Many think that they are good people and when they die they will go to heaven. Often they reject the concept of hell, but if there is a hell they should seek truth to stay out of that place. We do not get to heaven by our efforts, we need the mercy and grace of God. We can know the truth and as Jesus said, the truth will make you free. (John 8:31-32)
Psa 85:8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
The people here are the people of God's covenant to Israel. What of the people in general?" The people do not want to hear from God; they deny he exists, only using his name in oaths and vain talking. What about the people of the Church? Do we want to hear what God the LORD will speak, or has spoken? A voice from heaven spoke to Peter, James and John on the mount of Transfiguration. Jesus was transfigured before them and with him were Moses and Elijah, the law and the prophet.
Mar 9:7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
Hear Jesus, the Living Word of God.
Psa 85:9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.
To fear God is the beginning of wisdom. Respect God, obey him, listen to him. Our Salvation comes through faith in Jesus, his Son. The will of the Father is to receive him.
Joh 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
Joh 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Psa 85:10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Psa 85:11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
Mercy is not receiving what we deserve. Mercy comes from above and truth has been given to us on earth by the law and prophets; by Jesus and the apostles and by the wonder and glory of his creation. People often reject the truth because they will not acknowledge God as the creator.
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Psa 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Mercy and truth are met together. God is truth. His word is true and his creation glorifies him. Mercy and grace come from truth and accepting it. The truth of God is that salvation is in his son. We come to him in truth, for he is real. Jesus spoke to a sinful woman the truth of God.
Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
The sinful woman received Jesus and his forgiveness of sin and became a witness bringing others to him. We are grateful for the truth of God and we express our delight in Him through worship and praise. Our worship music should speak truth from the heart that does honor God. You must have His Spirit with you to worship in spirit and in truth. We should block out the negative and worship God from our heart. I love the old hymns but we also can make up songs from the heart, groanings even that the Spirit receives which are accepted as worship. (Sometimes new music makes the older folks groan, longing for the hymns that they love.)
Exo 20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Exo 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
We are not to turn again to folly, forgetting or refusing to worship God, we are to honor him and to walk in his truth. There is a woman in a chat room that has the name Allahpraise, or something like that. She chose to change her religion to Allah. We do not change truth. We do not pick a religion. Some believe in reincarnation, others follow a religious person or cause. We are not to study under a false teacher using the Bible to prove what they think is truth. Yes, even the Bible can be used to say something that is not truth if not taken in context and in whole. We are not to be converted by force, taught to kill those who do not believe as we do. Truth is truth and it is revealed to us by God. God is true and his Son died and is risen again to give us eternal life and the forgiveness of sins. Thank you LORD for mercy and truth; righteousness and the peace of God. By this we have the assurance of everlasting life and we shall dwell with the Lord forever.
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