It seems contradictory; what does it all mean?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I’m taking a course in Old Testament studies and have been appalled at the idolatry that was prevalent among God’s people, particularly the fact that the Ten Commandments clearly state that there should be no other God but God. The New Testament says that if we confess Him with our mouth, He will receive us, but the Old Testament says that God’s people honor Him with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him. It seems contradictory; what does it all mean? – G.I.
A: The Bible says, “These people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me” (Isaiah 29:13, NKJV).
Many people quote only a portion of Scripture without grasping the context of God’s Word. “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9–10, NKJV). Believing is turning from our sin to Christ. Believing is to receive His commands and obey them. It is then that our lips praise and glorify Him. It means to be totally surrendered and committed to the Lord Jesus. What is harbored in the heart comes out through the mouth, the Bible says.
Outwardly, God’s people in Joshua’s time were followers of God – but in their hearts they were idolaters. Joshua told them that this hypocrisy could not continue. They were to decide whether they would serve the true and living God or serve their idols. They were to go on record – either to be for God or be against Him.
We must decide whom we will serve. A Christian must be willing, with God’s help, to forsake everything false and turn wholeheartedly to Jesus, and declare, as did Joshua, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15, NIV).
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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