Guided Into All Truth
Frank R. Williams
Is there a body of teaching known as “all truth?” Before answering this question, a few things need our attention. The words “all truth” do not refer to every truth that may be known in all areas. In other words, the “all truth” of which the opening question refers is not intended to address all history, all science, or any such fields, but it is limited to what Jesus meant as he used the words in John 16:13.
So, what is it that Jesus said? “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.” Jesus said “the Spirit,” which is the Holy Spirit of John 14:26 “will guide you into all truth.” It is absolutely necessary that the pronoun “you” be identified. Jesus was not saying that everyone would be so guided, but a certain “you.” The context of John 13-16 will reveal that Jesus is speaking to those men who became his apostles. This may be determined by looking at the setting and the names that appear in these chapters. The event that is the background is “the feast of the Passover” (John 13:1); however, “the supper being ended” (v. 2), Jesus moves on to identify the one who would betray him. Judas Iscariot is the one so identified. This is the event were Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. A careful study will reveal the names of Peter (13:6), Judas Iscariot (13:26), Philip (14:8), Judas, not Iscariot (14:22), but no other names appear in these chapters. “The disciples” (13:5) refer only to the twelve. Therefore, the pronoun “you” is limited to the twelve, to those who would be the apostles of Christ.
In the words, “he will guide you into all truth,” it must be understood that the Holy Spirit would guide the apostles into “all truth.” It is totally outside the words of Jesus to apply his words to any other. This guiding would have to be done before the death of those who would be the apostles. Yes, Judas Iscariot would go his way and be replaced by Matthias, who was numbered with the eleven apostles (Acts 1:26); then, Paul would be added “as of one born out of due time” (1 Cor. 15:8); thus, making thirteen the total number of the apostles of Christ. With the death of the last apostle, the work would have to be completed. Notice these words of Jesus: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). It is the “all truth” into which the Holy Spirit guided the apostles that has the ability to make one free. With the death of these apostles, the “all truth” was completed and nothing more would be added to it.
It is in obeying this “truth” that one purifies his soul (1 Pet. 1:22). So what happens if someone, or a church, brings to us a teaching not in this “all truth?” Let Paul answer: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8). Then, John wrote: “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed” (2 John 10). Friends, do not look outside the New Testament for the “truth” of God’s saving power (Rom. 1:16). Don’t hear a preacher, don’t hear a church, and don’t hear any group that brings to you anything that is not the New Testament for the salvation of your soul! It is the “all truth” revealed to the apostles of Christ by the Holy Spirit, and it alone that is God’s power unto salvation.
Therefore, Paul wrote: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). It is up to you. God has given the power by which you can be saved. Where will you turn for salvation?
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Heard But Not Seen
Have you ever considered how different the true and living God is from the pagan deities spoken of in the Bible? The Pagan gods were seen but never heard, but the one and only true God is heard but not seen. I believe that acknowledging this difference will help us in times of trouble.
You see, how many times do people ask the question, “Where’s God?” especially when they are suffering. I would suggest that this is the wrong question. The better question would be to ask, “What has God said?” And when we ask that question, we’ll find comfort and understanding. What comfort and understanding can come from a god who can be seen, but cannot speak to us? Oh, how those pagan deities stand in stark contrast with the God of Heaven!
Next time you’re tempted to ask, “Where’s God?” remember that’s not how God has chosen to reveal Himself. Instead, ask “What has God said?” and it’s in His Word that you will find comfort and understanding. Give it some thought.
Copyright © 2010, Steve Higginbotham
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