It’s amazing that someone can be staring truth right in the face and yet be completely oblivious or even intentionally blind to it. Even more amazing is that such could happen in the face of Jesus Himself, yet that’s exactly what Peter accused the Jews of doing in Acts 2. Peter exclaimed, “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know” (Acts 2:22). Think about what Peter is telling those Jews – “as you yourselves also know.” You know that Jesus did miracles! You know that those miracles had to be done by God! You know this yourselves, and yet you crucified Him! How could you?
The reality is that such is still happening today. Not in the same way, with individuals rejecting Jesus to His face, but with folks rejecting the truth of His Word, and sometimes not even realizing it. I’m not talking about those who willfully reject Biblical truth out of defiant unbelief, but I’m talking about those well-meaning folks who read the Bible and study the Bible, but can stare a truth right in the face and completely disregard it and even argue against it. How is such possible?
The Bible says, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). How many can read that verse and still say that baptism is not essential to being saved?
The Bible says, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (Jas. 2:17). How many can read that verse and still claim that faith alone can save?
The Bible says, “There is one body” (Eph. 4:4). How many can read that verse and still claim that God approves of more than one church?
The Bible says, “…[S]peak the same thing, and [let] there be no divisions among you” (1 Cor. 1:10). How many can read that verse and still believe that hundreds of divisions in faith and doctrine are approved?
The Bible says, “He takes away the first that He may establish the second” (Heb. 10:9). How many can read that verse and still teach that the Old Testament is binding today?
The Bible says, “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night” (2 Pet. 3:10). How many can read that verse and still suggest that there are signs indicating the end?
The list of examples is almost endless. Friends, the truth is there in plain sight, “as you know.” We are responsible to accept and obey God’s truth, “as you know.” Let us put our personal preferences aside and fully follow His will today.