Love of the Truth or for the Truth
The sermon emphasizes the importance of loving the Truth for salvation, distinguishing it from a natural love that is partial and weak.
A.W. Pink emphasizes that true salvation comes not merely from knowledge of the Truth but from a genuine love for it, as highlighted in 2 Thessalonians 2:10. He distinguishes between a superficial love for the Truth, which is partial, occasional, weak, and does not transform, and a spiritual love that is impartial, regular, powerful, and life-changing. Pink encourages believers to examine their hearts to discern whether their love for Christ is authentic and transformative, rather than fleeting and self-serving.
Text
It is not simply a knowledge of the Truth that saves, but a love of it that is the essential prerequisite. This is clear from 2 Thessalonians 2:10, "Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved..."
Since then there is love for the Truth in contradistinction from a love of the Truth, and a natural love for Christ in contrast with a spiritual love of Him, how am I to be sure which mine is? We may distinguish between these "loves" thus.
First, the one is partial, the other is impartial; the one esteems the doctrines of scripture but not the duties it enjoins, the promises of Scripture but not the precepts, the blessings of Christ but not His claims, His priestly office but not His kingly rule; but not so with the spiritual lover.
Second, the one is occasional, the other is regular; the former balks when personal interests are crossed, not so the latter.
Third, the one is evanescent and weak, the other lasting and powerful; the former quickly wanes when other delights compete, and prevails not to control the other affections; the latter rules the heart, and is strong as death.
Fourth, the former betters not its possessor; the latter transforms the life.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Loving the Truth
- Distinguishing Between Natural and Spiritual Love
- The Characteristics of Spiritual Love
- Regular and lasting
- Transforms the life
Key Quotes
“It is not simply a knowledge of the Truth that saves, but a love of it that is the essential prerequisite.” — A.W. Pink
“Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved...” — A.W. Pink
“The latter rules the heart, and is strong as death.” — A.W. Pink
Application Points
- Recognize the difference between knowing the Truth and loving the Truth for salvation.
- Examine your love for Christ to determine if it is natural or spiritual.
- Cultivate a regular, lasting, and transformative love for the Truth.