Is it okay for Christians to lie for goodness sake?
The Bible is quite clear that lying is the native tongue of the devil. John 8:44-45 “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” NIV
In contrast God cannot lie. It is impossible for Him to lie. He is the author of all truth.
Heb 6:18 “It is impossible for God to lie.” NIV
Titus 1:2 “God, who does not lie” NIV
If you study Jesus life, He never once lied, even when facing death. This why the apostle Paul encourages us with the following:
Col 3:9-10 “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” NIV
Jesus should be our example. Heb 12:2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” NIV
Our example never lied, why should we? He didn’t even lie for “goodness” sake.
In fact one of the characteristics of the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation is that they never lied.
Rev 14:5 “No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.” NIV
Some people will give some examples from the Bible, especially from the Old Testament of people who lied and were included in Jesus lineage. (e.g. Rahab) However let us remember that David committed a horrible sin by sending a man to his death in order to obtain his wife and he also is included in Jesus’ lineage. Does this mean it is all right to kill if you want to obtain someone else’s wife? Far from it!
Lying is from the evil one. He is the father of lies. Truth only emanates from God, who is the author of truth.
Who is your example my friend? You may be tired of a life filled with lies, but you don’t know what to do about it. May I recommend you come to Jesus, the One who never lied, and He will guide you into a glorious life where you can be yourself, where no lies can get hold of you. Why don’t you invite Him into your life and experience the truth in you. Answer the Altar Call. Jesus is waiting for you.
Rob Chaffart