General

Present Truth according to God's Word

In certain circles the phrase "Present Truth" is used as a badge to denote superiority, distinction, and the 'elite'. I would like to suggest that this pride of honor in most cases is due to ignorance and preceeds destruction ( Prov. 16:18 ), and in the balance of the cases can be attributed to self gain and deception. This type of haughty spirit will surely lead to a fall. But what exactly is present truth? The only reliable sources that would give the true meaning are the prophets of God. Therefore, this brief reading will give a few quotes from those sources to establish the matter.

While some reduce the matter to being truths for our time, and though I find no inconsistencies with that, I attest that it is not the sum of the matter. It is equally important to know how present truth should apply to the believer's life as it is to understand the fullness of present truth. Peter clearly teaches what the elements of present truth are, how important it is for us to live and to keep it in remembrance.

He says, "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth."

Perhaps, there are but few who will read this after already having a grounded understanding of present truth. However, Peter was not writing to this type of audience. He was writing to those who had a solid understanding of the term.

1. What reward is there to look forward for those who are establish in present truth and continue diligently in it? 2 Peter 1:11.
   "Entrance... into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

Peter is here giving us the weight of present truth. So great it is, that every believer would be served well to be aware of this matter and to examine self to see if it is weaved with this truth.

2. How does Peter define present truth? 2 Peter 1:1-12.

   1. Verse 1.

      It is only for those who "have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ".

   2. Verse 2.

      It is to "have the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord".

      "A large number who claim to believe the present truth, know not what constitutes the faith that was once delivered to the saints--Christ in you the hope of glory." {1888 403.2 - The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials p. 403}

      "The urgent necessities that are making themselves felt in this time demand a constant education in the word of God. This is present truth." {6T 131.3}

   3. Verse 3.

      It consist of "all things that pertain unto life and godliness".

      In the same text Peter tells us that this is only by the "divine power" of Jesus and "through the knowledge of him".

      It is also call "to glory and virtue".

   4. Verse 4.

      The promise of the same will make us "partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

      ""

   5. Verse 5 - 7.

      Diligence, faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.

      The word charity here in this context should be more accurately interrupted as love. It is from the Greek word agape. Which is a deep or special love. Charity often connotates kindness or help as the word is defined. It does not fit here for Peter to be saying add to brotherly kindness, kindness; but rather add to brotherly kindness a special love.

      Paul calls these things "the fruit of the Spirit" in Galatians 5:22,23.

   6. Verse 8.

      These things, the fulfilling of present truth or "the fruit of the spirit", are the necessary to obtain of "the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ", which is the essence of present truth.

      "We should diligently study the word of God, and pray in faith that God will restrain the powers of darkness; for as yet the message has gone to comparatively few, and the world is to be lightened with its glory. The present truth--the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus--has not yet been sounded as it must be." {RH, December 24, 1889 par. 3}

   7. Verse 9 - Present Truth is not the Laodicean state.

      When the fruit of the spirit and the knowledge of God is absent there is not present truth, but rather blindness like the Laodiceans.

   8. Verse 10.

      Diligence.

   "There are but few, even of those who claim to believe it, that comprehend the third angel's message, and yet this is the message for this time. It is present truth. But how few take up this message in its true bearing, and present it to the people in its power! With many it has but little force. . . . The closing work of the third angel's message will be attended with a power that will send the rays of the Sun of Righteousness into all the highways and byways of life, and decisions will be made for God as supreme Governor; His law will [be] looked upon as the rule of His government. Ms 15, 1888, p. 5. ("A Call to a Deeper Study of the Word," November 1, 1888.) " {1MR 56.4}

   "There are many who are at ease, who are, as it were, asleep. They say, "If prophecy has foretold the enforcement of Sunday observance, the law will surely be enacted;" and having come to this conclusion, they sit down in calm expectation of the event, comforting themselves with the thought that God will protect his people in the day of trouble. But God will not save us if we make no effort to do the work he has committed to our charge. We must be found faithfully guarding the outposts, watching as vigilant soldiers, lest Satan shall gain an advantage which it is our duty to prevent. We should diligently study the word of God, and pray in faith that God will restrain the powers of darkness; for as yet the message has gone to comparatively few, and the world is to be lightened with its glory. The present truth--the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus--has not yet been sounded as it must be. There are many almost within the shadow of our own doors, for whose salvation no personal effort has ever been made. We are not prepared for the time when our work must close. We must take a firm stand that we will not reverence the first day of the week as the Sabbath, for it is not the day that was blessed and sanctified by Jehovah, and in reverencing Sunday we should place ourselves on the side of the great deceiver. The controversy for the Sabbath will open the subject to the people, and an opportunity will be given that the claims of the genuine Sabbath may be presented. Blindness, disloyalty to God, so prevails that his law is made void, but the psalmist says of such a condition, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void thy law." {RH, December 24, 1889 par. 3}"

Much more can be said about this vital topic, however, I believe that the Holy Spirit will give each of us the fullness of the matter as we humble ourselves before him in obedience and ask wisdom of God. Prayerfully, you will search the scripture to see if these things are so, and a blessing surely awaits you.