The late Martin Niemöller was one of Hitler’s prized prisoners. The famous German minister vigorously resisted tyranny. He was imprisoned for seven-and-a-half years at a camp where 238,756 persons were put to death. Yet he carried on a daring ministry at Dachau. Pastor Niemöller was more than a former prisoner of war. He was a living testimony to truth. To talk with Niemöller was to visit a man who looked death in the face day after day and knew the power of the resurrected Christ. His remarkable life reassures us of the triumph of truth.[1]
The truth of the scripture is not just truth, it is the very nature of Christ. It is Christ that said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6). To believe that the Word of God is truth is to believe in the deity and authenticity of Christ. As a result, a commitment to the truth should stimulate such a deep conviction about God’s Word that our lives should end up being shaped as a result of it. “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37; NIV) John calls it “the Word of life” (I John 1:1).
A commitment to the truth drives a deepening of our faith because like in the case of Christ, the world even though it was a Jewish world influenced and controlled by the Mosaic Law, rejects the truth and anyone who remains committed suffers. Paul says this to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12; “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” The Psalmist puts it this way (Psalm 34:19); “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
The German pastor remained committed to the truth he suffered, but God delivered him because what he stood for is the very nature and power of Christ. Peter in 1 Peter 3:13-14; “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Standing for the truth is no easy process but experiencing Christ moving in and through us is worth the sacrifice (Philippians 4:8-11). We experience His love for us as we demonstrate our love for Him “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” (John 15:10).
[1] Jones, G. C. (1986). 1000 illustrations for preaching and teaching (p. 283). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.