Scripture records Jesus
being engaged in a handful of debates on hot topics with powerful leaders of
His time. He spoke with Nicodemus about attaining eternal life (John 3). Then
we learn of Pilate asking Jesus what is truth (John 18). Interestingly, truth
is still a hot topic today. So, let’s explore what truth is.
While, John did not
include Jesus’ response to Pilate’s question, Jesus does declare His purpose
for coming to into the world being to testify to the truth (John 18:37). This
is echoed in the introduction to John’s gospel where he wrote that Jesus was
full of grace and truth. In this passage, it also talks about Jesus being the
Light and shining into the darkness. Putting this in terms of truth, if truth
is not absolute, concrete, complete, unvarying and permanent, how can truth
shine into darkness and not be overcome by it?
If, instead, truth is relative, it could be overcome by darkness as one
person defines truth based on their circumstances and another theirs.
Later, John records a
discussion between Jesus and His disciples. In this setting, Jesus is preparing
them for His coming crucifixion telling them that He is going away. Then He
tells them that they will also follow Him at a later time at which prompts
Thomas to ask Jesus how they can know the way. Jesus responds by saying that He
is the way, THE TRUTH, and the life (John 14:6).
Thus, through examining
these Scriptures, we can see Jesus declaring Himself to be truth. Furthermore,
we can see Jesus talking with Jews who chose to believe Him declaring “if you
continue in My word… you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free…
from sin (John 8:31-34). Based on this brief examination of Scripture, we can
surmise that truth is not a wish-washy, do as you wish as relative truth would
make you believe. Instead, it is something steadfast that we can put our foot
on and stand firm upon through all of our life. (I stand alone on the Word of
God, yes that’s the book for me!)
In conclusion, relative
truth is a lie in disguise! Remember,
Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44) who can disguise himself as an angel,
and whisper thoughts (relative truths) into our ears. So, how do we
overcome? Simple! Paul instructs us to put on the FULL armor of
God every day which includes the belt of truth by which we can stand firm
against the spiritual forces of wickedness that assert themselves against us
(Eph. 6:12-18).
You might think that this idea of absolute truth is a
high-polluting debate among scholars and philosophers but really has no impact
upon our lives here in rural Missouri. However, next month, we’ll explore the
reality of this thought process infiltrating our lives and the consequences it
bears.
In His service,
Matt
No comments:
Post a Comment