“We are living in an age that dislikes precision and definitions. It is an age that is anti-theological, anti-doctrinal and which dislikes propositions and exact knowledge. It is a lazy age in every respect, a sentimental, sloppy age, an age that wants entertainment and dislikes effort” (DM Lloyd-Jones on Romans 10:3, “Romans,” p. 29)
by Elder Peter Lim
It is startling that D. Martin Lloyd-Jones’ quote from over 30 years ago bears so much accuracy and relevance to our present condition. We live in a relativistic post-modern society which is phobic to propositional truth. On the surface, it seems to be the more “loving” thing to do, that everyone’s beliefs are acceptable and no one should be criticized for being wrong, that is except for those who hold to absolute truths. The purpose of today’s article is not to delve too deeply into how the world is. However, I did want to share my observation that mature Christians consider truth to be valuable enough to work hard at obtaining.
It’s not easy to acquire absolute truth. Fortunately for us, we have been given all that we need to live a life that glorifies God. Never before in the history of the world have we had such easy access to the greatest source of truth in the world – the Word of God. The greatest tragedy however is that many Christians are too lazy to read it, let alone study it so that we are experts of it. This might’ve been understandable back when it was nearly impossible for ordinary people to own their own copy of the Bible. But now we have multiple copies in different translations and commentaries from gifted men to help us understand. It takes diligent study in order for us to “cut straight” the Word of God. (2 Tim. 2:15)
What this means for the rest of us is twofold: First, we need to read the Word and study it enough to understand what it means. We need to discipline ourselves to not waste time on trivial things like entertainment and hobbies and plant ourselves on our desks study laboriously. This will take a lot of discipline and effort. If you need help in this area, you are in luck because LBC is starting a new class on Feb 10 on Hermeneutics – the science of interpreting Scripture. Second, we need to appreciate our pastors and other teachers who study diligently to provide us with the very best teaching from the Word of God. It takes guts to go up on the pulpit and declare truth under public scrutiny. Let us value highly the Word of God that is taught to us and is available for us to study! It is God’s gift to us.