Believing a Lie Is a Sin

We know that lying is a sin.  The ninth of the ten commandments forbids lying (Deuteronomy 5:9), lying is listed in two of the seven things God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19), and God’s word to Christians is plainly stated:  “Do not lie to each other” (Colossians 3:9).  But what about believing a lie?

Believing a lie is also a sin!  Remember back to Adam and Eve?  God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18) and the devil always lies (John 8:44).  Adam and Eve chose to believe the liar and so they sinned.  It takes two to make a lie, the teller and the believer.  Recall Jesus’ words to the Jews:  “Why is my language not clear to you?  Because you are unable to hear what I say.  You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire.  He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.  When he lies he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.  Yet because I tell you the truth, you do not believe me!” (John 8:43-45).  When anyone chooses to believe a lie they sin against the Lord.

Liars and those who believe liars hurt everyone.  That makes truth and truthfulness essential to everyone who wants to please God.  Be careful to speak the truth, but also take care to seek the truth.  Believing a lie is no better than telling a lie.

---

Rick Cunningham