In the context of biblical study and theology, "ascertaining" refers to the process of discovering, determining, or verifying truth, often through careful examination and discernment. This concept is integral to understanding Scripture, discerning God's will, and applying biblical principles to life.

Biblical Basis for Ascertaining Truth

The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking and ascertaining truth. Proverbs 2:3-5 encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding: "if you indeed call out for insight and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God." This passage highlights the active pursuit of truth as a valuable endeavor.

In the New Testament, the Bereans are commended for their diligence in ascertaining the truth of Paul's teachings. Acts 17:11 states, "Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true." Their example underscores the importance of verifying teachings against the Word of God.

Methods of Ascertaining

1. Scriptural Examination: The primary method of ascertaining truth is through the study of Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms the sufficiency of Scripture: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." Believers are encouraged to diligently study the Bible to understand God's truth.

2. Prayer and Discernment: Prayer is essential in seeking divine guidance and discernment. James 1:5 promises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Through prayer, believers can seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in ascertaining truth.

3. Counsel and Community: Engaging with the Christian community and seeking wise counsel are also important. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." The collective wisdom of the church can aid in discerning truth.

Challenges in Ascertaining

While ascertaining truth is a biblical mandate, it is not without challenges. Human limitations, biases, and the influence of false teachings can hinder the process. 1 John 4:1 warns, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This verse highlights the need for vigilance and discernment in distinguishing truth from falsehood.

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in ascertaining truth. John 16:13 assures believers, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth." The Spirit aids in understanding and applying Scripture, providing insight beyond human capability.

Conclusion

Ascertaining truth is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, requiring diligence, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. By engaging with Scripture, seeking divine guidance, and participating in the Christian community, believers can discern and apply God's truth in their lives.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Ascertain.1097. ginosko -- to come to know, recognize, perceive
... root gno- Definition to come to know, recognize, perceive NASB Word Usage ascertaining
(1), aware (7), certainty (1), come to know (1), comprehend (1), felt (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1097.htm - 12k

This Work not Intended as a Treatise on Rhetoric.
... were likely to take exception to the work, I said, "There are two things on which
all interpretation of Scripture depends: the mode of ascertaining the proper ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 1 this work not intended.htm

This Work of Mine, which is Entitled on Christian Doctrine...
... were likely to take exception to the work, I said, "There are two things on which
all interpretation of Scripture depends: the mode of ascertaining the proper ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 1 this work of.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... It is only necessary to add a few words in reference to the ascertaining of figurative
language; the most prominent classes of figures; and some principles to ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

Hebrews xii. 14
... ( 1 Corinthians 8:11.). "Looking diligently," he saith, that is, searching carefully,
considering, thoroughly ascertaining, as is done in the case of sick ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxi hebrews xii 14.htm

The Interpretation of Scripture Depends on the Discovery and ...
... 1. There are two things on which all interpretation of Scripture depends: the mode
of ascertaining the proper meaning, and the mode of making known the meaning ...
/.../chapter 1 the interpretation of scripture.htm

There are Two Things on which all Interpretation of Scripture ...
... 1. There are two things on which all interpretation of Scripture depends: the mode
of ascertaining the proper meaning, and the mode of making known the meaning ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 1 there are two.htm

Sober Thinking
... self-investigation is morbid, because it is self-absorbed; and much is morbid because
it is undertaken only for the purpose of ascertaining one's 'spiritual ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/sober thinking.htm

Christ the Light of the World.
... We are not informed of any part of our future, and have no means of ascertaining
the emergencies which may try us, the new ingredients which may suddenly be ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xviii christ the light of.htm

The Preparations of the Greeks for Defense.
... Greek kings."The two kings of Sparta."Origin of the custom of two kings."The
twins."The Delphic oracle consulted."Plan for ascertaining the eldest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter vii the preparations of.htm

The Writings of Clement.
... If so, it followed them. We have no means of ascertaining its date more exactly.
[1843] Pant??nus, see above, Bk. V. chap. 10, note 1. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xiii the writings of clement.htm

Ascertaining (2 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Ascertain. Multi-Version Concordance Ascertaining (2 Occurrences).
Mark 15:45 When he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. ...
/a/ascertaining.htm - 7k

Surveyor (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) One who views and examines for the purpose of ascertaining the condition,
quantity, or quality of anything; as, a surveyor of highways, ordnance, etc. ...
/s/surveyor.htm - 7k

Ascertained (8 Occurrences)

/a/ascertained.htm - 8k

Visitation (17 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) The act of a naval commander who visits, or enters on board, a vessel belonging
to another nation, for the purpose of ascertaining her character and ...
/v/visitation.htm - 15k

Urim (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 28:6), it appears (from the Septuagint version of 1 Samuel 14:41; see below)
that he Used the Urim and Thummim successfully in ascertaining the cause ...
/u/urim.htm - 21k

Judgment (430 Occurrences)
... 5. (vi) That act of the mind by which two notions or ideas which are apprehended
as distinct are compared for the purpose of ascertaining their agreement or ...
/j/judgment.htm - 52k

Lot (145 Occurrences)
... 54; Jonah 1:7). The lot was always resorted to by the Hebrews with strictest reference
to the interposition of God, and as a method of ascertaining the divine ...
/l/lot.htm - 60k

Weight (143 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) A definite mass of iron, lead, brass, or other metal, to be used for
ascertaining the weight of other bodies; as, an ounce weight. ...
/w/weight.htm - 43k

Trial (45 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of trying or testing in any manner. 2. (n.) Any effort or exertion
of strength for the purpose of ascertaining what can be done or effected. ...
/t/trial.htm - 52k

Thummim (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 28:6), it appears (from the Septuagint version of 1 Samuel 14:41; see below)
that he Used the Urim and Thummim successfully in ascertaining the cause ...
/t/thummim.htm - 22k

What is a proverb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why is Jesus often referred to as Jesus of Nazareth? | GotQuestions.org

What were the Children's Crusades? | GotQuestions.org

Ascertaining: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus