Answer: The Ninth Commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own and our neighbour's good name, especially in witness-bearing.
Dear Neighbor,
A citizen of the Kingdom of God walks among men with integrity. All that he does on the earth is right. He speaks truth in his heart. He does not slander his neighbor or do any wrong to his neighbor. The citizen of the Kingdom thinks rightly, speaks rightly and does rightly by his neighbor. (cf. Ps. 15:1-5)
However, in Romans 3:10-18, the apostle Paul wrote of all men:
THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;
THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,
THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;
ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;
THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”
“THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE,
WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING,”
“THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS”;
“WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS”;
“THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD,
DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS,
AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN.”
“THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.”
Have you ever told a lie? What do you call someone who tells lies? The answer is a liar. Most people do not want to think of themselves as a liar but even if you tell one lie, you are a liar. The bad news is that all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (Rev. 21:8) However, there is good news for all who have lied.
Even though what liars have earned for telling lies is death, the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 6:23) The grace of God is a free gift, you cannot earn it and you cannot pay the price for your past lies but God is offering eternal life to all who repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though we cannot earn eternal life, should we continue to tell lies? The answer is an emphatic NO! We must have repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21) This means as a citizen of the Kingdom of God, you are to tell the truth in all matters!
Michael Peek
Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake
