Truth is a foundational concept in Christianity. As followers of Jesus Christ, Christians believe that absolute truth exists and can be known. This truth is grounded in the very nature and character of God, who is the ultimate source and standard of truth.
In a world filled with competing ideas and philosophies, Christians affirm that real truth is established by God alone. Truth is not defined by individual perspective or cultural consensus. Rather, it is revealed to us by God through His Word and through Jesus Christ, who said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
Truth Revealed in God’s Word
As Christians, you believe that the Bible is the authoritative source of divine revelation and absolute moral and spiritual truth. Here are three key ways the Bible teaches about truth:
- The Bible is true and without error. The Bible claims to contain the very words of God – fully true and reliable in all its teachings (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21). As God’s written Word, the Bible reveals truth that can be relied upon.
- God’s Word is eternal and unchanging. The truth of God’s Word endures forever, even as the world around us changes (Psalm 119:89). Moral and spiritual truth does not shift with cultural values or personal perspective.
- The Bible is the standard of truth. All teachings, doctrines, and beliefs must be tested against the measuring rod of God’s authoritative Word of truth (Acts 17:11; Isaiah 8:20). Anything contrary to Scripture is considered false.
As followers of Christ, you can have full confidence in the truth and authority of the Bible. God’s Word reveals fundamental truths about who He is, who we are, and how we should live. We must diligently study the Scriptures to grow in understanding divine truth that endures for all generations.
Truth Revealed Through Christ
In addition to God’s revealed truth in the Bible, Christians believe that absolute truth is perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ. He did not merely teach the truth – He is the Truth in human form. Here are three key ways Jesus reveals truth:
- Jesus reveals truth about God. As the Son of God, Jesus makes the Father known to us (John 1:18). He communicates divine truth that we could not otherwise know. Through knowing Jesus, we can know the truth about God and His perfect character.
- Jesus lived a sinless, perfect life. Jesus modeled absolute moral and spiritual truth in thought, word, and action. His life aligns completely with the holy standard of God’s truth.
- Jesus spoke God’s truth. Jesus only spoke words from the Father, not His own ideas (John 7:16). His teachings reveal absolute truths about God’s standards and ways. As the Truth, Christ authoritatively warned of false teachings and warned about deception.
Jesus didn’t just teach moral principles – He personifies perfect truth. All He said and did reveals reality just as God designed it to be. If we want to know truth, we must look to Christ.
Key Takeaways on Truth in Christianity
- Absolute truth comes from God’s nature and is revealed in God’s Word, the Bible.
- Truth does not change based on cultural values or individual perspective. God’s truth endures forever.
- Jesus Christ embodies truth perfectly. All He said and did reveals reality just as God designed it.
- Scripture is the ultimate authority and standard for testing truth claims and teachings.
- The Bible is fully true and reliable – God’s very words. It teaches enduring spiritual and moral truths.
- Followers of Christ must diligently study the Bible to grow in understanding divine truths.
- Through Christ, Christians have access to truth that non-believers cannot understand on their own.
- God’s truth frees us from deception and empowers us to live in alignment with His good design.
Applying God’s Truth
You may affirm that absolute truth exists, but do you actively apply it to your life? Here are some ways you can make God’s truth a living reality:
- Study the Bible daily to renew your mind in His truths. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
- Evaluate teachings against Scripture. “Test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Be on guard against false doctrines.
- Speak truthfully and be a person of integrity. “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25).
- Conform your thoughts and behaviors to God’s standards of truth. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
- Walk in the footsteps of Christ who perfectly embodied truth. “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:6).
- Search for truth wholeheartedly. “Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23).
- Meditate on God’s truth. “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways” (Psalm 119:15). Continually reflect on His truths.
As Christians, you have the priceless opportunity to know and live by God’s eternal truths. You must not thoughtlessly go along with what is popular or comfortable. Instead, pursue truth with moral courage based on conviction in God’s unchanging, authoritative Word. Cling to Jesus who is Himself “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
The Truth War
In an age of moral relativity, you as Christians will face increasing pressure to compromise on biblical truths – especially teachings that are culturally controversial. You may be tempted to adapt your beliefs to align with popular perspectives on issues like absolute moral standards, salvation, human sexuality, and the exclusivity of Christ.
Standing firm on revealed truth will require spiritual discipline and discernment. In love, you must resist cultural lies and false teachings, while also pointing people to the goodness and freedom of living by God’s design. Walk in humility, recognizing that you yourself do not possess truth – you possess the God who reveals truth.
In defending divine truth, remember that unbelievers are blinded to spiritual truth unless God opens their eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4). Your role is to give reason for the hope within you (1 Peter 3:15) and to speak God’s truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). But only the Spirit can lift the veil of deception so that hearts turn to the Light who is Jesus (Acts 26:18).
Thankfully, you are not left to fight for truth in your own strength. You have the Spirit of Truth to guide you (John 16:13). You have the Sword of Truth which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). And you have the assurance that truth will prevail when Christ the King returns to defeat all rebellion against God’s rule. Stand firm on the Rock of Truth!
Internalizing Truth through the Spirit
The Bible makes clear that absolute truth exists – but possessing knowledge of that truth is not the same as internalizing it. As James writes, “the demons also believe [objective truth] – and shudder!” (James 2:19). Truth must transform your inner person. This happens through the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus called the Holy Spirit “the Spirit of truth” who dwells within believers (John 14:17; 15:26). The Spirit guides you into all truth, stirring conviction in your inner person regarding the reality of God’s truths (John 16:13). He enables you to live out truth through His empowering presence.
Here are some ways you can cooperate with the Spirit’s work to make God’s truth a subjective reality:
- Yield your mind to the Spirit’s control and conviction (Romans 8:5-6).
- Cry out for spiritual understanding of revealed truths (Ephesians 1:17-19).
- Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal personal areas of deception (Psalm 139:23-24).
- Submit your thoughts, attitudes and behaviors to the Spirit’s transforming work (Titus 3:5).
- Act on the Spirit’s promptings to obey and apply God’s truths (Romans 8:14).
- Walk in God’s truth by the Spirit’s power, not legalistically (Galatians 5:16-25).
The Holy Spirit burns truth deep into your inner person, separating soul from spirit as you choose to yield (Hebrews 4:12). He tenderly convinces you of the realities illuminated in Scripture, inspiring you to freely embrace and live out God’s truths by His enabling grace. Cooperate with the Spirit’s work!
Conclusion
Truth is indispensable to the Christian life. As followers of Christ, you believe that absolute moral and spiritual truth comes from God’s nature and is revealed through His authoritative Word. Scripture teaches unchanging truths that free you from deception and enable you to live as God designed.
Most fundamentally, you embrace Jesus Himself as perfect Truth in human form – the image of the invisible God. By the Spirit’s illuminating work, God’s eternal truths can transform your inner person, giving conviction, discernment and power to walk in the light. During times when truth is under assault, stand unwaveringly on the Rock who is Jesus, the living Word. Continue seeking truth wholeheartedly, yielding your mind to the Spirit’s work. God’s truth will prevail.
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
