by R. L. Morrison

Jesus, on trial before Pontius Pilate, said, "For this cause came I into the world that I should bear witness unto the truth" (John 18:37). Pilate, perhaps considering the claims of the Jews against Jesus and his own inability to substantiate them, asked, "What is truth?"

This question is in the minds of many people today. A person, observing the conditions which exist in religion today, might well ask, as did Pilate, "What is truth?" The many religious bodies of today teach conflicting doctrines and engage in religious practices and observances contrary one to another. Yet all of them claim to be serving God and to be pleasing and acceptable to Him. So what is truth? Does truth contradict itself? Is there really such a thing as truth? If so, is it determined by the desires and consciences of men? These questions are relevant to the conditions that exist today. The answers are available, and can be understood when carefully studied.

The source of these answers is the Word of God. The verse quoted above is not the only time Jesus spoke of truth. Let us consider some things the Bible teaches about truth.

"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me" (John 14:6). Here is the answer to Pilate's question. It also answers the question for those who ask today. Truth in this scripture is identified with a personality: a person, Jesus Christ. God is the embodiment of truth, but Jesus, as Deity, revealed that truth to mankind. This truth is necessary for man to obtain redemption.

"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32). Jesus is the embodiment of truth; his words reveal truth. In this scripture, he states the necessity of continuing in his words and living according to his instructions, in order to be free from sin. This we know, for Jesus came to save sinners (Matt. 1:21). This freedom or forgiveness is not only from past sins, but as one continues to walk in the light (truth), he is freed from all sin. He lives in such a way that sin is not imputed to (counted against) him. This manner of life, followed as the result of faith, results in eternal salvation (1 Peter 1:9).

"Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come" (John 16:13). Jesus promised the apostles whom he had chosen that the Holy Spirit would come upon them and direct them into the revelation of all truth (John 14:16-17; Acts 1:4-8).

This promise of Jesus was fulfilled on the following Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), and the apostles began preaching the word of God, the gospel of Christ, salvation through his name. Notice that Jesus said the Spirit would guide them into all truth. Previously Jesus had said, in prayer to the Father, "Thy word is truth" (John 17:17). So the truth which the Holy Spirit revealed is the Word of God.

Paul wrote to Timothy saying, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God ... that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). James wrote that one should receive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your soul. He also calls this word the perfect law of liberty (James 1:21-25). Peter wrote, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things which pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3).

These passages teach us that the Holy Spirit guided the apostles of Jesus in revealing the New Testament, the truth, to men. It is perfect, or complete. It provides us with all we know or need to know about God's will to us and what we should do: how we must live to escape eternal condemnation. Since this word is perfect, it does not contradict itself. It does not teach one person or church one thing and another person or church some conflicting thing. Truth reveals the same things in the same ways to all men alike. God is no respecter of persons.

Truth does exist. It is not determined by the conscience or the desires of men. Truth is the Spirit revealed will of God. Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, saying, "How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery, (as I wrote afore in few words), whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ" (Eph. 3:3-4).

Think again of Pilate, his attitude and words, when Jesus was on trial before him. He asked this question: "Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice" (John 18:37-38).

Then Pilate said, "What is truth?" He apparently did not wait for an answer to his question, for the record says he went out again unto the Jews. He was moved to ask about truth, but not interested enough to learn the truth. It seems that many today follow in the footsteps of Pilate in regard to truth. Some, as he, will not wait for an answer. Others, when shown truth as revealed in God's Word, refuse to accept it as truth. Yet others will accept part of the truth, but reject a part of it. This cannot be done and please God. Jesus said, "Thy word is truth." It takes all the truth to make one free from sin.

Others today claim to be Bible believers, even to the point of acknowledging the gospel of Christ is the sole source of truth. Yet many of these same people turn from the Word of God to the doctrines and commandments of men. For an example, think of what Jesus said as he gave the commission to the apostles. "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. He that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16). These words of Jesus are truth. But many today, claiming to believe, refuse his words, for they teach that one is saved by faith only, and that baptism has nothing to do with salvation!

God loved mankind enough to send Jesus to save us from the guilt and consequences of our own sin. He has revealed truth, by which we are saved. It is revealed in such a way that we can understand it, obey it, live according to its instructions, and gain life eternal.

We have discussed several things the New Testament teaches about TRUTH. It is the Word of God, revealed by Holy Spirit inspired men in the book we call the Bible. People today have many different ideas about the Bible, but this one fact must be established and believed: the Bible, being TRUTH, cannot contradict itself. If it does, it could not be truth. It could not be from God. This fact is not understood by many people. Perhaps they never think of it. But in the religious world, among people claiming to believe and follow the Bible, there are many contradictions. Consider the many names worn religiously. Just how many names men call their churches by is not known to me, but they are many. Some say, when questioned, "A name doesn't make any difference." If not, then why wear it? But it does make a difference, as it separates that group from all others. Their work and worship are different. But this could not be, IF they follow the Bible. They teach different doctrines concerning one's salvation. They practice different things in worship. They have different church "governments". These are but a few of the differences among religious people today. But the New Testament does not teach men to do things contrary to the truth. The problem? Men choose to please themselves, and in so doing reject the will and wisdom of God. In so doing they remove themselves from God's mercy, when they refuse to obey Him.

God will take vengeance on those who know not God and obey not the gospel, which is God's power to save lost mankind.

What does TRUTH mean to you?