To listen to Nancy’s answer recorded from Moody radio, click below.
This is the question that needs to be answered, especially for the postmodern youth of today who have rejected absolute truth. In their world, truth has become a matter of “my truth” or “your truth” as opposed to a universal truth that is true for all people in all places.
Dr. Pat Zukeran, in his Evidence and Answers ministry, suggests that we begin to understand truth by what it is not.
- Truth is not simply whatever works. In reality, lies can appear to “work,” but they are still lies and not the truth.
- Truth is not what makes people feel good. Unfortunately, bad news can be true.
- Truth is not what the majority says is true. Fifty-one percent of a group can reach a wrong conclusion.
- Truth is not what is comprehensive. A lengthy, detailed presentation can still result in a false conclusion.
- Truth is not defined by what is intended. Good intentions can still be wrong.
- Truth is not how we know; the truth is what we know.
- Truth is not simply what is believed. A lie believed is still a lie.
For truth to be absolute, it must be grounded in a personal, unchanging, and sovereign source over all creation. Norman Geisler and Frank Turek writes in “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist” that the following qualities define truth.
- Truth is discovered, not invented.
- Truth is trans-cultural: it can be conveyed across different cultures.
- Truth is unchanging: it can be transmitted across time.
- Beliefs cannot change a truth statement, no matter how sincere one may be.
- Truth is unaffected by the attitude of the one professing it.
- All Truths are absolute.
- Truth is knowable.
The beautiful side of searching for absolute truth will always take us to our Lord and Savior, Jesus. The same qualities and attributes of Truth are accredited to the God of the Bible. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), and He called the Holy Spirit “the Spirit of truth” (John 14:17). Hebrews 6:18 says, “it is impossible for God to lie.”
Jesus God made Himself discoverable throughout history and through the Bible. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
Jesus transcends all cultures by his attributes. “This verse says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
Jesus’ existence cannot be affected by our feelings or attitudes. “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation” (Plasm 25:5).
Jesus is absolute as the Alpha and Omega. “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:17,18).
Jesus is knowable through Scripture and personal revelation by the Holy Spirit. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:13).
In a world full of relativism, lies, and half-truths, know that universal truth exists. As revealed in Jesus Christ, to embrace God is to embrace reality. All truth is God’s truth. Claims of truth must align with God and His Word or such claims are lies. We, as Christians, are challenged daily to live in the truth of Christ and let our lights shine in the darkness that this culture has embraced, so that others can know the Truth that passes all understanding!
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).