Strongholds of Truth
In the afterglow of a national election, we are again keenly aware that truth is of unusual importance. That importance often becomes eroded by such expressions as pluralism (as if there are multiple, even competing truths, all of equal value), relativism (as if truth is a commodity up for sale to the highest bidder) or tolerance (as if truth is too restrictive for loving people to embrace but rather “need to believe” and “let believe”).
In the face of election year rhetoric, we have seen the rise of the expression “fact check” as a vocation seeking to verify true facts from politically motivated claims that may sound like truth but instead are distortions of it.
Compelling word
Truth is a strong and compelling word. It has about it a ring of authority. When Jesus was on trial before him, Pontius Pilate at one point in the proceedings asked his famous question, “What is truth” (John 18:38)?
All we have are his words. We do not have the advantage of his tone of voice or facial expression. Did he ask it dismissively, with a sneer born of disinterest in knowing the truth?
Could it have been out of a deep hunger of soul that Pilate asked with a sigh in his voice, “What is truth?” In any case, Pilate immediately announced that he found no fault in Jesus.
The Bible stresses the importance of truth. We purify our souls in obeying the truth (1 Pet. 1:22). Thus, truth makes possible the meeting of a sinner’s greatest need — purity of soul.
Not without serious implications is the Bible’s assertion that it is possible for a person to change the truth of God into a lie (Rom. 1:25).
Knowing and obeying
Given the seriousness involved in knowing and obeying the truth, the Bible makes much of this goal. For example, we hear Jesus’ words that a person who knows the truth will be made free (John 8:31–32).
Not only does the Bible place high value on knowing the truth, it goes a step further in advising us both to believe the truth (2 Thess. 2:13) and to speak the truth (Eph. 4:25). And it goes even deeper. We are individually to be established in the truth as a foundation for life (2 Pet. 1:12). We are to wear the truth as a belt that girds our lives (Eph. 6:14).
Out of the Bible’s emphasis on God’s truth for God’s people, this month Theology 101 will be looking at the strongholds of truth that God has given us as guardians of truth.
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