Good morning. Today’s Bible verse is Proverbs 14:12:
“There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.”
In today’s verse, the writer of Proverbs describes the human condition. The people of this world embrace relativism, which denies the absolute truth of God’s Word. Biblical truth is unchanging and universal, unlike relativistic philosophy, which claims that truth varies by perspective. This approach is not unique to our era; throughout history—whether in ancient times or the present day—people have distorted, misapplied, and misrepresented God’s directives for mankind, leading many astray from His truth.
Sadly, this mindset has influenced many within evangelical circles. Individuals who lack proper teaching often interpret the Bible to fit their personal beliefs. Evangelical leaders embrace the misguided idea that just because someone speaks of God or makes a reference to Jesus, they must be seekers of God. Although these leaders may not express it overtly, they subtly hold the mistaken belief that all roads lead to God. Instead of teaching about a holy, just, and righteous God and the need to believe in Paul’s gospel of grace, they present a view of God as loving without judgment and overlooking humanity’s sins.
This raises some critical questions: Do all religions represent the one true God of the Bible? Can a belief system that acknowledges multiple gods honestly guide someone to eternity with the God of the Bible? Can a religion that rejects a personal God and promotes self-determination and salvation by human effort foster a genuine relationship with the holy, just, and righteous God of the universe? Advocates of ecumenism, relativism, and universalism may claim these things are possible, but according to Scripture, that cannot be the case.
Dear brothers and sisters, those of us who have embraced Paul’s gospel of grace must stand firm in biblical truth, rightly dividing the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Reaffirming our commitment to Scripture in line with Paul’s teachings will strengthen our confidence and reassure us in our faith. Relativism has no place in our faith and should never influence our thinking.
Reflection: Relativism has no place in our faith and should never influence our thinking.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Proverbs 14:12.