THE EXACT TRUTH
"Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the Word have handed them down to us, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught." Luke 1:1-4 (NASB)
In the first century Luke felt the need to set forth for Theophilus “the exact truth” of the life, teachings and ministry of our Lord Jesus. The divinely inspired gospel that he wrote is testimony that he accomplished what he sat out to do.
Paul challenged the elders in the church at Ephesus thusly:
"Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." Acts 20:26-28 (NKJV)
It is no less urgent today that preachers of the Word of God declare “the exact truth” to our generation. We must make sure to declare the whole counsel of God. The means we must declare,,,
I. The Exact Truth Regarding Original Sin:
"Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me." Psalm 51:5
"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way…." Isaiah 53:6
II. The Exact Truth Concerning Our Need For Divine Deliverance:
"Then Jesus said unto the twelve, ’Will you also go away?’ Then Peter answered him, ’Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou only hast the words of eternal life." John 6:67-68
III. The Exact Truth Concerning God’s Love:
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath made us alive together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:4-6
IV. The Exact Truth Concerning The Power Of Christ To Save:
"Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." II Timothy 1:9-10.
