How long can a civilization last if it’s severed from its roots and, more crucially, from truth itself? This question lies at the core of the recent documentary “Truth Rising,” produced by Focus on the Family and the Colson Center for a Christian Worldview. Os Guinness, a prominent apologist and my co-host on this documentary, often labels the West as a “cut flower civilization.” Essentially, the West lacks the necessary truths that have historically supported and sustained it. The consequences of a civilization forsaking its nurturing ideals are significant. This is why so many civilizations are mere entries in history books, their remnants displayed in museums. History shows that civilizations have fallen, and sociology may analyze the reasons, but neither provides guidance for how we live through such a crucial period. This leads us to a significant choice: rebirth or decline?
For Christians, this isn’t just a tactical decision; it’s about obedience. We are here in this specific time and place by divine intention. Each Christian must now determine whether to heed Christ’s call or withdraw. “Truth Rising” and its supplementary study, “The Truth Reveals,” available at ColsonCenter.org/study, outlines God’s blueprint for this juncture in civilization, condensed into four main concepts: hope, truth, identity, and mission.
The first key concept is “hope.” In biblical terms, hope is far from wishful thinking; it’s based on what Jesus Christ has achieved, both presently and in the future. Hope is eternal. In belief, Christ has triumphed over death, sin, hell, and the grave. What happened with Christ is undoubtedly the most crucial truth of our time.
The four foundational truths of Christian hope revealed in the Bible are essential during this moment. First, “Christ is risen.” His resurrection stands as a pivotal point in history. Second, “Christ is Lord.” Regardless of individual awareness, Jesus reigns over heaven and earth. Third, “Christ is making all things new.” The world is heading towards renewal according to God’s salvation plan. Lastly, “God created us for this time and place.” It’s not by accident that we find ourselves here; we’ve been chosen for this specific moment.
As Christians, we embody hope, placed here for such times as these, refined through the cultural challenges we currently face. As Peter beautifully puts it, we are “reborn into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” We shouldn’t despair or wish for a different era. Each one of us is strategically located at this point in history for a divine purpose. Our task is to understand who is sovereign over all and to greet the present moment with courageous hope. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, is central to that.
We aren’t merely meant to survive; we are called by God to fulfill His will in this world. To effectively navigate this moment in civilization, refer to “The Truth Reveals.” You can access it for free at ColsonCenter.org/study.
This breakpoint was co-authored with Andrew Carico.
