Man's life is but a brief moment in time, yet that brief moment is full of complicated problems that have a serious bearing on us. Within the Christian religion alone there are many denominations, each claiming that they preserve the true orthodox faith. Each of these denominations has its good points as well as its shortcomings. Generally, when outsiders look at these different denominations with the aim of distinguishing whether or not they are authentic and can be trusted, the points considered are matters such as the number of members, growth, and prosperity.

Do you think such matters hold any sway from God's point of view? Do you think God is concerned with outward appearances? How much attention do you think God gives to denominational distinctions? These aren't the matters that come under God's consideration. For God, the question is the state of the spirit and the conscience of the individual.

Everything has its roots in eternity. When temporal things are extended into eternity, and all the aspects of your present life are seen in the light of the infinite, how many of them will retain any significance? You may study the truth with all of your academic ability, but nothing that you learn in this way will be of any use to you in solving this problem. Of course it's of some significance and value to study orthodox teaching, but unless your studies lead to the establishment of eternal life within you, what you have learnt isn't the truth.

The truth is reality, and reality is fact. The calorie count and analysis of the ingredients of a meal may be scientific truths, but these don't become the truth as applied to you until you actually eat the meal. Only then can the food supply your body with the nutrition it needs to maintain its physical health and strength. It's only when you actually eat the food that its contents become truth in you.

Just knowing the theory isn't enough. The cross is a fact, not a theory. If this fact doesn't take effect in your conscience, you may know the doctrine, but you won't have the truth.

Has your conscience ever been liberated by the truth of the cross? Has your life ever been through such a complete change? I'm not talking about a change that is brought about by human discipline or determination. Has your conscience ever been liberated from the bondage of sin?