今天的鑰節的上下文是保羅向哥林多人提出一個挑戰，要他們省察自己，看他們「有信心沒有」（5節），要他們自己試驗，看「耶穌基督，是否在他們心裡」。保羅也說，他希望哥林多人會發現，保羅通得過這個試驗。接著，他祈禱哥林多人和他自己能「一件惡事都不作」（7節），然後才是今天的鑰節。

        保羅所說關於「真理」的話，的確深為真實。他一方面是說，他（並且希望所有的哥林多人都如是）不能不做合乎真理的事，另一方面，他的意思是，「真理」終必獲勝。因為真理和公平正是上帝諸多屬性中的兩個特質。我們十分確定，在人類歷史上的某一天，所有的謊言都會被揭露。當主的日子來臨時，只有真理站立得住。那個真理會釋放每一個不公的受害者，使公義得勝。

        保羅之所以「不能敵擋真理」是因為他有永恆的視野。他知道自己如同所有的人一樣，是不朽的。有一天必須站在造物主的面前交帳。我們必須回答一個問題：「你對基督的反應是什麼？」

        任何不合真理的事在那日都必顯明出來。現在拒絕基督、敵擋真理，到那日就被基督拒絕。我們是活在一個沒有逃路的系統裡，有一天，罪惡將徹底被毀滅。

        那就是為什麼耶穌要來到地球上。鑑於「真理」將在那可怕的大日審判全人類，因此耶穌為我們死，為所有相信並接受祂的人作了贖罪祭。那些「被血洗淨」的人在真理顯現時將被稱義。那也就是為什麼現在我們必須只「扶助真理」。那是關乎生、死的事。

        主上帝，如同保羅為哥林多的信徒祈禱，我們也為自己祈禱。使我們作完全人、受安慰、同心合意、且彼此和睦。求仁愛、和平的上帝與我們同在。奉主耶穌的名，阿們。

English

        The key verse occurs in the context of a challenge from Paul to the Corinthians that they "examine" themselves to see if they are "in the faith" (v.5). They are to "test" and see if "Christ Jesus is in" them. He then expresses the hope that they will discover that Paul himself has not failed the test (v.6). Next, he prays that they and he (implied) "will not do anything wrong" (v.7). Then comes the key verse.

        I don't know if Paul was being philosophical here, but there is no question that what he says about the "truth" is profoundly true. On one hand he is saying that he (and hopefully all the Corinthian Christians) are compled to do what is right. On the other hand, he is saying that "Truth" ultimately wins every battle. Because two of the many attributes of God are truth and justice, we can be sure there is coming a day in the history of man when every lie will be exposed. On that Day of the Lord only Truth will be spoken. And that truth will liberate every victim of injustice and vindicate the righteous.

        The reason Paul couldn't "do anything against the truth" was that he was living with eternity in view. He knew that he was, as all people are, immortal. He would have to stand before his Maker one day and give account. He would have to answer the question, "what have you done with the Christ?"

        Any untruth now will be revealed on that day. Any rejection of Christ now will mean rejection for us then. We are living in a closed system. A system that will utterly destroy wickedness one day.

        That's why Jesus came to this planet. In light of that awful day when Truth will judge all men, Jesus died to provide atonement for all those who will receive it. These "blood-washed ones" will be declared righteous as the Truth is revealed. That's why we must only act "for the truth" now. It's a matter of life and death.

        Lord God, we praise You for answering prayer for the Corinthians and, as Paul prayer for the believers there, so we pray for ourselves. Grant that we may be made complete, of good comfort, of one mind, and to live in peace. Be with us, God'of love and peace. In Jesus Name. Amen.