Topical Bible: Lying: Saints: Avoid

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Lying, defined as the act of making a false statement with the intention to deceive, is consistently condemned throughout the Scriptures. For the saints, those set apart by God, the call to avoid lying is both a moral and spiritual imperative. The Bible presents truth as a fundamental attribute of God's character, and as His followers, believers are called to reflect this truth in their lives.

Biblical Condemnation of Lying

The Bible explicitly condemns lying in numerous passages. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This verse highlights the stark contrast between deceit and faithfulness, underscoring God's preference for truthfulness. Similarly, in the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:16 commands, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor," establishing the prohibition against lying as a foundational ethical principle.

The Call to Truthfulness for Saints

For the saints, the call to avoid lying is rooted in their identity as children of God. Ephesians 4:25 instructs, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This directive emphasizes the communal aspect of truthfulness, recognizing that deceit undermines the unity and trust within the body of Christ.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ, the ultimate example for believers, embodied truth in His life and teachings. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life." As followers of Christ, saints are called to emulate His example by living lives characterized by honesty and integrity. The apostle Peter reminds believers of this calling in 1 Peter 2:21-22: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.'"

The Spiritual Consequences of Lying

Lying not only damages relationships but also has spiritual consequences. Revelation 21:8 warns, "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of unrepentant deceit.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers away from lying and towards truth. John 16:13 promises, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth." The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit empowers saints to resist the temptation to lie and to cultivate a life of honesty.

Practical Steps for Avoiding Lying

Saints are encouraged to take practical steps to avoid lying. This includes regular self-examination, confession, and repentance when deceit is present. James 5:16 advises, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." By fostering a community of accountability and prayer, believers can support one another in their commitment to truthfulness.

In summary, the avoidance of lying is a clear biblical mandate for the saints, rooted in the character of God, the example of Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through intentional living and reliance on divine strength, believers are called to uphold truth in all aspects of their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 63:8
For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Savior.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zephaniah 3:13
The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Irony is a Sin?
... a sinner before lying, thou hast become one by lying.". ... human reason, while the
"wisdom of the saints" is that ... not commit one sin in order to avoid another: and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether irony is a sin.htm

Against the Arians, and Concerning Himself.
... or defiled ourselves by communion with them, which we avoid like the ... or dead have
I cut off"to bring a lying accusation against Saints, [3764] and ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxiii against the arians.htm

On Creation
... Saints are those who at one time lived upon the earth ... for us, exhorts us to do good
and avoid evil; and ... were put to death, their bodies were left lying on the ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 4 on creation.htm

But one Sometimes Comes to a Case of this Kind...
... that a lie ought to be told to avoid it ... of lust or some execrable pollution; even
though by lying we do ... in the New Testament are done by the Saints, where there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 24 but one sometimes.htm

Epistle xiii. To Serenus, Bishop of Massilia (Marseilles) .
... has not without reason admitted the histories of saints to be ... of the blame of being
a scatterer lying upon thee ... to correct the bad and to avoid breeding offence ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xiii to serenus bishop.htm

Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery.
... This all the saints have wept over and lamented ... For gluttony, drunkenness, lying
late abed, loafing and ... and clothes, that we should avoid excessive adornment ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt not commit adultery.htm

On Confession
... they are cursing, or stealing, or lying, etc ... the more delighted the angels and saints
are when ... escaped great danger will more carefully avoid similar accidents ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 19 on confession.htm

Evidences of Regeneration.
... not only desired that others should avoid misery, but ... Both saints and sinners have
a constitutional respect for ... it, to be accused or even suspected of lying? ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxix evidences of regeneration.htm

Thou Shalt not Take the Name of the Lord, Thy God, in Vain.
... not using the name of God for purposes of lying and all ... Paul, and other saints often
swore ... be trained betimes to shun falsehood, and especially to avoid the use ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not take the.htm

The Eighth Book
... ridiculous, so they should not laud in lying phrases those ... against God, and men try
to avoid seeming themselves ... injured by a contempt of his saints as slight ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the eighth book.htm