A Voice for Truth

by Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb, Executive Director

 

Describing the climate of his time, Luther once said, “Truth is on the scaffold.” The lynch mob that deposed truth to such a fate was not made up of the “knaves and scoundrels” Luther was fond of talking about on occasion. Rather, it was the church herself that bound truth and placed it on the scaffold. Luther became a voice for truth, therefore, not so much in society—although his voice would have a profound affect on society—but in the church. He wanted to rescue the truth that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, which is revealed in Scripture alone.

Luther took his stand on the truth of God’s Word. He did not strive to start a new church but wanted to reason with his fellow Christians based on the Scriptures so they could see what they were doing with the truth. 

The Apostle Paul took this kind of approach. In the synagogue in Thessalonica he, “reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead” (Acts 17:2-3 NIV). The truth that Jesus was their Messiah was on the scaffold for many of the Jews. Paul desperately wanted his fellow Jews to see this truth. He didn’t scream and yell at them. He became a voice for truth. He “reasoned with them from the Scriptures.” 

When it comes to the sanctity of human life, there is a need for a voice for truth in the church. Many have placed this truth on the scaffold. Lutherans For Life exists to equip Lutherans to be this voice. We do not advocate screaming and yelling. We advocate reasoning with fellow Christians from the Scriptures on these issues. Scripture offers the greatest, most positive “For Life” message in the universe! The Word of Life speaks to the issues of life. 

The Word of Life speaks to the value God gives to every human life. The Word of Life speaks of forgiveness and healing for those who have sinned against life. The Word of Life speaks of a loving God who is present and at work in the difficult circumstances of our lives. What a positive truth we have to share! What a positive voice we can be! What a positive influence we can have on the church and on society.  

Like Paul, like Luther, be a voice for truth!

 

Posted October 31, 2006