What is truth?

 

These days I dislike several television items: the news, and various pundits who discuss what they think will happen. The dictionary describes them as: “an expert in a particular subject or field who is frequently called on to give opinions about it to the public.” Expert or not, they are still offering an opinion. No one knows the future.

Google says that, “When their personal opinion outweighs considered judgment, people who give opinions, whether on current events, public affairs, sports, media or art are often referred to as "pundits" instead of critics. Critics are themselves subject to competing critics, since the final critical judgment always entails subjectivity.”

While pundits may not call their opinions lies, they cannot claim them to be true. I’ve had a aversion to lies, partly because of the insult I feel when someone lies to me, but even more when I experience the harm that a lie does, whether it is presented as news, or whispered as gossip. If someone lies to me and I catch it, trusting them in the future is almost impossible.

Today’s devotional gives reasons for being more interested in truth. Piper writes that God is truth. This makes lies a total affront to who He is, the triune God. Nothing can nullify His faithfulness and reliability:

What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.” (Romans 3:3–4)

This Almighty God became flesh and His Son, who is the image of the Father, is glorified as truth: 

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)
And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. (Matthew 22:16)

Jesus Himself declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). The Apostle John saw Jesus glorified as faithful and true. He said, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war” (Revelation 19:11).

God also lives out the life of the Father and the Son to me in His Spirit, the Spirit of truth. As Jesus said, “When the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness of me.… When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 15:26; 16:13a).

Before Jesus came into my life, every person that I trusted as friends lied to me . Was God allowing that so I would be eager to know Him, the reliable One who would never lie? Perhaps. I once wrote a long poem on how much truth matters. It is an important part of trust. If God makes a promise, believing it depends on being totally convinced that He speaks truth. He will do whatever He says He will do because He is truth. 

PRAY: I see how important truth is and why You have given me a great sensitivity to lies. One more reason is that the devil is a liar. You told those who refused to trust You, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44) My heart craves truth in defiance of this enemy who wants to destroy my faith with his schemes. Thank You for being the truth and being my Savior from sin — and from lies.

Modern Pharisees

Current thinking can be confusing. Some say there is no God; others are fully convinced. They cannot both be true beliefs BUT current thinking says, ‘What is true for you is not true for me.’ For many, truth has become a matter of opinion.

Christians can struggle with this same way of defining truth. Sometimes our differing interpretations cause divisions if we don’t dig deep enough to determine what biblical passages really say or mean. Failing to rightly understand Scripture can result in mild disagreement, or vigorous discussion, or church splits, and even be at the root of cults being formed.

Another issue is the concept of “rhema” where the term used for “word of God” means the Holy Spirit is using a passage to speak to the need of the moment. For instance, I may have read a verse many times about God’s abiding presence but during a period of loneliness, it felt like God was giving me a hug with that verse.

God also gives His people individual instructions. One NT incident is when the Spirit sent Paul and Barnabas to Seleucia (Acts 13) but forbid them to go to Asia and Bithynia. (Acts 16).

This reminds me of a former pastor who announced he was leaving the ministry. Our church was confused and trying to come up with a reason for his decision. Did someone treat him badly? The confusion was filled with opinions based on experiences people could relate to, so finally I decided to ask him why he decided to resign. He listened to my question and concerns, then slapped his desk and said, “None of that applies. I am doing this because the Lord told me to do it.”

Does this mean that truth for one person differs from truth for others? In God’s leading and personal ministry it might — but not every pastor is told to resign. Whatever I hear, I need to make sure it fits with Scripture. I knew of a woman who thought God told her to divorce her husband for another man. That does not line up with the Bible.

During Christ’s time, there were religious leaders who measured truth by their interpretation of OT laws. If a law was not understood, they added another one to supposedly clarify it. This resulted in hundreds of regulations that nobody could possibly obey. These Pharisees vehemently opposed the teaching of Jesus. He was concerned with the human heart and being motivated by the Holy Spirit. They were more into outward appearance and impressing people. When Jesus claimed, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6) He even  confused the disciples. Do we humans like rules? Are they easier to follow than listening to the heart of God and studying His Word?
We are saved by faith and are told to walk by faith. The Word guides us with truth requiring faith especially when God tells us to do something that makes no sense.

Consider Abraham. God told him to go to a land He would show him. The man set out without a clue about his destination but trusting God. Later, God told him to sacrifice his son. How would I interpret that command from God had I been Abraham or Isaac? What did that boy think as his dad tied him to the altar and raised his knife? Was there a “rule” that would make this command even palatable, never mind true?

This matter of rules can also be challenging when God puts His people in situations that call for us to follow Jesus even if others misunderstand the heart of His request. Some think we are breaking the rules when we show kindness to sinners — because it might look like we are approving their sin. Some suppose we are breaking the rules when we do things contrary to their personal comfort level. Bring like  Jesus can make us targets instead of examples.

This should not happen but it does. Instead of “loving one another” in the Spirit, judgment and criticism threatens our unity and fellowship and mars our witness to a needy world who need to see the grace of God rather than the ugliness of living by rules and self-righteousness.

PRAY: Oh Lord, You tell me to walk in the Spirit even though much of the world resists You and are convinced that their rules are better. I too can slide into that “I am right” attitude when it seems more comfortable than doing what You ask — especially when Your commands to me are going to upset or challenge the person sitting next to me at church. I’m encouraged by these words:

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1)

May my only rule say this: Be like Jesus.

What is truth?

It was Mark Twain that said, “If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.” That works for personal issues, but what about unclear philosophical or spiritual stuff? Many folks think truth is relative, meaning anyone can decide what is true for them even if it is meaningless to others. This notion is often a response to biblical revelation. Those who think truth is relative and not absolute easily dismiss Scripture thinking its claims do not make it true.

This is a much too heady topic for a Tuesday morning. I need a practical word from the Lord for the day, not an argument about the meaning of truth. Relative in some minds or not, God declares that His truth stands the test of time and proves itself by its results. That works for me. Besides, what God says matches my experience. It works in life and grants peace of heart that stabilizes me in every situation. While lies might seem to do that, lies do not last. Besides, there is nothing I hate more than being lied to and feeling the inner uncertainty that lies produce.

With some short comments, this is what the Word of God says about truth:

The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. (Psalm 111:7–8) (They work! Doing what God says produces the results He promises.)

Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true . . . . But you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true . . . . The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. (from Psalm 119) (Truth lasts, lies don’t)

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:16–17) (The Holy Spirit reveals truth to God’s people that are otherwise hidden.)

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (John 16:13) (Prophecy comes to pass. Prophets of God had to be 100% right or were not considered prophets, so they can be relied on.)

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17) (Truth sets God’s people apart from the rest of the world and marks them as God’s people.)

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. (Romans 1:18) (Those who block or hide truth will face God’s wrath.)

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. (1 John 5:20) (Jesus opens our hearts to truth for He is truth personified!)

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

This incredible statement is my measuring stick for truth. Does what I hear and think fit with the life and nature of Jesus Christ? If not, then I can challenge it.

One example: last week I read part of a book that said the human will of a Christian is totally aligned with the Spirit of God. That didn’t sound true. Measuring it by Jesus, He said, “Not my will but thine be done.” His words cast a shadow on that definition that says my will is never in conflict with God’s Spirit. The will of Jesus was not sinful rebellion like mine can be, yet He did suggest it was distinct from the Father’s will.

PRAY: Jesus, You protect me from subtle lies and blatant lies. I’m thankful. Being lied to is the ultimate insult, the source of all confusion, stress and sin. Yet it drives me to know the truth, to know You in depth and to listen for Your voice that continually tells me, “This is the way; walk in it” and blesses me when I listen. Even when You are silent, You tell me You never leave me. If I didn’t believe that to be true, then the sense of being abandoned would drive me away, ruin my faith, and put me in despair. I’m so glad that You are the Truth and if something does not match You, I know it is not worth listening to or acting on.

PONDER: The power of God is revealed in His Word. Guard my heart by remembering and thinking about what is true. Do not let falsehood trick me or teach me and rob me of the freedom I have in Christ. I know the truth (Jesus) and the truth (Jesus) sets me free from all lies and slavery to sin. (John 8:32)

 

 

What is truth?

We live in a day when truth is considered relative and subjective, even to the extreme that believing a lie makes it true and not believing a truth makes it a lie. Declaring something to be true sometimes gets people in trouble with their friends, with culture, even with the government or the law.

One dictionary says, “truth about something is all the facts about it, rather than things that are imagined or invented.” Bible dictionaries such as Baker’s offer paragraphs concerning the Bible’s use and definitions of this word. I’m looking this up for two reasons: my devotional reading points out that the New Testament has several books that address the problem of false teaching as opposed to truth revealed by God.

Strong warnings are part of what the NT says. Christ had warned His followers of the rise of false Christs and false prophets.

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. (Matthew 24:24)

The other reason is a story I heard last night. Two young people both from a Christian upbringing heard about a group in another part of the country, went there, became involved but the group turned out to be a cult. Their followers are forbidden to read the Bible and must listen only to their leader. They are also forbidden to see or speak to any of their family members. Their parents are heart-broken and deeply dismayed. How can this happen to their children whom they thought ‘knew better’ than to get involved in false teaching?

According to Scripture, the only thing real about false teaching is that it exists. It was there before Jesus came and multiplied after He ascended to heaven. Paul told the church:

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. (Acts 20:29–30)

Those who know the Bible realize that we have a spiritual enemy who is called the father of lies. He twists the truth to deceive and destroy. One would think this enemy would be obvious and easy to spot, but not so. Paul warned the church about false teachers and their activities and in that warning, he describes how this enemy disguises himself to dupe unwary people:

And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. (2 Corinthians 11:12–15)

One example of false teaching in the NT is Gnosticism in which teachers claimed to possess a superior philosophical-religious type of knowledge. The Bible, especially John’s epistles, answer that error, mostly by pointing out how faith in Christ changes people, setting them free from sin.

Some might say that Christians also claim to have superior knowledge, etc. but this is not our claim. It is Jesus who said:

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

He is the only one who can back up that statement. He lived a sinless, selfless life, healed the sick, controlled the weather, turned water into wine, and loved even sinners to the point of dying for us that our sins might be forgiven and we could receive eternal life. No one else has ever done that and millions of people can testify to the truth/reality of it. I am free and assured of eternity with God because of Jesus and the Holy Spirit that He sent:

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:16–17)

Deception denies Jesus and His power. Deception says we can save ourselves or that we don’t need saving because we are good people. Deception sometimes will tell us that we are so damaged that there is no hope for our lives. None of this corresponds to the reality of Jesus who is still in the business of saving sinners. He is the truth — so much needed in this dark and deceitful world.

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Lord God, I’m thankful today that You took me from my self-deception, exposing the lies I believed about You and about myself. You saved me from sin and continue to save me. You also assure me over and over that You are true and You are enough. How I need you! How this world needs You. May the power of truth transform this present darkness.