"We Don't Have All The Truth"
Much has been written of late upon the theme, "We must not be too dogmatic in our teaching. We must not oppose too emphatically the teaching or practice of any religious group because after all "we do not have "all" of the truth.
Because I find it difficult at times to identify those referred to as "we," "our" and "us," I will use the personal pronoun "I" for the remainder of this article. If it seems egotistical, it will at least identify the person meant.
I would be the first to acknowledge that I do not have all the truth. However, I do possess some of the truth and intend to proclaim it as God sees fit to permit my doing so.
From this truth I know that unless one believes in Jehovah, the God of the Bible, he is lost and without hope. (Eph. 2:11, 12) That this truth does not please infidels does not change it one iota.
I also know that unless one believes in Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ (Jno. 3:16-18), he is still in his sins and will spend eternity in outer darkness. Again I say, this truth is not altered because many religious groups may deny it.
I also know that there is one church (Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:4) which contains every saved person. (Acts 2:47) This church is entered by faith in God (Heb 11:6) and accepting his son Jesus Christ as our Savior. (Acts 2:36) Our awareness of our sins filling us with sorrow causes us to turn from those sins. (2 Cor. 7:10) This is referred to as repentance. Obedience to God's word causes us to be baptized (Acts 2:38), thereupon, receiving the forgiveness of our sins It is at this point that we are added to the Lord's church. (Acts 2:47) Because many people of good character refuse to accept this, does not make it false. Many good people have never accepted God's terms of salvation and are not Christians, however narrow minded it may sound.
I also know that Christians are to assemble upon the first day of the week to eat the Lord's supper (Acts 20:7) in memory of his death (1 Cor. 11:26), (no other day Is authorized), to sing praise, offer prayers, petitions and thanksgiving, give as prospered and learn from God's word.
I know that the work of the church is to teach his word, both to the lost and the saved, to provide for the physical needs of those not able to care for themselves. Because some wish the church to engage in unauthorized activities does not change the truth. I know that God's work is to be done by His people. Christians have certain responsibilities as individuals. Those beyond their means are to be done through the local church. The work of the church is to be done under the oversight of the elders. (Acts 14:23; 11:29, 30; 1 Pet. 5:1, 2)
If a church has a responsibility greater than it can meet other churches are to assist in this work.
This much truth I do have and teach, hoping to learn more as I study the word of God.
Elders, preachers, and all who teach God's word to a dying world, I caution you to be humble enough to realize that you may not have "all" of the truth. I also exhort you to teach what truth you do have without fear or favor.
— R. C. Smart, Sr., Box 162, Dexter. Maine