by Dr. Chuck Jarvis, Senior Pastor
Valley View Community Church
One of the issues we face amid this coronavirus pandemic is what is the truth. What is the truth about the nature of this virus? What is the truth about how contagious it is? What is the best way to protect yourself from contracting it, and so on? There are very knowledgeable people who are providing good answers to many of these questions. Then there are those who are providing inaccurate even false information. But how do we know who is right and who is wrong?
Obviously, it is important for us to consult reputable sources. We need to check and recheck the information we are hearing and reading. And we need to separate, as best we can, truth from fiction and anything in between. I am not questioning the fact there are many fine, honest, hardworking people in places of leadership and expertise that are doing their best to deal with this situation and keep people safe. But like all things human, mistakes can be made, and absolute truth is not perfectly obtainable. So, what really is the truth, about anything?
There is only one place where absolute truth resides and is accessible by mankind, the Bible. Now I am not suggesting that the Bible has the specific answers to all questions pertaining to the coronavirus. But it does address how the Christian is to respond to all difficult and challenging situations. The Bible has authority. And that authority comes from God, the Father, the Creator of the universe.
The most basic definition of authority is the right to issue commands and demand obedience. The Apostle refers to the authority the Bible possesses in I Thessalonians 2:13. “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” Absolute authority belongs to God. He is the only Person who possesses absolute truth. And He has revealed that truth by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the written record of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments (II Timothy 3:16-17).
So, what is the truth about the coronavirus crisis? The absolute truth is to simply trust God, our Father who created us, who saved us to eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and who has promised “… all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). For some that is an overly simplistic answer. For those of us who believe in the authority of the Bible, God’s Word, it is the ultimate answer to this crisis. Contemplate this additional absolute truth from the Bible, “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7).
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