What is truth?

"'What is truth?' Pilate asked." John 18:38

In an age when we are swamped with information and different "truths" it is no wonder that man has resorted to the principle of tolerance that permits all "truths" to co-exist. Tolerance is an illusion that pretends there are no absolutes. The fallacy of tolerance is exposed when one asks, "Do the tolerant tolerate intolerance?" Tolerance has become the world's absolute and it has raised its ugly head against the Truth. The world is increasingly deceived into thinking that there is no right and wrong and that truth is merely subjective - what is true for me need not be true for you.

Pilate's question was his response to the words of Jesus,

"You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." John 18:37

Anyone could stand up and announce that they have the absolute truth. In fact, many do today, whether it be the many religions, philosophies, ideas or scientific theories available to choose from. Amongst all the truths that are presented, which one is the truth? How can we know which of all the truths is really the truth?

They say, "The proof is in the pudding!"

The Truth

Jesus came not only to testify to the truth, but made the amazing claim that He Himself is the Truth.

"I am the way and the truth and the life." John 14:6

Jesus, as the Truth always spoke the truth. He emphasised that what He taught was the truth when he repeatedly said, "Truly, truly I say to you.." before teaching the truth. Everything Jesus said was true.

Truth is immutable

If something is true, it cannot change. Absolute truth must be immutable or else it is not an absolute truth. Ideas change, theories change, religions change, philosophies change but the Truth does not change. Truth continues forever and can never be put to death. We can try and cover it up or ignore it but it will always exist!

The proof

So what proof did Jesus give for us to believe He is the Truth and that what He taught is the truth?

Jesus spoke the truth when he claimed he would die and rise again.

"He said to them, 'The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.'” Mark 9:31

Jesus, the Truth, died, was buried and rose again just as He had predicted. Jesus' resurrection is proof that He is the Truth and that what He taught is the truth! Those who believe in Jesus, believe in the Truth and live according to the truth. God's people are those who are set apart by the truth - who live in Him and live according to Him.

"They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." John 17:16,17

The world cannot ignore that the Truth could not be buried. Philosophers, religious teachers, scientists etc have all died but only Jesus died and rose again forever. The Truth is alive and He rules and reigns. Believe in Him and believe Him and you will be sanctified by the Truth.

"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:17

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." Col. 2:8

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