… and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all.
Summary: Searching for truth doesn’t have to be a long journey. In fact, the destination is probably close at hand. At worst, it is as far as the nearest bookstore or computer. Simply open the Bible and begin to read.
How can we know if something is true?
Every mystery book or movie is based on the premise that almost everyone in the story is lying. If you read the news, it seems more and more like a mystery novel every day. People lie all the time.
But what if people simply don’t know the truth, or what if they think they know what is true but are wrong? Have you ever had one person tell you something, and then another person tell you the opposite? Who should you believe?
The question of truth is an important one, but the task of finding truth is overwhelming. Too often, we give up the search and grab hold of the nearest thing that looks like truth. When we do, that becomes our truth, and we hang on to it tightly.
Paul knew his gospel was true because of its source. He was instructed personally by Jesus Christ (Acts 9: 1-19). The problem was he couldn’t prove that. All he could do was to do his best to persuade. Of course, the gospel message is meaningless if there is nothing to it. If there were no God, no Jesus, and no Holy Spirit, then the whole exercise would be pointless.
In Paul’s case, if his gospel wasn’t true, Paul was an idiot. He wasn’t getting rich, and he kept getting arrested and beaten up. At the very least, we know that Paul believed what he was saying. But then there is the corroborating testimony. Other people believed. Jesus’ disciples knew Paul and agreed that his gospel was true (Acts 15:1-35, Galatians 2:1-3, 2 Peter 3:15-16). There was the testimony of Paul’s miracles. Healing people (Acts 14: 8-10, Acts 28: 8-9), raising the dead (Acts 20: 7-12), and sometimes simply surviving where no one should have survived (Acts 28: 1-8).
Finally, there is the testimony of God. The Scriptures from before Paul’s time attest to the truth of his message. Time and again, Paul turns to the Old Testament Scriptures to affirm his gospel. And then there is the testimony of the Holy Spirit.
When a person accepts Jesus as Lord, Jesus promises to send his Holy Spirit to that person (John 15:26). If they allow God’s Spirit into their heart, God begins transforming that heart into a reflection of himself. That miracle alone is enough testimony for most people. It is life-changing.
At the end of the day, that one little fact is the most potent indication of something being true. Knowing the truth is life-changing. Lies can change us as well, but truth brings us peace and contentment that nothing else can match.
Application: Read the Bible every day, over and over.
Food for Thought: What are some of the hallmarks of truth that you look for?
For me sifting through most moral or ethical truth claims is simple – use God’s word as a test against that claim. If it is consistent with what is said in God’s word then great. If not, reject it and apply God’s truth to that situation.
How many genders are there? Is it ok to live with someone of the opposite sec before marriage? How should I respond to someone seeking forgiveness? The answers are in Scripture.
Rich,
I agree! I found life very confusing until I finally accepted the truth of God’s Word. At that point, everything started to make sense.
Good devotion this morning, and I agree with Rich. Applying God’s truth [the Truth] to whatever is presented to you is a good measure on determining “the truth.” Applying God’s Truth is a good way of exposing the lies. I also like what Jeff replied to Rich, “I found life very confusing until I finally accepted the truth of God’s Word.” I have found that in my life too.
The thing about the truth is that is is supposed to bring peace, security, and righteousness. Seems to me like those that “peddle in truths” are usually presenting what they are saying in one or all of those.
The “truths” that mankind declare can never bring those about, because there is always an element of self-preservation and the denial of sin in the those “truths.”
1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Chris,
Yes. When the world claims to present “truth,” they fail the test if there is anything self-serving in their claim. Well said!
12-13-2023, What are some of the hallmarks of truth that you look for?
Great meditation and follow-up!
Truth comes from God, As the Creator of the universe, God has defined and established what is true. His Word reveals the truth about who He is, who we are, the meaning of life, and what is real.
Psalm 31:5, John 17:17, 1 John 1:5
Truth is absolute, eternal, unchanging. When we encounter conflicting ideas, hold them up to Scripture which as God’s truth remains constant in every generation and every circumstance.
Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 24:35
Truth aligns with reality, scripture reveals the truth concerning the unseen spiritual realm. God’s Word is truth and corresponds to actual facts, clarifies reality. The more our understanding lines up with biblical teachings, the more our perspective aligns with truth.
John 17:17
Truth produces freedom, God’s truth breaks every chain and sets us free to walk in liberty as His child. If we abide in His word, we are His disciples indeed. And we shall know the truth, and His truth shall make us free”
John 8:31-32.
Truth results in transformation, Scripture is not just information, it is living and active, with power to change us from the inside out, As we renew our minds to God’s truth, it radically transforms our thoughts, behaviors, and our very identity.
Hebrews 4:12, Romans 12:2
Truth is revealed by the Holy Spirit. God’s truth is openly available to everyone in the Scriptures, however, only those indwelt by the Spirit can rightly understand and apply His truths. Human intellect and reasoning alone cannot access the deep truths of God’s Word. We need the Holy Spirit to impart understanding. His illumination turns Bible verses from dead letters into living truth applied to our heart. If we want to recognize, receive, and walk in truth, we must rely humbly on the Spirit to guide us.
John 14:26, John 16:13
Thank you, Ron!
You have provided an excellent overview of what the Bible says about truth. I’ve put a link to the passages you referenced here.
Thank you all for the comments. I’m having to re-learn truth.
Tim,
I don’t think you are alone in this. In some respects, truth is like an onion. There are layers. We come to one layer, learn it, and think “now I know truth!” Then we find the next layer. 🙂
Oh great! it never ends! Thank you for the encouragement. These are tears of joy from your onion.
🙂