One of the first game shows in the history of television was called Truth or Consequences. This show featured contestants selected from the audience, inexpensive prizes, a catchy theme song, and a very friendly, charming and engaging host. The show had lots of laughs and clapping.
Contestants were put in situations simulating real life and then asked questions. The answers which conformed most to reality usually won the prizes.
Conformity to reality, after all, is an important part of truth, hence the name of the show, Truth or Consequences.
The game show was pretty lighthearted and the consequences were rather insignificant. But there is a serious side to Truth, and very significant consequences associated with it.
Real Truth
Nearly 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ walked the earth and said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:66Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)).
He came to this earth to show us the truth of God. In all that He said and did, whether it was preaching the sermon on the mount, healing the blind, or making the lame to walk, He revealed God the Father to all who saw Him.
After three-and-a-half years of public ministry, He was betrayed into the hands of sinners and crucified on a cross of wood. Disciples took His body down and wrapped it in linen and spices and laid it in a tomb. For three days and three nights, by Jewish reckoning, His body lay dead in the grave. Then early on the third day, Jesus, who came to earth to lead men and women to the truth, rose from the grave. He showed Himself alive to His disciples by many infallible proofs before ascending up to heaven to sit at God’s right hand.
Why did He come and give His life? So sinners like you and me, caught up in the falsehoods of a life of sin, might come to know the truth. He died so those of us who were deceived by sin might see it for what it really is — hateful and shameful. He died so all who believe in Him might be forgiven, pardoned, justified and cleansed from their sins. He died so we might know the truth and the truth might set us free.
Real Consequences
Jesus Christ is the truth. In the game show there were consequences, and there are consequences, too, when it comes to Christ.
Those who repent and believe in Him will have their sins washed away and be made fit for heaven. In heaven they will be rewarded for every good work they do on earth. “Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:1212And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12)).
Those who reject the message of His grace will receive consequences also. Their hearts will be darkened because of the sins they love. Then when this life is over, they will pass into eternity in the darkness of hell. In hell there will be endless weeping and gnashing of teeth. Also, there will be levels of consequences in hell. Those who knew God’s will and didn’t do it will receive more severe consequences. “That servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes” (Luke 12:4747And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. (Luke 12:47)). There definitely are significant consequences for rejecting the truth.
Our hearts were made to live on truth. They were made to know and love God and the One He sent into the world. He is the one and only begotten Son of God. He is gracious, loving and ready to forgive all those who come to Him in faith. But He won’t forgive people who cleave to their sins and don’t believe in Him.
In the goodness of His heart, God the Son became man and then gave up His life on the cross to save sinners. The eternity of each one of us depends on what we do with this truth.
Which consequence will you receive from Him? Will it be eternal life in the glories of heaven? Or will it be eternal death in the darkness of hell? Life is no game show. Choose life, choose truth, choose Christ!
Dig deeper into the subject of truth with Truth Is Fallen in the Streets.