Does the Bible recognize what may be called "present truth"?
Answer
"Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know
them, and be established in the present truth." 2 Peter 1: 12.
NOTE - SOME truths are applicable in all ages, and are therefore present truth for every generation; others
are of a special character, and are applicable to only one generation. They are none the less important,
however, because of this; for upon their acceptance or rejection depends the salvation or loss of the people
of that generation. Of this kind was Noah's message of a coming flood. To the generation to whom it was
preached that message was present truth; to later generations it has been past truth, and not a present,
testing message. Similarly, had the first advent message of John the Baptist been proclaimed in the
generation either before or after John's time, it would not have been applicable-would not have been
present truth. The people of the generation before would not have lived to see it fulfilled, and to those
living after, it would have been wrongly timed. Not so with general truths, such as love, faith, hope,
repentance, obedience, justice, and mercy. These are always in season, and of a saving nature at all times.
Present truths, however, always include all these, and hence are saving in character, and of vital
importance.
16. How did Christ reprove those who, though familiar with the letter of the Scriptures, failed to understand them?
What was the result of Christ's working miracles at His first passover?
What reason is given in the commandment for keeping the Sabbath day holy?
What were these stones to commemorate?
5. What did He say of those who should break one of the least of God's commandments, and teach men so to do?
6. In His reply, how did Christ indicate that neither the end of the world nor of the Jewish nation was immediately at hand ?
In what language had some of the Old Testament prophets already foretold these signs?
Questions & Answers are from the book Bible Readings for the Home Circle