#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“God is not man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind.” — Numbers 23:19 (ESV)
Have you ever stumbled upon claims that God condones lying in the Old Testament? It’s easy to get confused by phrases like the “lying spirit” in 2 Chronicles 18:20-21. When we search the Bible for God’s character, we see a consistent picture: a God who is the very embodiment of truth. Today, let’s dive into why these claims are misleading and how understanding God’s truthful nature deepens our faith.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
Critics sometimes take isolated passages out of context to suggest that God condoned or even caused lying. However, when we examine Scripture as a whole—from Exodus 20:16 and Proverbs 12:22 to Numbers 23:19—it is abundantly clear that lying is not acceptable before God. For instance, Scripture explicitly forbids false testimony and deems lying to be an abomination. Observing 2 Chronicles 18:20-21, we recognize that there is a critical distinction between what God causes and what He allows.
As many apologists like Norman Geisler and William Lane Craig have emphasized, God’s allowance of human sin does not equate to His endorsement. In our fallen world, free will makes room for sin. God may permit human choices, including deceit, to work within His sovereign plan—as Romans 8:28 reminds us—but this is not a reflection of His character. The “lying spirit” mentioned in Chronicles is an example of God allowing the consequences of human sin to unfold, not a demonstration that God Himself lies.
Just as He allowed Adam and Eve to choose sin without being the author of their disobedience, He permitted the free will of individuals later in history. But remember, the foundation of all Scripture rests on God’s unwavering truth. The very nature of the triune God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—is one of complete truthfulness and fidelity, as emphasized in Psalm 31:5 and John 14:16-17.
Encouragement & Application:
When doubts arise from misunderstood passages, let them serve as opportunities to explore Scripture more deeply rather than questions to weaken faith. Ask yourself: How does understanding the difference between what God allows and what He causes change your perspective? Regularly engage with the Bible to see the consistent pattern of God’s truth, even when the surrounding cultural or historical context seems confusing. Consider speaking with a trusted mentor or joining a Bible study group where questions can be openly discussed and addressed.
Reflection Questions:
- How does understanding the distinction between what God permits and what He causes help you trust His character?
- In what ways can you seek clarity about difficult passages to strengthen your faith?
- What practical steps can you take today to align your life more closely with the truth of God’s Word?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for being the God of truth whose very nature cannot lie. When doubts and misunderstandings cloud my mind, help me to turn to Your Word for clarity and peace. Guide me in understanding even the most challenging passages, and strengthen my faith with the knowledge that You work all things for my good. Lord, help me to live a life that reflects Your truth, and may my heart always seek You in honest pursuit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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