Searching for Truth
Barry O’Dell
Merriam-Webster.com defines “the truth” as “the real facts about something: the things that are true.” For many, when it comes to understanding the Bible, truth is subjective. In other words, the “truth” one holds is based on personal experience, feelings or opinions. Because of this approach to Scripture, many are frustrated in the search for truth to the point of giving up. Is there such a thing as absolute truth? Is there a way that is right and cannot be wrong? Can we know for sure what God expects His people to do and to believe? When addressing these questions, it is important to understand the following about truth.
- According to God’s Word, the Truth is not found in one’s personal feelings about a matter. Just because something is believed to be true does not make it true. When Joseph’s brethren dipped his coat in the blood of a kid of the goats, they were able to convince Jacob that his son was dead (Genesis 37:29-34). He was convinced that his son was dead based on the evidence presented. Though all his sons and daughters attempted to comfort him, he refused to be comforted (Genesis 37:35). In Jeremiah’s day, a false prophet by the name of Hananiah caused Israel to “trust in a lie” (Jeremiah 28:15 NKJV). Absolute, objective truth is not determined by what one believes to be true.
- According to God’s Word, the Truth is not determined by what the majority believes to be true. Jesus taught that a majority of people choose to enter the wide and broad way that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). God instructed Israel that it was not to “…follow a crowd [“multitude” KJV] to do evil; neither shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice” (Exodus 23:2).
- According to the teaching of Christ, the Truth is not found in tradition. Practicing or teaching something for a time does not mean that God approves of what is practiced or taught. When confronted about the tradition of handwashing, Jesus told the Pharisees, “…Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3). Of those traditions Jesus said, “…Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted” (Matthew 15:13).
In the search for the Truth, one cannot depend on personal feelings, prevailing thought or human traditions. God’s inspired Word is the only source for absolute, objective truth. Jesus told the Jews who believed on Him, “…If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32.) John 17:17 informs us that God’s Word is the Truth. Our loving God has provided us with a book that is without error, without contradiction and that gives us “…all things that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3). Truth does not change with time, just as much as 2 + 2 will always equal 4! Likewise, the Truth revealed in God’s Word will never change or become antiquated.
Works Cited
“The Truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster. 16 May 2023. <https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20truth>.
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