Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 13:8 “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.”

The key verse occurs in the context of a challenge from Paul to the Corinthians that they “examine” themselves to see if they are “in the faith” (v.5). They are to “test” and see if “Christ Jesus is in” them. He then expresses the hope that they will discover that Paul himself has not failed the test (v.6). Next, he prays that they and he (implied) “will not do anything wrong” (v.7) Then comes the key verse.

I don’t know if Paul was being philosophical here, but there is no question that what he says about the “truth” is profoundly true. On one hand he is saying that he (and hopefully all the Corinthian Christians) are compelled to do what is right. On the other hand, he is saying that “Truth” ultimately wins every battle. Because two of the many attributes of God are truth and justice, we can be sure there is coming a day in the history of man when every lie will be exposed. On that Day of the Lord only Truth will be spoken. And that truth will liberate every victim of injustice and vindicate the righteous.

The reason Paul couldn’t “do anything against the truth” was that he was living with eternity in view. He knew that he was, as all people are, immortal. He would have to stand before his Maker one day and give account. Her would have to answer the question, “what have you done with the Christ?”

Any untruth now will be revealed on that day. Any rejection of Christ now will mean rejection for us then. We are living in a closed system. A system that will utterly destroy wickedness one day.

That’s why Jesus came to this planet. In light of that awful day when Truth will judge all men, Jesus died to provide atonement for all those who will receive it. These “blood-washed ones” will be declared righteous as the Truth is revealed. that’s why we must only act “for the truth” now. It’s a matter of life and death.