7 Truths About Truth

Winston Churchill once quipped, “Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.”

Truth today has fallen into disrepute. People casually speak of “my truth,” or “your truth”, as if absolute truth is non-existent.

My friend and preaching colleague, Perry Hall regularly posts on facebook a column he calls “A Pew Moments with Perry. He recently posted this wonderful piece about truth.

1. Truth exists. In a world where absolutes are disappearing, this foundation is not a given. If truth does not exist, then it is impossible and self-contradictory to deny truth exists! To deny the truth exists is exerting a truth itself. It is the same as saying “absolutes do not exist”; and to which the retort is, “Are you absolutely sure about that?” Therefore, truth exists.

2. Truth can be understood. A second foundation might need to be laid. This requires two affirmations: 1) Truth itself can be understood; 2) We personally are capable of understanding truth. To deny truth can be understood is again self-contradictory because asserting something cannot be understood affirms that being understood is a conceptual reality.

3. Truth is found in God’s word. For those who didn’t grow up with an inbuilt familiarity with the Bible, this foundation may need studying too. Both internal and external evidence assert the historicity of the text of the Bible and the reality of the people, places, and things. There is more evidence for the authenticity of the Bible than any other ancient text which are also accepted as legitimate.

4. Truth is something I need. Human nature might default to lies due to trauma for the sake of false survival, just ask anyone who has suffered such atrocities. Only one thing heals deep wounds – truth. Even love is a type of truth because it includes loyalty, honesty, and dignity. No one who is healthy emotionally wants to subsist on lies. Therefore, truth is desirable and needed. I need God’s truth so I can believe rightly about God, myself, and others.

5. Truth is something others need. Truth is the ultimate unifier and equalizer. To lie to someone is to deny their dignity and worth. To issue truth to others is to honor them. Again, God’s truth is needed by everyone so we can believe rightly about God, ourselves, and others to treat others lovingly as ourselves.

6. Truth is something I believe I have. Everyone believes they possess the truth about something (even atheists and naturalists). Since I believe in God and His truths, it is not egotistical to claim: a) I am holding on to what I believe is truth; b) truth is revealed by that God through His word; c) and that I can understand it.

7. Truth is something I believe I should share. If we believe we have the truth, there is an inner compulsion to share it. This is showing loyalty to truth, and to our friends.

Why share these 7 truths about truth? These lead to worshiping God as He declares, living by His dictates, healthy relationships with others and ourselves, and evangelism so that others can share in the truth we believe and need. Why share these 7 truths? Because…truth exists.

Thanks, Perry for this insightful piece. I would especially camp on points #3 and #6. Why? Because Jesus is the embodiment of Truth. He said, “I am the truth” (Jn. 14:6). When we know Him and the Word revealed by the Holy Spirit, we have access to Divine Truth. Jesus said, “God’s Word is truth (Jn. 17:17).

I don’t know who coined the phrase, but our age suffers from “truth decay.” Modern culture doesn’t value truth, it values convenience. Ease. Self-gratification. Folks today ask, “It is easy?” “Does it work?” “Is it right for you?” If so, it must be accepted. That’s pragmatism! Not truth. Like the pagans of old many have “exchanged the truth of God for a lie” (Rom. 1:25).

The Truth is the “gospel of our salvation” (Eph. 1:13). When we believe, embrace and obey the Truth, we can have our souls purified, our consciences clean, and our hearts right with God.

Truth matters. Truth exists. Truth will triumph.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman