Bible Question:
Does a person owe truth in every situation? If a man breaks into someone's house, kills the man, then asks the woman if they have any children, is she obliged to tell him "yes" realizing that quite probably he will kill them all? Is it sin against God to possibly protect others in a situation like this by saying "no"? And does that mean that those who hid the Jews during the WW, were sinning against God? In these cases, telling the truth WOULD/COULD bring harm to someone else. Question. Abraham told a half/lie (Gen.20:2)and had Sarah do the same (v.5) for his own self-preservation(v.11). Then Abimelech took Sarah, which was not wrong in those days apparently(v.6-7). Unless I'm missing something, Abimelech is the only one that got in trouble. I don't mean to second guess God, but to me Abraham was the MOST wrong because he did this for purely selfish motives (v.11). According to your idea that lying is always sin, then Sarah also was sinning in submitting to her husband in telling this half/truth and attempting to protect him. And Abimelech was more so the injured party in that situation. Yet God rewarded Abraham with silver, land, and possessions which were basically taken from Abimelech. It would seem that God did justify Abraham FOR his sin in this case. Any thoughts on this specifically? |
Bible Answer: There - We can't justify sin. PERIOD. Yes, people did not always tell the whole truth. I say again, the Bible never justify sin. Abraham's lie Abimelech is not either. Look at the consequences of his lie (vv 17-18). Should the woman in your illustration tell the truth. Yes. Becuase, she needs to trust God for the situation. Plus a lie, could get her killed - so it would effect her children, who the robber may not kill. Never NEVER say, "Because Abraham (or whoever) lied and the Lord did this ... I can lie in this special situation" ... they will mount up and soon you will say you will justify your inhaling. Steve |