THE BIBLE AND FALSEHOOD

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

THE BIBLE AND FALSEHOOD

Devotional Text: Acts 5:1-11

INTRODUCTION:

Falsehood, according to the EN English Dictionary is, “a false statement, especially an intentional one” ... And, this definition matches the unholy behaviour of Ananias and Sapphira, his wife which earned them shameful death, (vs. 3-11). Falsehood is the property of the devil, any anyone who engages in it, in the words of JESUS, makes himself a child of the devil (John 8:44), which eventually leads to hell, (Rev. 21:8). In human society, also, falsehood is abhorred since it leads to miscarriage of justice, and so, punishable by law. This, therefore, shows that both GOD and mankind have a common stance against falsehood, even as certain people manifest the trait in today’s church and society.

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)       Falsehood is noticeable in both church and society (Acts 5:3-11)

(2)       Falsehood could result in instant death, (vs.. 3-11)

(3)       Falsehood makes one a child of the devil, (John 8:44)

(4)       Falsehood definitely leads to eternal death, (Rev. 21:8;27)   

FALSEHOOD AND MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE

Falsehood definitely leads to miscarriage of justice in society, since it is a means of false information that often mislead judicial personnel in the adjudication of justice. For instance, the “whistleblower policy” of the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of Mohammadu Buhari witnessed a measure of successes at the time under review by providing information that led to the recovery of huge sums of looted funds by some individuals. However, falsehood which tended to deceive the government also played out, whereby certain individuals were arrested and prosecuted for false information. Falsehood tendered in civil or customary court or in the church can mislead judicial or church officers into punishing the innocent, or granting the rights of someone to another, and this is detestable in the sight of the LORD, and should be avoided at all times, considering its devastating consequence. In line with the foregoing, therefore, this lesson biblically asserts that:

(i)        God knows and understands every act of falsehood, ( Acts 5:1-3)

(ii)      Every act of falsehood is from Satan and against the LORD (vs. 3-4)

(iii)     Falsehood is a serious and punishable offence before GOD and man,(vs. 5-11)

FALSEHOOD AND CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES

The principles of the Christian faith are centred on truth and uprightness, which are the opposite of falsehood. And, one without the cited principles as the fulcrum of one’s life is not a Christian, but has a form of godliness, (2 Tim.3:5). This implies that a Christian should not be a person of insincere propensity, but one who speaks the truth from the heart (Psalm 15:1-2) in contrast to the lying tendency that exists in the nature of every non-true Christian, which in turn showcases them as children of the devil, (John 8:44). In this connection, the Christian individual, clergy or layperson, is scripturally enjoined to ensure that his verbal or non-verbal deeds are devoid of deceit or any form of double standards. Furthermore, the christian clergy must, as a matter of commitment, make his pulpit and all other forms of his ministerial activities free from falsehood, as the lay Christian is expected to toe the path of transparency in whatever he does, and so, this lesson equally draws the attention of the aforementioned to the biblical truth that:

(i)        Falsehood does not minister comfort in preaching or counselling, (Job. 21:34)

(ii)      False witness is a product of falsehood which GOD says we should avoid, (Ex. 20:16)

(iii)      The Christian should shun all manner of lying, which is another manifestation of falsehood,

 and be renewed in the knowledge of the image of his creator, (Col. 3:9-10)

FALSEHOOD AND ETERNAL JUDGEMENT

The scriptural expressions, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile ... and all liars –their place will be in the fiery lake of burning Sulphur(Hell)...”(Rev. 21:8) and nothing impure will ever enter it (Heaven), nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life”(vs. 27) readily show that there is Eternal Judgement which leads to Hell, as well as Eternal Salvation that leads to Heaven. Without compromise, the cited Scriptures indicate that those who lived and died in falsehood will eternally suffer the brunt of Eternal Fire (vs.8), whereas, those who would repent of the sin and others would enter and enjoy the bliss of Heaven (vs. 27). Biblically speaking, falsehood manifested in lying, false witness, false testimony, false preaching, false prophecy, false revelation and a host of others, is deadly and carries the implication of Eternal Judgement that leads to damnation where the person involved refuses to repents, (Luke 13:3). Therefore, to be freed from the Eternal Judgement which comes as a result of falsehood, one must:

(i)        Not neglect the salvation of JESUS CHRIST, (Heb. 2:3)

(ii)      Repent and turn to GOD, for one’s sins to be wiped away, (Acts 3:19)

(iii)     Not cover, but confess one’s sins for mercy and forgiveness, (Prov. 28:13;1 John 1:9)

In conclusion, please note that falsehood is a possibility in every life, for the heart is said to be deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, as the same Scripture stresses that GOD searches the heart and tries the reins, and would reward everyone according  to their works, (Jer. 17:9-10). However, one’s ability to keep one’s heart in check makes the difference, (Prov. 4:23). And, this can only be achieved through our LORD and BLESSED SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, whose Blood alone can purge our conscience from every act that leads to death, (Heb. 9:14). BEWARE OF FALSEHOOD!