Today’s devotion comes from 2 John 1:1-3.
“The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, for the sake of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” 2 John 1:1-3.
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We notice the repetition of the word “truth” in today’s Scripture which shows the importance of it. We see “love in truth”, “know the truth”, “the sake of the truth”, and “in truth”.
“Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6.
“and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. … Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. … So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:32 and 34 and 36.
Scripture emphasizes the importance of truth.
“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.” John 5:39-40.
“‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’” Matthew 15:9 and Mark 7:7.
“But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24.
Not any kind of worship is sufficient, but “worship in spirit and truth” is needed.
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.” Romans 10:1-3.
Not any kind of zeal is sufficient, but zeal “in accordance with knowledge”, or in other words, in accordance with truth, is needed.
In sharp contrast, there are those who “did not receive the love of truth so as to be saved”. 2 Thessalonians 2:10.
Not any kind of love is sufficient, but “the love of truth” is needed to be saved.
“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15.
“For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:3-4.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 