Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness. Titus 1:1
In this verse, Paul spelt out his apostolic mandate, which according to him, was twofold: to both further the faith of God's people, and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness. In his view, faith and truth must lead up to godliness. The proof, therefore, that what one has believed to be truth, is true, is whether it leads to godliness. Whatever we believe that does not lead up to godliness cannot be bible truth, because bible truth, when it is received and believed, must lead to godliness.
If this was Paul's summation of his apostolic commission, then, it should not be different for us who claim to be teaching the truth of God. The object of bible truth is to lead people to live godly in this present evil world. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." Titus 2:11-12.
If we have truly embraced the truth, it will show in the way we conduct our affairs in this world. First, we will deny the lure of sin that tempts us to practice unrighteousness, then, we must also embrace what is godly. And when our conduct conflicts with what the word of God teaches, we must repent, and receive forgiveness and cleansing from unrighteousness. This is the truth that leads to godliness.
Toni
