Heaven’s formula for finding hidden truths
The remnant, those who always stand for the right throughout Earth’s history, are given a special blessing. They embrace the combined revealed light of all the previous ages. Those truths into which patriarchs and prophets desired to look and longed to understand have been laid open to the understanding of all who, today, will seek truth.
The remnant, those who always stand for truth, are given a special blessing. They embrace the combined revealed light of all the ages. |
Satan is an ever vigilant foe. With every ray of revealed light, he has sought to bring in confusion, error, pride of belief and even forgetfulness. Many important truths have been lost and hidden over millennia of accepted errors, assumptions and traditions. Truth itself, however, cannot be destroyed. There are many, many gems of truth sacred amongst the rubbish of error. The seeker for truth must be both humble and diligent in his search from these scattered jewels.
When a person has been raised believing error, the search for truth can be very confusing. Truth, no matter how pure, can feel wrong emotionally, when it contradicts a person’s core beliefs. Yahuwah has left none to struggle alone. He has provided in His Word a standard by which anyone can discern what is truth and what is error. This rule is to use the combined weight of evidence.
A mistake many people ignorantly make is called “proof texting.” This happens when an entire belief is built on a single text, ignoring other texts that would change the meaning or interpretation of the one proof text. It is true that “All scripture is given by inspiration of Yahuwah, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of Yahuwah may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16 and 17) This does not mean, however, that a single verse can be used as the basis for a doctrine while other verses on the subject are ignored. Serious mistakes in theology are made when this method of establishing doctrine is used.
One example of a false doctrine based on proof texting is the belief in the immortality of the soul and an ever burning hell. This doctrine is extrapolated from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (see Luke 16:19-31) and a text in Revelation which states: “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” (Revelation 14:11) In order to use these passages to prove an immortal soul and ever-burning hell, the weight of evidence which proves otherwise must be ignored.
Examples of erroneous doctrines perpetuated by proof texting:
A misapplication or disregard for Scripture has also led many |
Another common mistake made by proof texting is the belief that the Sabbath is to be observed from sunset to sunset. This entire practice is built on a single verse of Scripture: “It shall be unto you a Sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your Sabbath.” (Leviticus 23:32) However, when taken in context, it becomes clear that the sacred observance referred to is on the ninth day of the seventh month: Day of Atonement only. The combined weight of Scriptural evidence reveals that days on the Biblical calendar actually begin at dawn!
Many beloved traditions are based on nothing more than proof texting. To be certain that one has arrived at truth, the searcher for truth must gather all the verses together on the subject being studied. When every text has been carefully studied in context, the explanation that does not contradict is the true and correct interpretation of Scripture. Isaiah 28 contains a lengthy warning against false doctrines stubbornly clung to by those who do not use the weight of evidence as their rule in interpreting Scripture.
The chapter begins pronouncing a woe: “Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!” (Isaiah 28:1) Spiritual pride is one of the most insidious of sins. It is extremely difficult to get anyone who is spiritually proud to study with an open mind. In the Bible, intoxicating wine is repeatedly used as a symbol of false doctrine. Thus, this passage is a warning to all who would cling to error, taking pride in their wrong beliefs.
But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.
For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.
Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. (Isaiah 28:7-9)
Taking verses out of context and building an entire belief system on them will always lead to assumptions, false doctrines and error – the wine of Babylon. Even pastors and church leaders are not immune from the danger of this practice. |
Taking verses out of context and building an entire belief system on them will always lead to assumptions, false doctrines and error – the wine of Babylon. Even pastors and church leaders are not immune from the danger of this practice.
But there is hope for all who repent and come to Yahuwah as a little child, seeking to be taught of Him. The method by which to ascertain truth is clearly spelled out:
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. (Isaiah 28:10)
In this passage, Yahuwah urges that if this method is used, the hungering heart will find truth and rest for the soul. Sadly, it also reveals that too many people reject Yahuwah’s ordained method of understanding truth:
This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of Yahuwah was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. (See Isaiah 28:12 and 13.)
Another Biblical standard for ascertaining truth is stated in 2 Corinthians 13:1: “In the mouths of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” This was the standard established by Yahuwah Himself in matters of civil dispute:
One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. (Deuteronomy 19:15)
At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. (Deuteronomy 17:6)
Whosoever killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses; but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. (Numbers 35:30)
This standard as a rule of conduct was repeated by the Saviour when He stated:
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY WORD MAY BE ESTABLISHED. (Matthew 18:15 and 16)
Yahushua’s use of this principle for more than capital crimes reveals that it is a standard of life that can be applied in other areas.
The principle of repetition is very important in the study of truth. When Joseph stood before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams, he explained: “What [Elohim] is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by [Elohim], and [Elohim] will shortly bring it to pass.” (Genesis 41:28 and 32.) No doctrine is to be established on a single verse. Rather, Yahuwah will always provide a weight of evidence by which the searcher for truth may establish sound theology.
The weight of evidence rule of investigation and study encourages independence of thought. It provides protection from popular errors and deceptions. |
Yahuwah knew that after 6,000 years of earth’s history, a mountain of Satan’s lies and delusions would accumulate to hide or warp truth. However, as in every other emergency, He has lovingly provided a sure means by which every individual soul may study out and discover truth for himself. The weight of evidence rule of investigation and study encourages independence of thought. It provides protection from popular errors and deceptions.
No one knowingly chooses to cling to error, but often it is done through ignorance and love of tradition. No one should look to any other human, be that person a pastor, church official, parent, spouse or teacher, to define what is truth. Age does not make error into truth. You are answerable to Yahuwah for yourself and therefore must study for yourself. No one can be saved for you. If you would be saved and escape the destruction of the wicked, you must search for, accept and obey truth for yourself.
Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it [the land], they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Sovereign Yahuwah.
Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Sovereign Yahuwah, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters, but they only shall be delivered themselves. (See Ezekiel 14:14 and 18.)
Many people feel very insecure, even frightened to study for themselves. They want to be told what to believe by an authority figure. It is not Yahuwah’s plan that every doubt will be answered this side of eternity. If every doubt were resolved and every question answered, there would be no room for faith and it is by conflict with doubt that faith is strengthened.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Yahushua the Anointed, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. (See 1 Peter 1:6-9.)
Never be afraid to study for yourself. Never be afraid to be the only one you know to hold a particular belief. If your beliefs have been studied out in Scripture, |
Never be afraid to study for yourself. Never be afraid to be the only one you know to hold a particular belief. If your beliefs have been studied out in Scripture, using the weight of evidence, you might have to stand alone, but all of Heaven stands behind you. Just before Yahushua’s death, He gave the comforting reassurance: “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things.” (John 14:18 and 26.)
It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: . . . I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:7, 8, 12 and 13)
Ages ago, Yahuwah foresaw the confusion reigning throughout the ages to end of time. He recorded in Scripture the rules by which you may know how to uncover truth for yourself, discerning error, assumption and tradition. Yahuwah is safe to trust. Cling to His promise to lead you into all truth. He who has promised to lead you into all truth will keep your mind safe from error. He will reveal to you individually what the combined weight of evidence reveals.