Articles
Knowing the Truth - 7.23.23 Bulletin
Truth: Part One
Knowing the Truth
“And you will know the truth and the truth will make you free” (John 8.32 NASB1995)
Paul wrote to the Colossian brethren “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principals of the world, rather than according to Christ” (2.8). One of the deceptions society faces today is confusion about truth. What is truth? Can we define it? Can we know it? These are all questions some people have trouble answering today. Unfortunately, the problem is not exclusive to the religious world, and stems from a philosophy called “postmodernism.” In short, it is the idea of no objective truth, instead opting for relativism which believes there is no single truth that is true for everyone, and feelings and intuition tell us more than reason and evidence.
What does Jesus say, “you will know the truth” (John 8.32). First and foremost we must recognize that we can know truth, because Jesus says as much. Truth is not amorphous or fluid, and therefore can be defined. Also, what is true doesn’t become untrue through time. Two plus two will always equal four. A water molecule will always be made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Truth also does not vary from person to person, we are all subject to the same truth.
So then, how do we know truth? There must be a standard by which we can know what is true from what is false. Psalm 119.160 says, “The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.” It is God who set the standard and defines truth, not man. Therefore, God’s word makes known truth from error, and right from wrong, and not man. The only way for a person to know truth is by looking at God’s word. Everyone, whether they know it or not, is subject to the truth of God’s word. Mankind should be striving to live by the truth of God’s word, the standard He has set forth. But that is not the case. Many have forsaken God’s way and have opted for their own way instead. Any person who tries to make their own path apart from God, will not lead to life everlasting (Proverbs 14.12).
The reason many people have a problem with truth is because it is hard and fast, therefore many are unwilling to conform to it. Instead they try to bend truth to fit the ever changing social climate. Many would rather be guided by their feelings, and what society deems acceptable than face the hard realities of truth. Just because a person doesn’t like the truth, doesn’t make it any less true. Sometime the truth will make us uncomfortable, sad, and cause us to question our past decisions, but that is how we know the truth is working. And if we are receptive, the truth will make us change (Acts 2.14-41).
Feelings change over time and therefore cannot be the determining factor for truth and error, and right from wrong. Feelings can guide us in the wrong direction. Feelings can cause a person to act irrationally. On the contrary, the Psalmist says “every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.” God’s word changes not, and will last for eternity. Trying to follow the “truths” of the ever changing social climate, which determines truth based on feelings and emotions will keep one enslaved to sin. Obedience to the truth of God’s word will set one free from sin.
- Glad_Tidings_7.23.2023_PDF.pdf (534.92 kB)
