the teaching and writing of Martin Luther. However, as in many denominations, there are human traditions integrated as ‘truth’ or put into practice that have no biblical foundation. Such is the practice of infant baptism in the Lutheran church. The basics of the belief are that because God’s word says baptism now saves you, suffer the little children to come unto me, and to baptize all nations, then infants not only can but should be baptized. Essentially it’s practiced as fireproof to answer the question of whether an unbaptized infant who hasn’t professed faith who dies will go to heaven. The answer to ensure this is to baptize the infant if baptism saves – but this is not supported by scripture.

Now first and foremost, I came to the conclusion that it is not baptism that saves, but rather the faith that precedes the baptism (Mk 16:16). The baptism is a raising of the faith flag. But scripture clearly says believe and be baptized – the proper order is first belief, then baptism. Therefore, infant baptism is not biblical, but rather human tradition. In addition, the thief on the cross who just came to belief in Christ was told that he would that day be in heaven (Luke 23:43) – and there is no record of them pulling him off the cross before he died for a quick baptism. Therefore, baptism is not what saves – rather it is faith. Notice that I found my way to the truth through God’s Word.

The other thing I wondered about in the Lutheran tradition is the sprinkling of the infants – or adults – with water as opposed to submersion. After reading Numbers 19 several years ago I realized that this tradition is based on the old covenant tradition of the sprinkling of the water of cleansing. So the Lutheran church is operating under the traditions of the old covenant while we now live under the grace of the new covenant.

What is my point? My point is that it is of utmost importance that we all search for truth rather than just accept what we’ve been told, taught, or assumed. Some of us are on a search for truth about Jesus Christ – whether he is the Way and the Truth. I assure you that if you search for truth you’ll find the answer is yes! Some of us are trying, as I was, to understand the difference between denominations and beliefs. Others of us are trying to discern truth about some of the tougher teachings in the word or things that are not made completely clear to us.

Now some might feel like the responsibility for truth lies with the church and it’s leaders and teachers. But I caution you in this – if you rely on fallible people to guide you, you can sometimes be misled or taught some damaging doctrine that isn’t based on God’s word. Some of us have already been badly hurt by what someone in the church taught us – or maybe an understanding about God that our parents lead us to believe that isn’t true. So we must always search for ourselves. On the other end of that, however, I will say this. Second Baptist IS a safe place of search for truth. I know this because our church doesn’t just tell you what to believe, but lead you to study the word and find out for yourself. In addition, our church has a structure that provides accountability for every pastor or teacher – from Dr. Young on down.

Regardless of what journey you are on – regardless of what you are searching for, there is but one simple formula that I guarantee will lead you to that truth. Here it is:

Your search + the Word of God + the power of the Spirit = Truth

First and foremost, you need to know that God won’t force truth on you – he wants you to seek it. Secondly, he promises that his Word is Truth and so that is the source we can be certain in which truth dwells. Thirdly, he promises in his Word that if we search for truth, we will find it. If we search for understanding, he will give it. If we search for Him, we will find him. A simple look for at the passages below guarantee that our formula will work. Here’s what the Word says:

“Ask and it will be given you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he would seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you in all truth.” John 12:13

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

And that’s just the short list of passages that guarantee that the Word is truth, that we have to but seek it and we will find it, and that the Holy Spirit will lead us to it. And we are given bible believing churches, wise counselors, mentors, and fellow Christians also on a journey towards truth that will help us along the way. Search for the truth – for there is nothing of greater beauty!

Lastly, I would love it if you’d share how God revealed truth to you on your own search. Or, if you have questions about God, faith, Jesus Christ, salvation or confusing teachings ask us. We can point you to the truth in God’s word and if we don’t feel qualified, will points you towards Godly people with great knowledge who can help guide you.

Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels