On Truth - And, Happy Independence Day!

Verses:

John 8:32: Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

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

John 17:17: Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

Eph. 6:14: Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place…

Thoughts:

The question of truth is a constant one in our society: Can I know truth? Is truth objective, or can I decide truth? Can I really know anything outside of myself or is it all subjective? 

Many argue there is no absolute, objective truth. In doing so, they are trying to redefine the very word “truth.” Truth by definition is objective reality as God sees it. We often hear variations of “Well, that’s true for you but not true for me…” For many, “reality” is defined by their perspective. They believe that the way they perceive things is the only defining factor in their lives. There is no objective truth. 

This is called relativism, and this way of thinking has grown, especially since Humanism and Darwinism pervaded our society. Relativism is the world’s brilliant way of running from objective reality; because, if “truth” relies on your relative experience, there can be no objective reality. If there is no absolute, objective truth, you define it. It essentially makes you your own god. 

But, this thinking is fatal.

Let’s play with this idea: If everything is relative, is that an absolute, indisputable truth for everyone? If nothing is absolute, how do you know that’s true for everyone and not just you? 

This self-defeating argument falls on its head. Without a true, objective reality, we are floating in the darkness of space following fantasies in our head. But, these fantasies can’t change the fact that you are floating in space, no matter how much you want them to. Yes, you can enjoy them, you can choose to believe they are reality; but, they in fact, are not. 

These fantasies don’t change the truth of your position; they don’t magically poof you to earth. To actually solve this problem of floating around in space, you have to first affirm and appreciate the reality of your situation. Ignoring a problem will not solve it. Running from a problem you are making will certainly not solve it.

A society cannot function like this for ling. If the government were to daily live out those views, it would fall apart.

The world takes moral objective truth and redefines it as a personal subjective opinion, calling that truth instead. The issue is, where do we draw a line between what is an objective truth and what is a personal opinion? How do we find this objective truth, if we can’t trust our relative experience to give absolute truth?

We can only find objective truth if it has been given to us by something “outside” of ourselves, “outside” of this world. Why? Because everything that generates from someone “inside” this world is relative. 

We can only find objective truth if it has been given to us objectively. 

Where is this objective truth given to us objectively? In the reality of God’s work in creation (general revelation), and in His Holy Word and Jesus Christ (special revelation). 

Summary: The argument for relativity falls on its head because, to apply to everyone, it has to be an absolute truth. Simply put, there is an absolute, objective truth apart from our perception. But, this objective truth must be given to us by something or someone outside of ourselves. And, it has been given to us in God’s clear work in creation, and the Bible and Jesus Christ. It is only through pursuing God’s truth in his Word that we can correctly understand the world around us. It is only through Scripture that we see the truth of reality. 

Ask Yourself: What things do I say are true but do not live as if they are true? How does the absolute, objective truth of God’s existence impact the way I live? How should I change my thinking regarding God’s Word, appreciating that it is God’s objective, absolute truth given to me?