To Know Truth
What do we know about truth; is there such a thing as truth, and if so, how do we know something is true? We see a witness take the stand at trial and swear to proclaim the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. One can surely agree that knowing and telling the truth in everyday life is important in the physical well being of others, think of how important it must be in eternal matters. Some look at truth and balk at it. It may mean nothing, it may mean something, or it may mean what they want it to mean. There seems to some that there is no absolute truth. You just believe what you want and all will be fine. And who is to say what truth is nowadays any way? Many today walk in darkness not knowing what is true and what is false, and wonder if it all even makes a difference. Let's see what the word of truth, the Bible has to say.
Jesus said that, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," in John 14:6. The gospel of John begins telling us in John 1:14, "that He, Jesus is full of grace and truth." The Greek word for full here is used to refer to a glass that is full of water and could not hold even one drop more. Jesus had much to say in His three years of ministry with His disciples, and He often quoted the Old Testament to prove a point, that which the religious leaders of that day looked into and studied. These words were written down by men who were moved by the Holy Spirit, 1Peter 1:21, and in verse 17 and 18, written just previously to that, Peter and others heard this utterance from heaven, "This is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased." And in verse 19 Peter says in response to that, "we have the prophetic word made more sure." They were eye witnesses and heard these marvelous words. Pontius Pilate said in John 18:38, "What is truth." Jesus came into the world to testify to the truth, God's truth.
Love, joy, fulfillment, and contentment rise out of truth. Fear, sorrow, doubt, and despair rise out of lies. Truth is that which corresponds with reality. People live in relative truth when it suits them but not in day to day living. The Bible teaches that truth is that which corresponds to reality from God's perspective. Life together in Christian love is a great protection against deception. Love among Christians is based on the truth they share. We as Christians must be standing on the truth, walking in the truth, and loving one another because of the truth. So who are we to believe and trust? Titus 1:2 tells us, "in the hope of eternal life, which God, Who cannot lie, promised long ages ago." If we can trust anyone, it is God Almighty.
Numbers 23:19 states, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” And the apostle John said in John 19:35, "And he(John) who has seen has testified, and His testimony is true; and He knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may also believe." That is an incredible but true testimony! The Spirit of truth is just that, He will guide us into all the truth. C.H. Spurgeon states that, "He who has gone to prepare heaven for us will not leave us without provision for the journey there." God's power will keep God's promises. Remember He who promised is also able to accomplish it! Spurgeon concludes, "The divine promise should be as much written upon our hearts as upon the pages of the Book. What is the use of an anchor at home when your ship is in a storm at sea?"
Elder Randy Slak