The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Lying

Let's take your last question first: "If I couldn't, what would be the point in saying no?" I'm a little surprised that you asked this question, Tom. What is the point in not committing ANY sin? Is it not because it is pleasing to God our Father, that we be holy and without blame before Him? The "point" is that as a Christian, we are bound to a set of truths; absolute truths which are the will of God and to which we are bound to obey and conform ourselves, despite the cry of some that they are no longer under "law". But the Lord Christ taught us that when we come to know the truth, that TRUTH will set us free. As we become more and more faithful disciples, we will obey His commandments. One of those commandments is that we shall not "bear false witness"; one aspect of which is not lying.

The first question, ". . . would I have the faith to follow those convictions?" I think, generally speaking, no one can know for sure if they will be faithful, i.e., obedient and rest in the sovereignty and providence of God. To presume that you know absolutely is nothing more than that; presumption. Doubtless, we would all HOPE that we would stand firm on our convictions. May it be that we would. However, what is often overlooked is that the advocates of a "situation ethics", one that is not based upon a set of absolute truths, but relativity which is controlled by circumstances, is that the choices are wrongly limited but two. As in most theoretical scenarios, they put forth but one choice, which is to answer the person with either a "Yes" or "No". But is this the only option open to choosing? I say not at all. One could say nothing at all, just as easily as answer "Yes" or "No".

Lastly, should one choose to lie, and it is surely a choice one makes and is therefore responsible for, what needs to be stressed is that because lying is a sin against God and in nearly every situation, against man as well, confession of that sin and repentance are required. There is the necessity of being cleansed of that lie. (1Jh 1:9, 10)

In His Grace,