March 3, 2008
I got into an interesting discussion with a ministry team member today. Although the subject wasn't directly about truth the topic quickly became what is truth and why people will believe a lie, live a lie and when confronted with the truth, blame the one (who is bringing them something to help them), for disrupting their lives. This is more common than we think so lets look at what is truth and is truth what you believe?Is there truth? If so is it possible to know it?
Let's talk about truth.
Truth is truth even when we don't agree with it. 2+2 will always equal 4. We can say we don't agree and that 2+2=5 but that doesn't change the reality of it really equaling 4.
Truth is truth even when we don't understand it. I don't understand all the physics involved in nuclear weapons, but their existence and effect is undeniable.
Truth is truth even when we've never heard it. An infant may never have heard of mathematics, but it's still true.
There are absolute standards of truth. Many would argue that all truth is relative, but in saying that they are making an absolute statement which means that truth is not relative and their argument falls apart.
The existence of untruth presupposes true exists. It's like the old saying "I always lie." This statement can never be true. If the person indeed always lies, they cannot make this statement because to do so would be telling the truth. It must by its very nature be false. If something is false, it means there must be truth. I cannot say with absolute certainty "Nothing is true." If I say that, I've declared a truism and defeated my own train of thought.
We may not understand it all, we may not agree with it all, we may not have read it all but God's Word is truth.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
Christ made an astounding claim before His crucifixion
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. John 14:6a NIV
That's a pretty incredible claim. His resurrection from the dead and many other factors prove His claim. His statement goes even further ...
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NIV
In today's convoluted world of poor logic and "relative truth" (which we know is not truth at all), that's a pretty major claim. It has big consequences if it's true (and it is).
Salvation and hope for mankind is found ONLY in Jesus. Most religions offer some form of social benefit, and have some elements of truth in them, but the ultimate truth is that salvation is only through Jesus Christ.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved Acts 4:12 NIV
That means if you have accepted Christ, you have a major responsibility to share the only truth with a lost and dying world. If you've been counting on anything other than a personal relationship with Jesus for your salvation, you need to change that and get right with Him today.
Until next time, may all you do be anchored steadfastly on the Truth and that truth is in God's word and His son, Jesus.
Be blessed
Darrel Mason