LET GOD BE TRUE

CHAPTER XXIV

SERVING THE TRUE GOD

JEHOVAH, the Giver of every good and perfect gift, has given to mankind one particular gift of unmatchable value — His written Word. By its study you learn of God. What you have studied in this book is not the tradition of men, is it? You can use any translation of the Bible and yet you will find that all the doctrines or teachings have the same proof. They differ from religious creeds and man's wisdom. Jehovah's principles of truth and righteousness never change, and are reasonable and always just. Hence his word is always true. Satan challenged God's word, and many men have, too; but never will it return unto God void. (Isaiah 55:11) From your own study, can you now say, "Jehovah is 'a God of truth'"? (Deuteronomy 32:4) We trust so, because one with faith in Jehovah and His provisions for life can believe with all his heart the good things which God has revealed to us to be true.

² But do we stop here? No; not if we follow the apostle Paul's advice, as set forth in Hebrews the sixth chapter, verses one to three

(American Standard Version): "Wherefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on unto perfection; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the teaching of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit." Can we agree with Paul, and say "This will we do" too? That is, will we study more and "press on unto perfection"? You have just finished studying the essential doctrines and "first principles of Christ". Why not now go on to more advanced truths and become absolutely free from all traditions of men? Already you have been freed from the torturous and mysterious doctrines of numerous religious organizations; and, because of having learned the fundamental teachings set forth in the Bible, you can really feel free from the yoke of unexplainable religion. That is why Paul also stated, at Galatians 5:1 (Am. Stan. Ver.): "For freedom did Christ set us free." "Let God be true," and stay free!

³ Now consider how this freedom came. It came through the careful study of the simple teachings of God's Word. Jesus said, "The truth shall make you free" (John 8: 32); and it is through the knowledge and understanding of God's Word that you have been made free from the impossible and incomprehensible traditions of the religions of "this present evil world". The

apostle Paul, in writing to the Romans, as set forth in the tenth chapter of his letter, pointed out that people must first hear the truth before they can believe it. Jehovah's witnesses try to help others to hear, and, as the Lord says He is no respecter of persons, these witnesses speak 'in season and out of season' to all they meet. The truth is open to all nationalities, rich and poor; and "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved". (Romans 10:13) But they must first hear; else how can they believe? Faith comes by hearing; and hearing comes because there are preachers. — Read Romans 10:10-18.

⁴ When a man believes something, he tells others about it. If your heart is filled with joy and gladness, you will tell your friends and neighbors. So, Paul said: "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10) If you really believe the Word of God and trust in the gracious provisions for life that he has made for you, then you will make confession to other people of the things you know and believe. New hopes are set before you. Your whole outlook on world conditions has changed, because God's Word has revealed to you the meaning of present-day troubles. You can't hold back this "good news" from your fellows; unselfishly you want to give it out!

⁵ It will mean more to you if you give this "good news" to others than when you received it, for "it is more blessed to give than to receive". So you will want to follow the example of Christ Jesus, proclaiming "publicly and from house to house" that "the kingdom is at hand". You will consecrate your life to the doing of Jehovah's will and be interested in the restoring of the true worship of God among others, thus seeking to carry out your consecration. You will feel as Isaiah did, namely: "The Lord God has given me a tongue for teaching." (Isaiah 50: 4, An Amer. Trans.) The unselfish one who knows the truth will want to use his tongue to teach others and to proclaim to the world the good things he has learned from God's Word. The prophet Zechariah felt the same way about it when he wrote his prophecy; and he said: "These are the things that ye shall do: Speak ye every man the truth with his neighbor." (Zechariah 8:16, Am. Stan. Ver.) One who loves truth and righteousness cannot refrain from telling others, but will herald forth the good message and "let God be true"!

⁶ Man has put forth so many theories in the thousands of years past and has failed utterly in proving the mystery of life! His traditions and new speculations have led him in the wrong path. If mankind in general will not accept God's Word, that is no reason why you should

not. To follow man's schemes will lead to death. To gain eternal life requires one to know Jehovah God and His Son Christ Jesus. To know them is life eternal. (John 17:3; 3:16) You want to live! Therefore, serve God and live! Jehovah's Word says, "For with thee [Jehovah] is the fountain of life." (Psalm 36: 9) And, concerning the water from that Fountain, Revelation 22:17 states: "Let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Avail yourself of this gift and then invite others also to "come"! — Romans 6: 23.

⁷ Having learned the first principles of the teachings of Christ, and having gotten rid of man's formula for life and the way of living, may you now progress in the study of the Lord's Word. Other good study helps that you can read are "The Truth Shall Make You Free" and "The Kingdom Is at Hand", both published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Inc. While studying, associate yourself with Jehovah's witnesses, persons who believe and study the truth as expressed in God's Word. The Good Shepherd, Christ Jesus, has already laid down his life for his "sheep" and has opened up the way to life eternal; and he is interested in his "sheep" and is gathering together all those who love righteousness. He knows who they are; and those who love righteousness will love Christ Jesus, too, and will come unto him. They

will hear his voice, and all of his "sheep" will be made into one flock and will come under the one Shepherd. Be gathered with them and live!  — John 10:11,14,16.

⁸ From all nations, kindreds and tongues the great gathering takes place today in the earth, under the direction of the Good Shepherd. It is really a "strange work", but it is a work that must be accomplished before the final destruction of the Devil's organization and the establishment of the righteous "new earth" under the "kingdom of heaven". You are welcome to come and associate with Jehovah's witnesses where-ever they are; and you may, if you wish, assist them in carrying forward the command of the Lord: "Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations." "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations." You have neighbors, friends and relatives; disciple them! God gave you a tongue for teaching, and now with your knowledge it is your privilege and opportunity to use it — Matthew 28:19, Am. Stan. Ver.; 24:14.

⁹ Having read and studied this book "Let God Be True", you are qualified to teach others that which you have already learned and believe in your heart. You can prove what you believe. The scriptures are all quoted and cited herein for your convenience, and the questions

are provided in print for you to conduct a discussion. While you are telling other persons of these good things that you already know, continue your study of the Lord's Word and prepare yourself to be a more able minister of Christ. Taking this course in life, you too will be able to help many other persons rejoice in these truths; and you will be able to help them understand the Most High, "a God of truth." You will be able to join in the grand song, "Be glad, ye nations, with his people." (Romans 15:10, Roth.) As you go forward in this grand work as a minister of the gospel, do not be discouraged if some refuse to hear; and if still others, after hearing, turn away. "What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every man be false, as it is written, 'That thou mayest be justified in thy words, and prevail when thou art judged.'"  — Romans 3: 3,4, Rev. Stan. Ver.

¹⁰ Serving the true God, you must expect opposition by the religionists and persecution from those who love this old, evil world. "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." (John 15: 20) Fear not! Be strong in God, continue to study His Word, and proclaim it! By all means, "Let God be true."